Tech Briefs Magazine - November 2023 - 24

Gold Sponsor
Automotive
& Transportation
Finalist
Ganaio High-Output
Regenerative Damper
John Gewarges
Ganaio
El Cajon, CA
S
imply put, electric vehicles do not drive as
far on a single charge as their ICE counterparts
do on a single tank of gas. This forces EV
makers to spend more on charging infrastructure
and battery capacity causing EVs to become too
expensive for most. Vehicle subsystems like the
suspension damper are inherently inefficient,
wasting potential energy in the form of heat dissipation. Ganaio
restores that energy by converting it to electric and charging an
EV's battery pack allowing for longer driving range at a lower
cost than the equivalent battery energy cost.
" The genesis of our product, the Ganaio High-Output Regenerative
Damper, lies in our team's deep commitment to sustainable
technology, " said Co-Founder and CEO John Gewarges.
" During collaborative brainstorming sessions, a shared passion
for enhancing energy efficiency sparked the vision to revolutionize
damper systems. Motivated by a desire to contribute to
a greener future, we conceptualized a regenerative damper that
not only addresses energy dissipation challenges but also efficiently
transfers energy for reuse. This innovative approach
stems from our collective dedication to creating impactful solutions
that transcend traditional engineering boundaries. "
Producing an average 2,000 Watts of constant power, a Ganaio
damper set generates up to an additional 12 percent driving
range on an EV. Using Faraday's Law of Induction, the fully patented
Ganaio damper is engineered to the highest magnetic
field density attainable within the space of any given suspension
architecture, while maintaining a simple design for manufacturing
and assembly. A direct replacement of the existing damper, a
Ganaio damper is integrated into any vehicle, unaffecting the
suspension architecture and general assembly at the factory.
According to Gewarges, the team encountered nuanced challenges
in the design and development of their high-output regenerative
damper. " Optimizing the regenerative system for
maximum efficiency demanded a delicate balance between energy
capture and efficient transfer during damping. Addressing
these technical intricacies required innovative engineering solutions,
involving extensive simulations and prototyping. Material
selection posed a challenge, necessitating a balance between
24
weight, durability, and
performance, " he said.
" Ensuring optimal energy
capture efficiency
through rigorous lab
testing and iterative refinement
was paramount
to guarantee the damper's reliability, " he added. " Navigating
these challenges showcased our team's resilience and
commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional damper
design for a sustainable and high-performance solution. "
Ganaio allows vehicle manufacturers to reduce the cost of energy
while also creating a higher demand for electric vehicles
based on longer driving range. The current market price for a
Lithium-ion battery pack is at least $200/kWh. A Ganaio damper
set only costs $26/kWh for the equivalent battery energy density.
The company is actively advancing toward commercialization,
with the primary focus on launching its product within the
next 12-18 months for EVs. " Engaging with industry partners and
potential investors, we aim to bring this innovative damper to
market efficiently, " said Gewarges.
According to him, " Its applications extend across diverse sectors,
including water dams, lake reserves, cliff-side ocean generators,
exercise machines, and electric hybrid vehicles. Ganaio
promises enhanced energy recovery and improved performance,
making it a versatile solution for industries seeking sustainable
and high-efficiency damping technology. Our commitment
to
broad industry adoption aligns with the damper's
potential to significantly impact energy management across
various applications, contributing to a more sustainable future. "
For more information, visit https://contest.techbriefs.
com/2023/entries/12298.
www.techbriefs.com
Tech Briefs, November 2023
http://www.createthefuturecontest.com https://contest.techbriefs.com/2023/entries/12298 http://www.techbriefs.com
Tech Briefs Magazine - November 2023

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