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[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Williams F1 Establishes Technical Center in Qatar; Initial Focus on Commercial Development of Magnetically Loaded Composite Flywheel
October 29, 2009
| CAD rendering of the MLC flywheel. Source: WHP. Click to enlarge. |
Williams F1 and the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) formally signed an agreement to inaugurate the Williams Technology Center (WTC). QSTP is a world-class incubator for the research, development and commercialization of new technologies that has attracted significant R&D investment from companies such as Shell, Microsoft and GE.
The Williams Technology Center at QSTP will be the first Formula One-related Technical Center outside the sport’s traditional heartland of Europe. The WTC will initially be tasked with the progression of two Formula One inspired R&D projects with clear commercial goals. The first is the development of an industrial-application large Magnetically Loaded Composite (MLC) flywheel—essentially a wholly composite flywheel which integrates the magnets of the electric motor into the composite.
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Torotrak to Present Paper Advocating Flywheel Hybrid System for Buses at SAE Commercial Vehicle Conference
October 03, 2009
| Torotrak flywheel KERS unit. Click to enlarge. |
At the SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress on October 6-7, full-toroidal traction drive specialist, Torotrak, will present a paper advocating a more cost effective approach using flywheel hybrid technology based on the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) developed for F1 racing. (Earlier post.) As well as saving cost, Torotrak claims the system offers more than 30% fuel saving over the London bus test cycle and to package around the existing transmission.
The paper will highlight past successes with flywheel hybrid bus applications and the system designed for F1, for which Torotrak developed the full-toroidal traction drive that provides the link between the flywheel storage device and the remainder of the powertrain.
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Magneti Marelli and Flybrid Systems Collaborate on “Flywheel Capacitor” for KERS
April 30, 2009
Italian motorsport electronics specialist Magneti Marelli and UK high-speed flywheel specialist Flybrid Systems are collaborating to develop a new energy storage solution for Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS). The new product is targeted to be a high-power electrical storage system for hybrid racing cars capable of deep depths of discharge with no performance degradation and a long service life.
The new product—named the Flywheel Capacitor—consists of a high-speed carbon fiber flywheel incorporating Flybrid technology connected to a high-speed electric motor generator using technology from Magneti Marelli, all managed by Magneti Marelli’s control electronics.
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BMW Sauber F1 Team Rolls Out BMW Sauber F1.09 with High Power Density Electric KERS
January 20, 2009
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| The new BMW Sauber F1.09 (left) and older F1.08 (right). The F1.09 nose is higher and much wider than before, and the three-element front wing spans the full width of the car. Click to enlarge. |
The BMW Sauber F1 Team unveiled the new BMW Sauber F1.09 with its electric KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). Starting this season, teams may use a KERS systems that stores a total of 400 kJ of energy and generates 60 kW of mechanical output for 6.5 seconds to be supplied to the driven axle under acceleration (driver-triggered by a Boost button) during the course of a race lap. The energy storage unit may only be restocked under braking. The new regulations stop short of stipulating technical approaches.
The BMW Sauber F1 Team focused its efforts on an electric solution comprising a combination of electric motor and generator, requisite power electronics, and an energy storage module. The engine cover and sidepods of the F1.09 are designed to allow space for the hybrid system, which adds about 30 kg (66 lbs) to the weight of the car. (Earlier reports had the system weight at less than 40 kg. Earlier post.)
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FIA President Pushing for Use of Mechanical KERS in Formula One, With a Ban on Battery Systems
January 08, 2009
In a letter to the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), FIA president Max Mosley said that he believes mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) are preferable to the battery systems currently being devised by several teams, and that battery-based systems should be banned.
Beginning this year, Formula One teams can implement a KERS system that can convey a maximum up 60 kW and store up to 400 kJ (.111 kWh) per lap. Teams are working on KERS units with two types of storage: mechanical (e.g., flywheel), and chemical (e.g., battery).
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Bosch Developing Modular KERS Systems for Range of Motorsport Applications
November 18, 2008
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| The KERS flywheel energy storage device can store up to 750 kilojoules of energy. Click to enlarge. |
Bosch Motorsport is developing a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for use in motor racing. The modular KERS kit covers racing requirements from Formula 1 to series such as the DTM or 24-hour races. Bosch presented the variable, modular KERS kit at the Professional MotorSport World Expo 2008 (11-13 November) in Cologne, Germany.
Hybrid systems by Bosch Motorsport comprise an energy storage system, the electric motor, and the KERS controller, containing the power electronic, battery management, and management system for hybrid and engine functions.
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Freescale and McLaren Electronic Systems Collaborate on F1 KERS Technology
November 12, 2008
Freescale Semiconductor and McLaren Electronic Systems (MES) are collaborating to develop next-generation kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) technology for F1 racing from 2010 onward.
Freescale’s and MES’ KERS technology collaboration addresses the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA, the governing body of world motorsport) commitment to reduce development costs, enhance competition, and support ever-growing fuel efficiency and energy recovery initiatives in the next generation of Formula 1 powertrains. Smaller, lighter and more efficient hybrid systems are expected to result from these initiatives.
