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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.]
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.
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Peugeot Sport Shows Hybrid 908 HDi FAP Demonstrator with KERS System
September 14, 2008
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| The 908 HY hybrid system has three core elements: (1) 60 kW motor-generator; (2) Li-ion battery pack; (3) power converter. Click to enlarge. |
Peugeot Sport used the final round of the 2008 Le Mans Series at Silverstone to unveil a hybrid 908 HDi FAP equipped with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). The 908 HY will provide a preview of what Peugeot’s next endurance racing challenger could resemble, although its use will depend on the regulations that will govern LMP1 cars from 2009.
The 908 HDi is based on a 5.5-liter V12 diesel engine that produces more 515 kW (700 bhp) of power and a torque output greater than 1,200 Nm. The 908 HDi FAP made its race debut in 2007. The hybrid system featured on the 908 HY demonstrator comprises three key elements:
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Corsa Motorsports Teams with Zytek to Field Hybrid with Li-Ion Pack in American Le Mans Series
August 29, 2008
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| The Zytek hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Corsa Motorsports and UK-based Zytek Group have formed a strategic alliance to produce the first Le Mans Prototype car fitted with a hybrid powertrain. Corsa will compete as a works team in the LMP1 class of the American Le Mans Series.
The car will be powered through a combination of a new ethanol-fueled (E10) internal combustion engine and a three-phase induction 35 kW electric motor with a Li-ion battery pack for energy storage and a rear wheel-fitted KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) for supplemental regeneration.
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Lithium Technology Corp. In Marketing Agreement for Li-ion Batteries for Advanced Motor Sports
August 18, 2008
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| The Li-ion-based PHEV Apollo racer. Click to enlarge. |
Following the performance of their plug-in hybrid electric race car concept at the Nürburgring 24 hour race (ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen) in May (earlier post), Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) and Hybrid Racing AG have entered into an agreement to market specialized lithium-ion batteries to power advanced vehicles for the motor sports industry. The applications will include batteries for cars, boats and planes to be used in consumer and professional racing vehicles.
LTC supplied a 9 kWh GAIA battery pack comprising 90 high power 27 Ah cells connected in series for the Apollo/HHF Hybrid race car (HHCC). The battery was charged prior to the race and recouped energy from braking during the race. Current electric range of the vehicle is 50 kilometers.
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BMW Sauber F1 Team At Work on Electric KERS System; “Technology Accelerator” for Production Cars
July 15, 2008
The BMW Sauber F1 Team is developing an electric KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) brake energy regeneration and storage system for use in its F1.09 next year. Starting with the next season, Formula One regulations allow for the use of hybrid technology to increase the output and efficiency of the race cars. (Earlier post.)
The BMW Sauber F1.09 KERS system—a combination of electric motor and generator, the requisite power electronics and an energy storage module—will store enough energy under braking to provide an additional 60 kW of output over about 6.5 seconds of acceleration. Weighing less than 40 kg, the power density of the F1 KERS technology is considerably greater than that of the electric regen and capture systems currently used in standard production vehicles.
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Xtrac Proposes Applications of Flywheel Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems for Road Cars
June 11, 2008
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| Xtrac CVT variator for F1. Click to enlarge. |
Transmission technology specialist Xtrac says the flywheel kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) currently being developed for Formula One (earlier post) could be applied to road vehicles in a number of ways.
Xtrac’s role in designing, developing and integrating the mechanical KERS system for F1 with partners Flybrid and Torotrak is to provide the toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) between the flywheel and the vehicle powertrain.
