BMW Sauber to use High Power Density Electric KERS
January 25, 2009 by admin
Starting this season, Formula 1 teams may use a KERS systems (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) that stores a total of 400 kJ of energy and generates 60 kW (about 80hp) of mechanical output for 6.5 seconds which the driver can trigger from a button on the steering wheel during the course of a lap. The energy storage unit may only be recharged under braking.
The BMW Sauber F1 Team focused its efforts on an electric solution using a combination of electric motor and generator, power electronics, and an energy storage module. The engine cover and sidepods are designed to allow space for the hybrid system, which adds about 30 kg (66 lbs) to the weight of the car.
The KERS unit designed for the BMW Sauber F1.09 is an effective, higher power density variant of brake energy regeneration technology, and is similar in the way it works to the ActiveHybrid technology developed for BMW standard production vehicles, according to Dr. Klaus Draeger, BMW’s Development Director.
…the power density of the F1 KERS technology is considerably greater than that of the systems currently used in standard production vehicles. We are standing at the threshold between a conventional package of engine and independent transmission and an integrated drive system. The development of KERS will see Formula One take on a pioneering role for series production technologies going forward.
F1 will give a baptism of fire to innovative concepts whose service life and reliability have not yet reached the level required for series production vehicles, and their development will be driven forward at full speed. At BMW we have always used the Formula One project as a technology laboratory for series production. With KERS this approach takes on a whole new dimension.
—Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director
The BMW Sauber F1 team began working with engineers from BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH in mid-2007 on KERS, beginning by investigating the types of hybrid system capable of operating effectively in the extreme conditions of Formula One.
The team spent the ensuing months developing the electric motor, the electric energy storage unit and the KERS control unit. The first KERS prototype was placed onto the test rig in March 2008.
In July, a mechanic received a powerful shock after touching the steering wheel and sidepod of an F1.07 fitted with the KERS prototype. The problem was identified and fixed and team made this safety analysis, complete with suggested measures and recommendations, available to the FIA and the other Formula One teams.
The switch to slicks means more grip, but also moves the balance of forces further forward. So more weight has to be shifted toward the front of the car, and the aerodynamic balance adjusted likewise.
That task is made more challenging be KERS, as the system adds extra weight and the engineers have much less scope for juggling ballast. The KERS elements also need to be packaged in such a ways to as to minimize their negative impact on aerodynamics and at the same time ensure there is sufficient cooling for all the components.
While the energy storage units fitted compactly in the two sidepods are kept within the required temperature band by the flow of air, the KERS control unit, which is fitted in the right-hand sidepod, has an integrated cooling system.
Comments
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!