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===History===
===History===
The first of these systems to be revealed was the Flybrid.<ref name="flybrid">{{cite web | publisher = Racecar Engineering | title = F1 KERS: Flybrid | url = http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/182014/f1-kers-system-flybrid.html | date = 2008–11–18 | accessdate = 2010–04–27 }}</ref> This system weighs 24&nbsp;kg (53lbs) and has an energy capacity of 400 kJ after allowing for internal losses. A maximum power boost of 60&nbsp;kW (81.6 PS, 80.4 HP) for 6.67 seconds is available. The 240&nbsp;mm (9.4") diameter flywheel weighs 5.0&nbsp;kg (11 lbs) and revolves at up to 64,500 rpm. Maximum torque at the flywheel is 18&nbsp;Nm (13.3 ftlbs), and the torque at the gearbox connection is correspondingly higher for the change in speed. The system occupies a volume of 13 litres.<ref name="flybrid" />
The first of these systems to be revealed was the Flybrid.<ref name="flybrid">{{cite web | publisher = Racecar Engineering | title = F1 KERS: Flybrid | url = http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/182014/f1-kers-system-flybrid.html | date = 2008–11–18 | accessdate = 2010–04–27 }}</ref> This system weighs 24&nbsp;kg (53lbs) and has an energy capacity of 400 kJ after allowing for internal losses. A maximum power boost of 60&nbsp;kW (81.6&nbsp;[[Pferdestärke#PS|PS]], 80.4&nbsp;HP) for 6.67 seconds is available. The 240&nbsp;mm (9.4") diameter flywheel weighs 5.0&nbsp;kg (11 lbs) and revolves at up to 64,500 rpm. Maximum torque at the flywheel is 18&nbsp;Nm (13.3 ftlbs), and the torque at the gearbox connection is correspondingly higher for the change in speed. The system occupies a volume of 13 litres.<ref name="flybrid" />


Two minor incidents have been reported during testing of KERS systems in {{F1|2008}}. The first occurred when the [[Red Bull Racing]] team tested their KERS battery for the first time in July: it malfunctioned and caused a fire scare that led to the team's factory being evacuated.<ref>{{cite news| title = KERS failure caused Red Bull fire scare | publisher =autosport.com| url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69199| date =17 July 2008| accessdate = 2008–07–22}}</ref> The second was less than a week later when a [[BMW in Formula One|BMW Sauber]] mechanic was given an electric shock when he touched [[Christian Klien]]'s KERS-equipped car during a test at the [[Circuito de Jerez|Jerez]] circuit.<ref>{{cite news| title =BMW mechanic escapes KERS scare | publisher =autosport.com| url =http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69391| date =22 July 2008| accessdate =2008-07-22}}</ref>
Two minor incidents have been reported during testing of KERS systems in {{F1|2008}}. The first occurred when the [[Red Bull Racing]] team tested their KERS battery for the first time in July: it malfunctioned and caused a fire scare that led to the team's factory being evacuated.<ref>{{cite news| title = KERS failure caused Red Bull fire scare | publisher =autosport.com| url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69199| date =17 July 2008| accessdate = 2008–07–22}}</ref> The second was less than a week later when a [[BMW in Formula One|BMW Sauber]] mechanic was given an electric shock when he touched [[Christian Klien]]'s KERS-equipped car during a test at the [[Circuito de Jerez|Jerez]] circuit.<ref>{{cite news| title =BMW mechanic escapes KERS scare | publisher =autosport.com| url =http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69391| date =22 July 2008| accessdate =2008-07-22}}</ref>


=== FIA ===
=== FIA ===
[[Formula One]] has stated that they support responsible solutions to the world's environmental challenges,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/mobility/2008/Pages/f1_environment.aspx|title=Teams Comment on F1's Environmental Future|publisher=FIA|date=October 8, 2008|accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref> and the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] allowed the use of {{convert|81|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} KERS in the regulations for the [[2009 Formula One season]].<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/1151088479__2009_F1_TECHNICAL_REGULATIONS.pdf |format=PDF | title =2009 Formula One Technical Regulations | publisher =FIA | date =December 22, 2006 | accessdate =2006-12-22 | language = }}</ref> Teams began testing systems in 2008: energy can either be stored as mechanical energy (as in a [[flywheel]]) or as electrical energy (as in a battery or [[electric double-layer capacitor|supercapacitor]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/1151088479__2009_F1_TECHNICAL_REGULATIONS.pdf|format=PDF|title=2009 FORMULA ONE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS|publisher=FIA| author= FIA management |date=December 22, 2006 |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref>
[[Formula One]] has stated that they support responsible solutions to the world's environmental challenges,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/mobility/2008/Pages/f1_environment.aspx|title=Teams Comment on F1's Environmental Future|publisher=FIA|date=October 8, 2008|accessdate=2009-01-14}}</ref> and the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] allowed the use of {{convert|60|kW|PS bhp|abbr=on}} KERS in the regulations for the [[2009 Formula One season]].<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/1151088479__2009_F1_TECHNICAL_REGULATIONS.pdf |format=PDF | title =2009 Formula One Technical Regulations | publisher =FIA | date =December 22, 2006 | accessdate =2006-12-22 | language = }}</ref> Teams began testing systems in 2008: energy can either be stored as mechanical energy (as in a [[flywheel]]) or as electrical energy (as in a battery or [[electric double-layer capacitor|supercapacitor]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/1151088479__2009_F1_TECHNICAL_REGULATIONS.pdf|format=PDF|title=2009 FORMULA ONE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS|publisher=FIA| author= FIA management |date=December 22, 2006 |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref>


[[File:Kimi Raikkonen 2009 Belgium 3.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kimi Räikkönen]] took the lead of the [[2009 Belgian Grand Prix]] with a KERS-aided overtake and subsequently won the race.]]
[[File:Kimi Raikkonen 2009 Belgium 3.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kimi Räikkönen]] took the lead of the [[2009 Belgian Grand Prix]] with a KERS-aided overtake and subsequently won the race.]]

Revision as of 17:22, 8 July 2012

A Flybrid Systems kinetic energy recovery system.

A kinetic energy recovery system (often known simply as KERS) is an automotive system for recovering a moving vehicle's kinetic energy under braking. The recovered energy is stored in a reservoir (for example a flywheel or a battery) for later use under acceleration.

The concept of transferring the vehicle’s kinetic energy using flywheel energy storage was postulated by physicist Richard Feynman in the 1950s.[1] It is exemplified in complex high end systems such as the Zytek, Flybrid,[2] Torotrak[3][4] and Xtrac used in F1 and simple, easily manufactured and integrated differential based systems such as the Cambridge Passenger/Commercial Vehicle Kinetic Energy Recovery System (CPC-KERS).[5]

Xtrac and Flybrid are both licensees of Torotrak's technologies, which employ a small and sophisticated ancillary gearbox incorporating a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CPC-KERS is similar as it also forms part of the driveline assembly. However, the whole mechanism including the flywheel sits entirely in the vehicle’s hub (looking like a drum brake). In the CPC-KERS, a differential replaces the CVT and transfers torque between the flywheel, drive wheel and road wheel.

Use in motor sport

History

The first of these systems to be revealed was the Flybrid.[6] This system weighs 24 kg (53lbs) and has an energy capacity of 400 kJ after allowing for internal losses. A maximum power boost of 60 kW (81.6 PS, 80.4 HP) for 6.67 seconds is available. The 240 mm (9.4") diameter flywheel weighs 5.0 kg (11 lbs) and revolves at up to 64,500 rpm. Maximum torque at the flywheel is 18 Nm (13.3 ftlbs), and the torque at the gearbox connection is correspondingly higher for the change in speed. The system occupies a volume of 13 litres.[6]

Two minor incidents have been reported during testing of KERS systems in 2008. The first occurred when the Red Bull Racing team tested their KERS battery for the first time in July: it malfunctioned and caused a fire scare that led to the team's factory being evacuated.[7] The second was less than a week later when a BMW Sauber mechanic was given an electric shock when he touched Christian Klien's KERS-equipped car during a test at the Jerez circuit.[8]

FIA

Formula One has stated that they support responsible solutions to the world's environmental challenges,[9] and the FIA allowed the use of 60 kW (82 PS; 80 bhp) KERS in the regulations for the 2009 Formula One season.[10] Teams began testing systems in 2008: energy can either be stored as mechanical energy (as in a flywheel) or as electrical energy (as in a battery or supercapacitor).[11]

Kimi Räikkönen took the lead of the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix with a KERS-aided overtake and subsequently won the race.

With the introduction of KERS in the 2009 season, only four teams used it at some point in the season: Ferrari, Renault, BMW, and McLaren. Eventually, during the season, Renault and BMW stopped using the system. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes became the first team to win an F1 GP using a KERS equipped car when Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26, 2009. Their second KERS equipped car finished fifth. At the following race, Lewis Hamilton became the first driver to take pole position with a KERS car, his team mate, Heikki Kovalainen qualifying second. This was also the first instance of an all KERS front row. On August 30, 2009, Kimi Räikkönen won the Belgian Grand Prix with his KERS equipped Ferrari. It was the first time that KERS contributed directly to a race victory, with second placed Giancarlo Fisichella claiming "Actually, I was quicker than Kimi. He only took me because of KERS at the beginning".[12]

Although KERS was still legal in F1 in the 2010 season, all the teams had agreed not to use it.[13] New rules for the 2011 F1 season which raised the minimum weight limit of the car and driver by 20 kg to 640 kg,[14] along with the FOTA teams agreeing to the use of KERS devices once more, meant that KERS returned for the 2011 season.[15] This is still optional as it was in the 2009 season; as of the 2011 season 3 teams have elected not to use it.[16]

WilliamsF1 developed their own flywheel-based KERS system but decided not to use it in their F1 cars due to packaging issues, and have instead developed their own electrical KERS system. However they setup Williams Hybrid Power to sell their developments. In 2012 it was announced that the Audi Le Mans R18 hybrid cars will use Williams Hybrid Power.[17]

As of 2014, the power capacity of the KERS units will increase from 60 kilowatts (80 bhp) to 120 kilowatts (160 bhp). This will be to balance the sport's move from 2.4 litre V8 engines to 1.6 litre V6 engines.[18]

Autopart makers

A KERS flywheel.

Bosch Motorsport Service is developing a KERS for use in motor racing. These electricity storage systems for hybrid and engine functions include a lithium-ion battery with scalable capacity or a flywheel, a four to eight kilogram electric motor [with a maximum power level of 60 kW (81 hp)], as well as the KERS controller for power and battery management. Bosch also offers a range of electric hybrid systems for commercial and light-duty applications.[19]

Carmakers

Several automakers have been testing KERS systems.[20] At the 2008 1000 km of Silverstone, Peugeot Sport unveiled the Peugeot 908 HY, a hybrid electric variant of the diesel 908, with KERS. Peugeot plans to campaign the car in the 2009 Le Mans Series season, although it will not be capable of scoring championship points.[21]

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes began testing of their KERS in September 2008 at the Jerez test track in preparation for the 2009 F1 season, although at that time it was not yet known if they would be operating an electrical or mechanical system.[22] In November 2008 it was announced that Freescale Semiconductor would collaborate with McLaren Electronic Systems to further develop its KERS for McLaren's Formula One car from 2010 onwards. Both parties believed this collaboration would improve McLaren's KERS system and help the system filter down to road car technology.[23]

Toyota has used a supercapacitor for regeneration on Supra HV-R hybrid race car that won the Tokachi 24-Hour endurance race in July 2007. This Supra became the first hybrid car in the history of motorsport to win such a race.[24]

At the NAIAS 2011, Porsche unveiled a RSR variant of their Porsche 918 concept car which uses a flywheel-based KERS that sits beside the driver in the passenger compartment and boosts the dual electric motors driving the front wheels and the 565 BHP V8 gasoline engine driving the rear to a combined power output of 767 BHP. This system has many problems including the unbalance caused to the vehicle due to the flywheel. Porsche are currently developing an electrical storage system.[25]

In 2011, Mazda has announced i-ELOOP, a system which uses a variable-voltage alternator to convert kinetic energy to electric power during deceleration. The energy stored in a double-layer capacitor, is used to supply power needed by vehicle electrical systems. When used in conjunction with Mazda’s start-stop system, i-Stop, the company claims fuel savings of up to 10%.[26]

Motorcycles

KTM racing boss Harald Bartol revealed that the factory raced with a secret kinetic energy recovery system fitted to Tommy Koyama's motorcycle during the 2008 season-ending 125cc Valencian Grand Prix. This was illegal, so they were later banned from doing it afterwards.[27]

Races

Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the organizer behind the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans event and the Le Mans Series is currently "studying specific rules for LMP1 that will be equipped with a kinetic energy recovery system. "[28] Peugeot was the first manufacturer to unveil a fully functioning LMP1 car in the form of the 908 HY at the 2008 Autosport 1000 km race at Silverstone.[29] Porsche announced that it will return to Le Mans Prototype LMP 1 in 2014. All indication are that this will be based on the KERS system that is currently being used in the GT3 Hybrid and now the 918 RSR Hybrid that has a 563 BHP conventional gasoline motor boosted to 767 BHP by the KERS system turning at 36,000 RPM.[30][31][32]

The 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans saw Hope Racing enter with a Flybrid Systems mechanical KERS, to be the first car ever to compete at the event with a hybrid. The system consisted of high speed slipping clutches which transfer torque to and from the vehicle, coupled to a 60,000 RPM flywheel.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/feynman.html
  2. ^ Flybrid Systems LLP (2010-09-10). "Flybrid Systems". Flybrid Systems. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  3. ^ Torotrak[dead link]
  4. ^ "Torotrak, Xtrac & CVT pdf" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  5. ^ BHR Technology. "Cpc-Kers". Bhr-technology.com. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  6. ^ a b "F1 KERS: Flybrid". Racecar Engineering. 2008–11–18. Retrieved 2010–04–27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  7. ^ "KERS failure caused Red Bull fire scare". autosport.com. 17 July 2008. Retrieved 2008–07–22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ "BMW mechanic escapes KERS scare". autosport.com. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  9. ^ "Teams Comment on F1's Environmental Future". FIA. October 8, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  10. ^ "2009 Formula One Technical Regulations" (PDF). FIA. December 22, 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-22.
  11. ^ FIA management (December 22, 2006). "2009 FORMULA ONE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS" (PDF). FIA. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  12. ^ Whyatt, Chris (August 30, 2009). "Raikkonen wins exciting Spa duel". BBC. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  13. ^ "Formula 1™ - The Official F1™ Website". Formula1.com. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  14. ^ "http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/12/11603.html". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-12-04. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  15. ^ Benson, Andrew (23 June 2010). "Changes made to F1l". BBC. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  16. ^ "Team Lotus, Virgin, HRT F1 to Start 2011 Without KERS". Autoevolution. 2011-01-28. Retrieved 2011-06-01.
  17. ^ "http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97739". autosport.com. Retrieved 2012-02-29. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  18. ^ "Formula 1 delays introduction of 'green' engines until 2014". bbc.co.uk. 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  19. ^ "Bosch Developing Modular KERS Systems for Range of Motorsport Applications". Green Car Congress. 2008–11–18. Retrieved 2010–04–27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  20. ^ http://www.carmondo.de/blog/2008/07/03/honda-und-bmw-mit-formel-1-hybriden/ Template:De
  21. ^ "Peugeot Sport Hybrid". Racecar Engineering. 13 September 2008. Retrieved 2008–09–13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ Lawrence Butcher (2008-09-18). "F1 KERS; Mclaren on track with KERS | People". Racecar Engineering. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  23. ^ McLaren to work with Freescale on KERS November 12, 2008
  24. ^ "Toyota Hybrid Race Car Wins Tokachi 24-Hour Race; In-Wheel Motors and Supercapacitors". Green Car Congress. 2007-07-17. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  25. ^ [1] 918 RSR: Have Flywheel, Will Race January 10, 2011,
  26. ^ Kurt Ernst. Mazda's regenerative braking system switches batteries for capacitors. 2011
  27. ^ "KTM beats F1 with secret KERS debut! | MotoGP News | Feb 2009". Crash.Net. 2009-02-04. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  28. ^ "ACO Technical Regulations 2008 for Prototype "LM"P1 and "LM"P2 classes, page 3" (PDF). Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). 20 December 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-06-25. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
  29. ^ Sam Collins (2008-09-13). "Peugeot Sport Hybrid | People". Racecar Engineering. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  30. ^ www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/porsche-unveils-918-rsr-the-767hp-hybrid/
  31. ^ http://jalopnik.com/5817019/porsche-returns-to-lemans-top-class-in-2014
  32. ^ http://www.9magazine.com/porsche-returns-to-lemans-development-program-confirmed-for-lmp1-sports-prototype.html
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