ERS - Explained

 

In the previous post , we had looked in to the aspect why Formula 1 produce better result , but still it is not fastest car? Why.

Formula 1 engines are made in such a way that they are quickest. Still not clear? , a Veyron can rev up to 6400 RPM, and takes up to 14.4s to reach a speed of 300kmph, while F1 cars at the other hand can rev up to 15000 RPM, and can reach 300Kmph in 8.4s .So  Formula 1 engines can maintain a high average speed. While Veyron can’t even stand against it. But did you imagine how 15000 rpm looks like? How it is achieved?

Formula 1 power unit is said to be the most efficient power unit in the world. You read it right. Formula 1 engines has a efficiency of about 50%, which was previously just 17%. What made it possible ? When you classify energy on the basis of conversion efficiency , Electrical energy are heroes. F1 was keen on increasing the efficiency as well as not damaging the tradition. So F1 turned hybrid. Where ICE is assisted with a electric motor at the same time battery size is limited to 25kgs(max). This electric motor produce a power up to 80Hp . Due to battery limitations now teams have to look for alternative source of energy. Thanks to heat and inertia.

Motor Generation Unit - HEAT

Now teams can use a turbo charger, that can increase the performance of engine by sending compressed and increased airflow. This turbo charger is powered by the exhaust of the engine . The exhaust has a lot of kinetic energy , potential energy in the form of heat that goes unused. This turbo charger get propelled by the exhaust gas. Which rotates the compressor , so that air is compressed and sent into engine, so maximum and efficient combustion takes place. This ultimately increase the engine power. At the same time , the propeller is connected to a motor that act as a generator which can produce electricity to power the wheel motors(MGU-K) as well as can be stored in batteries. But there is a problem in using a turbo charger, Because turbo charger causes turbo lag, which makes engine dumb at the start. Now this motor which worked as a generator now will work as a motor to negotiate this turbo lag by pumping air into engine continuously. It is cool right? To produce energy from exhaust! The RPM of turbo charger is limited to 1,25,000, while maximum that current F1 cars managed to produce is 17,000 RPM ( still it is quiet an high amount). And energy produced by MGU-H is unlimited , you can use through out the race for powering motors and battery.

Motor Generation Unit – Kinetic

Also known as MGU-K , They are actual motors that power wheels directly. They are attached to crankshaft with suitable gear reduction. This motor can rev up to 50,000 RPM . They cannot rev up independently, they have to match with ICE RPM . The actual purpose of this motor is to aid the actual engine by adding up torque to wheels. This is the exact reason what make Formula 1 quickest of all cars. This is because electric motors have high starting torque and good torque throughout the range of RPM. Which increases the vehicle acceleration , and more importantly they are powered by recovered energy which were wasted as heat before. At the same time this motors are capable of producing electricity when not throttled or applied brakes. This is also known as regenerative braking. When cars are braked , the kinetic energy of the wheel is converted into heat energy which is being wasted, in order to use this energy and prevent them from getting wasted as heat. The motor when not used act as a generator (when not throttle or braked). At maximum braking the disks lock up, for quick braking. The energy required to rotate the motor reduces the speed of the car. The energy recovered from this has to be stored in battery and can be used for 7s in a lap, that will boost the performance from 80 Hp to 150 Hp.

 

In further post we will cover the rest of the topics in power unit of F1