KERS regen in F1

I don't really understand the logic.

Mosely expressed his feeling that the electrical systems, which are similar in principal to those used on road-going hybrids, should be banned from F1 in favor of purely mechanical systems. Mosely feels the battery technology available right now, primarily lithium ion, is unsuitable for the demands of F1 racing.

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I can understand the opinion of "I think a flywheel will work better." But not "ban batteries!" If a battery system does not work as well, that team loses, right? Why an outright ban?

<cynic>Just in case it improves battery/capacitor technology to a point where EV road cars outperform ICE versions and F1 is even more irrelevant?</cynic>

Renault and Williams debating KERS implementation - AutoblogGreen

Slightly OT: Ferrari goes green with rooftop solar installation - AutoblogGreen

Well, I can't say the KERS cars acquitted themselves too well in their first race. Version 1.0 issues or a demonstration that hybrid drivetrains have no benefit for high-speed, long distance road use?

Ah okay - the news report I listened to seemed to suggest KERS helped Hamilton move up through the pack. Maybe that's too optimistic for the technology, given that Brawn don't use it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7895511.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7947575.stm

It's taken 10 races, but: BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula 1 | Hamilton seals first win of 2009

So not only did a hybrid F1 car finally come first, but Ferrari managed to bring theirs in second too.

Given the limited testing they are allowed to do, it could be said that getting it to the front in under 6 months is a fair achievement. How ironic that it comes just over a month after: BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula 1 | Teams agree to scrap Kers system

I've always wondered why they had this arbitrary 6.6 second per lap limit on how much it could be used. Given that any team was allowed to use it, it seems to me fair that it should have been on all the time.

Don't forget the "spoiler" next time guys

Oh well, that's opened up a 3 hr gap in my afternoon.

MPT said:

Don't forget the "spoiler" next time guys

Oh well, that's opened up a 3 hr gap in my afternoon.

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If you see a post in a KERS-related thread on race day, don't read the thread... :tongue:

How things change...

BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula 1 | McLaren talk up Kers 'advantage'

"There is no doubt now that Kers is an advantage," said Whitmarsh. "Certainly, if we can get near the front of the grid then we have a launch advantage."

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WARNING - this is a race weekend. Do not read this thread on Sunday if you haven't watched the race :biggrin:

WARNING - Bad pun.


























































McLaren will be KERSing that pit stop...


So now there is a rumour that Red Bull will be fitting a KERS system for the next race. Perhaps it will be back for 2010.

^ Well, apparently it won't be.


Last chance to see hybrid F1 cars, and at a monument to our oil money...



EDIT: And one on pole, too.

The Canadian Press: F1 teams set to agree to re-introduction of KERS energy boost in 2011

Formula One teams are in broad agreement about a return of the KERS power boost system for 2011, though the device needs to become cheaper so that smaller teams can afford it.

Team principals met with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone at this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix to discuss possible regulation changes. The reintroduction of KERS was high on the agenda for 2011.

"There's general agreement it should have a place in Formula One," Williams team principal Sir Frank Williams said Saturday.

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It needs to be cheaper for the smaller teams (like Lotus). Anyone fancy stepping up to the challenge? :wink:


EDIT: Interesting article - KERS must perform for F1 return

Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn reckoned it vital that the power output was upped - with talk already that any return will allow at least double the storage opportunity that was allowed in 2009.

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Lotus, Mercedes, Force India and even McLaren... There are a few opportunities here on the face of it.

The return of KERS: Facts and figures - Autoblog UK


I wonder whether now that KERS seems like it is back to stay, teams will make the investment to develop advanced lightweight batteries based on new chemistries? Could be a way for F1 to start leading the car industry forward again.

I thought the F1 KERS systems use a mechanical flywheel? Remember seeing a cut away demo somewhere.

The Williams one did, but the McLaren and Renault ones were/are electric.

Interesting discussion on F1 commentary about about the brake balance changes when the KERS is full up. Sounds a lot like our full charge/lack of regen thread.