Sylvie Willis
Motorsport is undergoing a transformation, with sustainability, clean energy, and efficiency taking center stage. This shift is evident in the integration of hybrid technology and electrification in racing series like Formula 1, Formula E, and IndyCar. While the more fuel, faster philosophy has long dominated the racing world, the focus is now on doing more with less fuel and reducing environmental impact. This evolution in racing challenges the notion that fuel efficiency and speed are mutually exclusive, as drivers and engineers collaborate to optimize both performance and fuel economy. The strategies employed in racing, such as energy recovery systems and strategic fuel management, showcase the innovative approaches taken to strike a balance between speed and sustainability. As a result, advancements in racing technology are not only pushing the boundaries of speed but also influencing the development of more efficient road vehicles, shaping the future of automotive performance and environmental responsibility.
Are race cars fuel efficient?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | Race cars are not designed to be the most fuel-efficient, but they need to be efficient enough to complete a race |
| Fuel usage strategy | Race car drivers strategize fuel use during a race, such as lifting off the throttle and coasting before braking in a corner, or short-shifting while accelerating |
| Hybrid technology | Motorsport is increasingly focused on efficiency, clean energy, and sustainability, with hybrid technology providing more power for cars |
| F1 fuel usage | F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kg of fuel per race (305 km / 190 miles), but often start with less fuel to reduce weight and improve lap times |
| Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) | F1 cars use ERS to recover waste energy, such as the MGU-H collecting wasted energy from the turbocharger and the MGU-K recovering kinetic energy from braking |
| Indycar engines | From 2022, Indycar engines will include hybrid technology, with a multi-phase motor, inverter, and electric storage device for energy recovery from braking |
| MotoGP refuelling | Refuelling during a MotoGP race is prohibited, so teams must fill the bike with enough fuel to last the entire race, strategically balancing fuel volume and weight |
| Formula E | The all-electric Formula E series demonstrates how electrification of cars can lead to a more sustainable and cleaner world |
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What You'll Learn
F1 cars' Energy Recovery Systems
F1 cars are equipped with Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) to help achieve a significant increase in efficiency and horsepower. The engine in F1 cars is a turbocharged direct fuel injection unit that develops around 700 horsepower. The ERS adds an extra 160 horsepower, making the engine as potent as the 2.4-liter V8 used between 2006 and 2013 while burning 35% less fuel.
The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is a component of the ERS. KERS is a device used to convert waste energy from the braking process into more useful types of energy, which can then be used to give the cars a power boost. When the driver brakes, the kinetic energy is converted to heat energy, but a portion is stored in the car. When the driver presses the boost button, that stored energy is converted back into kinetic energy and gives the car about an extra 80-85 bhp for just under seven seconds.
There are multiple types of KERS, including mechanical and electrical energy systems. Mechanical energy systems use a flywheel to store energy, while electrical energy systems use batteries or supercapacitors. Most teams use lithium batteries, similar to those in mobile phones but larger. BMW, however, uses super-capacitors, which are more efficient and run cooler. Williams F1 uses a large flywheel to store energy, which they sell to other companies, such as Audi Le Mans.
The Motor Generator Unit Kinetic (MGU-K) is an updated version of KERS. It is used to convert kinetic energy generated under braking into electricity, which is then stored in the ES system. MGU-K can provide an additional 160 horsepower for 33 seconds per lap. The Motor Generator Unit Heat (MGU-H) is another system that captures heat energy from exhaust gases and turns it into electrical energy. MGU-H acts as a control system for the turbo, speeding or slowing it down based on the driver's requirements. It can provide up to 4 Megajoules of energy back to the MGU-K, significantly more than KERS.
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IndyCar's 2022 hybrid engines
Race car drivers employ various strategies to maximize fuel economy without compromising speed. Maintaining momentum, for instance, is crucial for minimizing fuel consumption and can be achieved by ensuring the car is balanced to prevent excessive braking and loss of momentum.
IndyCar has been working towards introducing hybrid engines to its field, with the initial plan to roll out the new engine formula in 2022. However, due to various delays, the debut of the hybrid system was pushed back to 2024. The hybrid system in IndyCar will consist of a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and a supercapacitor for energy storage instead of a battery. The MGU will be fitted where the remote starter motor attaches to the gearbox, and it is expected to reduce the need for full-course yellows as stopped cars won't require external assistance to restart. The supercapacitor will be housed in the same casing as the MGU, making the car lighter compared to a traditional battery storage system.
The introduction of hybrid technology in IndyCar is a significant step towards modernizing the sport and bringing electronic propulsion to the series for the first time. The hybrid system will be supplied by Honda Racing Corp. USA and Chevrolet, with each company taking on different aspects of the Energy Recovery System (ERS). The ERS will be mounted inside a new Dallara-built magnesium bellhousing, requiring weight reduction from the existing chassis.
The delay in introducing the hybrid system allowed for additional testing and validation to ensure the technology is safe and reliable. The first race with the new hybrid system took place at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, marking a historic moment for IndyCar with the introduction of electronic propulsion.
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Maintaining momentum
To achieve this, drivers must begin with a well-balanced car. Excessive understeer or oversteer will necessitate more frequent braking, which disrupts momentum and consumes more fuel. Therefore, drivers should strive for a neutral balance, allowing them to smoothly navigate corners without significant speed loss. This balance is a delicate one, as too little steering can also lead to slower lap times.
Additionally, drivers can employ techniques such as lifting off the throttle and coasting before braking when approaching a corner. This strategy, known as short-shifting, helps conserve fuel while maintaining speed. The goal is to optimise the relationship between engine RPM and vehicle speed, operating at the peak of the power band, where the engine most efficiently converts fuel to power.
The introduction of hybrid technology in motorsports, such as Formula 1 and IndyCar, is also transforming the way race cars manage fuel efficiency. Hybrid systems in F1 cars, for instance, recover waste energy from both the turbocharger and the braking system, maximising energy efficiency without relying solely on fuel. This technology not only enhances performance but also contributes to sustainability and clean energy goals in the industry.
Moreover, the weight of the fuel itself influences momentum and lap times. A heavier car requires more fuel to maintain the same speed as a lighter one. Therefore, teams must carefully consider the amount of fuel loaded into the car, ensuring they have enough to finish the race without sacrificing performance due to excess weight. This strategic decision-making showcases the intricate balance between fuel efficiency and maintaining momentum in race cars.
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Tunable engine control computers
Most race cars today have tunable engine control computers, which allow drivers to maximise fuel economy or power without changing their driving style. These computers, known as Electronic Control Units (ECUs), are the most powerful computers in most cars and perform millions of calculations per second, including determining spark timing and how long the fuel injector is open.
The ECU uses closed-loop control, monitoring the outputs of a system to control its inputs, and managing the emissions and fuel economy of the engine. It gathers data from dozens of sensors, including coolant temperature and the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. This data is used to make adjustments to the vehicle's performance, such as the air-fuel mixture, compression ratio, fuel type, ignition timing, and intake air compression.
One example of a tunable engine control computer is the Standalone ECU, which operates without the factory engine computer. Standalone ECUs are commonly used in modern motorsports to collect data and make adjustments to the vehicle's performance. They offer near-infinite adjustability and can be customised for city use, on-track performance, or an overall map giving power throughout the band in a linear manner.
After adjustments are made, the engine is tested for performance, smoke levels, and any problems. Fine-tuning is then done according to the feedback, resulting in a better-performing and more efficient engine.
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Hybrid technology in motorsports
The history of hybrid powertrains in the WEC (World Endurance Championships) is more nuanced. While it wasn't initially mandatory, teams voluntarily incorporated hybrid engines into their prototypes. Toyota's return to the WEC in 2012 with the TS030 Hybrid, powered by a V8 Gasoline engine and a hybrid system, showcased the potential of this technology. The car's success, with multiple race wins, further emphasized the viability of hybrid solutions.
The adoption of hybrid technology in motorsports goes beyond simply improving performance; it also has ecological benefits. The pursuit of better acceleration in racing, for example, can lead to the development of ecological driving techniques that reduce pollution. Toyota's participation in the Le Mans Race with hybrid power is a significant step in this direction. Their hybrid vehicles can rapidly regenerate massive deceleration energy during braking, using it to power the car and enhance acceleration. This technology has broader implications for road cars, making both ecological and dynamic driving possible.
Professional hybrid racing, such as the FIA World Endurance Championships, presents a challenging environment that fosters innovation. The intense competition and stringent regulations surrounding engine capacity, fuel efficiency, and energy recovery systems drive the development of creative solutions. This environment can be likened to a testing lab for future hybrid and fully electric vehicles, with the most challenging problems yielding the most groundbreaking advancements.
The integration of hybrid technology in motorsports is not just a passing trend but a reflection of the broader shift towards electrification. With countries like the United States outlawing the sale of new non-electric light-duty vehicles by 2035, the motorsport industry is adapting to stay relevant and contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Race cars are designed to be efficient enough to complete a race. The more fuel-efficient a car is, the more lap time it saves. However, the primary goal of race cars is to be fast, not fuel-efficient.
Race car drivers use different techniques to maximize fuel economy. For example, they may lift off the throttle and coast before the braking point in a corner, or short-shift while accelerating. Maintaining momentum is also important for saving fuel.
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles). However, they usually don't fill up to the maximum capacity as it makes the car heavier, which costs more lap time.
Hybrid technologies, such as Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) in F1 cars, aim to recover as much waste energy as possible. For example, the MGU-H collects wasted energy from the turbocharger, while the MGU-K recovers waste kinetic energy from the braking system. This allows race cars to produce more power without using additional fuel.
