From Formula 1 to Your Airplane?

Dean Sigler Electric Powerplants Leave a Comment

Imagine a high-energy system that could be dropped in your car for $1,600, give it a 30-percent boost in mileage (and a simultaneous reduction in its carbon footprint), and added pep off the line.  Imagine that this was developed by two of the leaders in Formula 1 racecar development.  You might be interested. Ricardo, a long-time developer of racing engine refinements, and Williams, oft-time winning chassis builder, are collaborating on just such a setup.  Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), developed originally for the 2009 Formula 1 racing season, used flywheels, batteries, and stunningly powerful electric motors (60 kW – 81 horsepower from four to eight kilogram cylinders) to augment the internal-combustion engines motivating the racers.  The systems were controversial and eventually scrapped by all racers.  Teething problems in the first year of racing led to the barring of KERS in the 2010 season. Applying these components to a roadable supercar, Porsche is introducing its GTR3 Hybrid at the upcoming Geneva Motor …