Hybrid drivetrain systems focusing on Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) will be introduced in Formula 1 for the 2009 season with the clear intent of directing technical developments in motorsport that will have an impact to the key issue of fuel efficiency in road cars.
The 2009 season specification defines a system that can recover, store and reapply 400kJ of energy per lap at a maximum rate of 60kW. In order to promote technical development, neither the type of system (be it electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.), the weight of the system nor the strategy for reapplication of the recovered energy has been defined.
Flybrid Systems LLP have developed a mechanical KERS utilising a high speed carbon filament flywheel and a Torotrak full-toroidal traction drive Continuously Variable Transmission for use both within F1 and motorsport but also for mainstream automotive applications.
This paper describes the Formula 1 system and the development of road car systems covering the energy storage requirements, system efficiencies, energy savings and hence performance improvements.