Simulating the complete 2014 hybrid electric Formula 1 cars

In 2014 a new powertrain specification was introduc ed in to Formula 1. This new specification changed the inte rnal combustion engine to be a 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged spark ignition engine with increased use of Energy Recove ry Systems (ERS) in the form of crank and turbo-shaft motor generators, battery and associated cooling and cont rollers. Fuel flow limits and a limit on the total amount of fuel that can be used in the race means that efficiency of th e systems has become a key focus during the development of the 2014 cars. The reduction in engine size and power from t he previous season’s 2.4L V8s means that the teams now rely much more strongly on the electrical energy from th e ERS system to make up for the reduced internal combusti on engine performance. In this work we show how a complete physical vehicle model with fully integrated subsystems (powertrain, chassis, etc) can be simulated to yield information on the consequences of a range of ERS (Energy Recovery System) configurations.