Kinetic Energy Recovery System

Author: Dhanshri Patel

Types of KERS

In our last blog, we mentioned about the how KERS came into being. Here we write about their variations and limitations.

There are two types of KERS system:

Electronic KERS: supplied by Italian firm Magneti Marelli; a common system used in F1 by Ferrari, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Renault, and Toyota.

The key limitation of this type of system is the lithium ion battery. It gets hot and hence an additional ducting is required in the car. BMW used super-capacitors in spite of batteries to keep the system cool.

With this system when the brake is applied to the car a small portion of the kinetic energy is captured by the electric motor mounted at one end of the engine crankshaft. The main function of the electric motor is to charge the batteries under the brake and release the same energy on acceleration. The electric motor then transforms the kinetic energy into electrical energy that is further stored in the high voltage batteries.

Electro-Mechanical KERS

The Electro-Mechanical KERS is invented by Ian Foley. The system is based on a carbon flywheel in a vacuum that is linked through a CVT transmission to the differential. A huge storage reservoir is able to store the mechanical energy and the system holds the benefit of being independent of the gearbox. The brake energy is used to turn the flywheel and when more energy has needed the wheels of the car are coupled up to the spinning flywheel. This gives a boost in power and improves the performance.

Drawbacks of KERS

Though it is one of the most significant introductions for Formula One it has some limitations. Following are some of the primary drawbacks of the KERS:

  • Only one KERS can be utilized to the existing engine in a car.
  • 60 kw is the maximum input and output of the KERS system.
  • The energy recovery system is functional only when the car is moving.
  • Energy from the KERS must be under complete control of the driver.
  • The recovery system must be controlled by the same electronic control unit that is used for controlling the engine, clutch, transmission and differential.
  • Continuously variable transmission systems are not permitted for use with the KERS.
  • KERS can only work in cars that are equipped with only one braking system.

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