Filed under: Formula One
Formula One is more than just a playground for engineering boffins; it also functions as an innovator for series production. The best example of technology transfer from Formula One to mainstream manufacture is the KERS hybrid system that made its F1 comeback in the 2011 season.
The fiercely competitive arena of Formula One forces advances and solutions that would otherwise not be possible in the context of commercial research. For example, there have been significant reductions in the weight of the KERS unit since 2009. The F1 systems are much smaller, lighter and more powerful than the conventional hybrid systems used in standard road vehicles; after all, the aim is to win races with it.
Five examples of technology transfer between Formula One and series production
1. Over the course of the last 61 years, Formula One has introduced a host of technical innovations such as four-wheel drive, turbo charging, electronic torque management, data recorders, active suspension and dual front axles with four-wheel steering.
2. Some of these innovations such as lightweight construction with aluminium and titanium, the use of carbon-fibre materials, ceramic disc brakes and drive-by-wire first saw the light of day in the aviation industry, but as a result of refinements pioneered in Formula One eventually recommended themselves for series production and thus found their way into the showroom.
3. Lightweight construction is now the order of the day. For its SLS AMG E-Cell, Mercedes-AMG uses lightweight fibre composites that have their origins in Formula One. Whilst providing the same level of stability, CFRP components are up to 50 percent lighter than their steel counterparts; and even compared to aluminium, the weight saving is still around 30 percent.
4. Often specialist engineers from the road car division will be seconded to the works race team in order to contribute their expertise in areas such as aerodynamics, handling and quality assurance. In return, they learn from the efficient and rapid responses of the Formula One experts and incorporate these skills into series production. Occasionally, F1 manufacturing processes have been adopted wholesale in series production, so that parts could be manufactured faster.
5. The electric powertrain of the SLS AMG E-Cell was developed in a joint project between AMG and the Formula One engine works in Brixworth. This allowed Formula One expertise to be harnessed for the benefit of the E-Cell and, vice versa, knowledge gained from the E-Cell project to be channelled back into the F1 KERS. One of the lessons learnt from series production was that the batteries, pump, cooling system and mini-motor are best housed in a box mounted directly in front of the V8 engine in the Formula One car.