Ferrari tested at least three different KERS configurations in F1 car
Ferrari reportedly tested at least three different kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) configurations on its Formula One cars during 2008 and was dissatisfied with all of them. The most unusual setup involved mounting the batteries in the nose of the car. From a weight distribution standpoint, this was considered the most desirable approach. Unfortunately, this layout caused problems and required running the high voltage wires alongside the cockpit. The front-mounted battery also caused issues with the front wing which is critical to the performance of modern F1 cars.
A system that was developed with Magnetti Marelli had technical problems and a third different configuration simply didn't provide the required performance benefit. Ferrari engineers also encountered one of the big problems that engineers on road-going hybrid systems have to deal with: learning to blend friction and regenerative braking. This is no easy task on road cars and, given the performance required of these race cars, it must be particularly difficult.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gorr 5:38PM (1/30/2009)
I knew.
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tom engineer 10:38PM (1/30/2009)
looks like Ferrari needs some better engineers
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nmt 7:17AM (2/02/2009)
Or it could me all of you self-appointed armchair engineers that are convinced hybrid cars are so much more efficient than ICE-only powered cars were just plain wrong!
nmt 7:22AM (2/02/2009)
Oh and if you think that Ferrari has anything other than some of the best engineers in the entire world you obviously don't know anything about F1. FYI, they are the most successful team in F1 History:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuderia_Ferrari
Lad 1:05AM (1/31/2009)
In a race car, using the correct amount of braking changes with each turn and is a function of talent and a feeling for the car. When you add regen braking, it can cause the tires to lock if it is set too high and can cause overshooting if it's set too low. At the same time the engineers must crank in enough regen to charge the battery(ultracaps) fully in the turns to make sure enough power is available when accelerating out of the turn apexes.
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Mark 10:16AM (2/01/2009)
Take this Ferrari!
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/hybrid-toyota-supra-wins-tokachi-24-hrs/
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