Technology Choices for Optimizing the Performance of Racing Vehicles 2016-01-1173

In the continuous search for technology to improve the fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emission levels from the automotive vehicle, the automotive industry has been evaluating various technological options. Since the introduction of stringent legislative targets in Europe as well as in the United States of America in late 20^th Century, one of the viable options identified by the industry was the application of alternative powertrain. On the motorsport arena, changes introduced by the Formula 1 governing body (FIA) for the high-performance racing engines also focuses on fuel economy. FIA regulation for 2014 restricts the fuel-flow rate to a maximum of 100kg/hr beyond 10,500 rev/min and prescribe fuel flow rate below 10,500 rev/min operating conditions for the F1 Engines. In addition, Formula1 and Le Mans racing regulations actively promote the integration of the hybrid powertrain in order to achieve optimum fuel economy.

Therefore, the aim of the present work is to evaluate available technology choices and measure efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and CO₂ emission level. This technology mining exercise has been carried out using a powertrain simulation tool based on a mid-size light duty vehicle. The benchmark powertrain architecture for a light-duty vehicle is based on legislative drive cycle. The technologies tested on the drive cycles are also to be tested in a racing prototype car (LMP1), around a lap at Le Mans Circuit.

This report presents a systematic methodology for assessing technology choices for racing vehicle using powertrain simulation tool. It presents a merit matrix based on fuel economy, drive cycle energy analysis, to evaluate the powertrain ability to harvest the available energy on a given drive cycle.