On the Energy Management of the New Formula 1 Powerplants

The new F1 direct-injection turbocompound engines V6 of 1600cc have innovative systems for the recovery of the wasted energy. Fuel and airflow to the engine are limited as well as the amount of fuel and electric energy from the battery available for the race. It is therefore vital to implement the most efficient strategy to improve powerplant efficiency. It is also important to handle with exceptional situations as the necessity to obtain a best lap or to reach and pass other cars. The following article introduces strategies for the electronic engine management systems to deal with this hybrid powerplant. In this paper the shaft speed vs time pattern determines how the powerplant energy system is managed and maximizes a parameter in the various situations. Four critical conditions are analyzed: start, braking, fast and slow curve. The launch (start) maximizes the average acceleration of the car, adjusting it to the maximum traction force available from the powerplant and tires. The braking maximizes the braking distance and the energy recovery. The fast curve strategy maximizes the speed out of the curve and minimizes the time. The slow curve strategy maximizes the energy recovery and the speed out of the curve.