racing 2 4 F o c u s Drawing: Auto, Motor und Sport than one second. The hybrid system is becoming part of a very complex energy system with totally new components. From the 2014 season onward, the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine may be linked to a motor/generator. On the one hand, the electric motor can be used to rapidly spin up the turbo and minimize the turbo lag and, on the other, it can be operated as a generator, allowing extra electrical energy to be generated. If not stored intermediately, this energy can be converted unlimitedly into propulsion force. It becomes obvious that we are dealing with a very complex way of handling energy in order to make optimum use of a multitude of energy flows. We at AVL Racing have been working very hard on this kind of energy management system in simulations for some time now. The high temperatures generated and the turbocharger’s high rotational speeds pose a high challenge. ‹F›: Could you give us a more detailed description of the simulations AVL Racing is working on for the Formula One? ‹Schöggl›: The new Formula One Regulations open up new possibilities to generate, store and distribute energy – and with our simulations, we are able to determine the optimal variant. We additionally simulate the optimal racing strategy, which results from the new hybrid drive. In short, it’s all about how to put the energy to optimum use to win the energy battle. We consider all components – engine, battery, electric motor as well as the very complicated control strategies. Even the new electric system linked to the turbocharger has already been integrated into our simulations. ‹F›: Which simulation program is being used for this at AVL? ‹Schöggl›: We use the AVL product AVL VSM (Vehicle Simulation Model). This development tool is being used very successfully by many racing teams, and it plays a leading role in several racing series already. To remain “best of class”, the racing simulation is continuously adapted to the new regulations. New tire types are just as carefully integrated as new turbo engines are, or various hybrid components. Unique is its use on PCs, on AVL test beds and on driver simulators. ‹F›: Is the AVL racing simulation VSM a development tool, or is it also utilized on racing tracks? ‹Schöggl›: Both. There are several processes in which AVL VSM is used. A process starts several weeks ahead of the race. Teams simulate virtually thousands of laps on high-performance computers, optimizing virtually the vehicle settings – chassis, gear ratio, wing position, etc. The racing strategy can also be simulated, such as, for example, the optimal energy utilization in a hybrid system I mentioned earlier: Where should the driver boost energy – at the end of a straight or from inside a curve? On the racing track, AVL VSM is used to optimize the simulation using current data from the racing car. Racing track data – such as grip conditions – are incorporated into the simulation just as carefully as weather data to optimize the racing strategy. These data are often transferred back to the factory, too, where they are utilized. The third large application area of AVL VSM is on the engine and powertrain test bed. ‹F›: How does the AVL racing simulation program cooperate with the different test beds? And how does the racing team benefit from it? ‹Schöggl›: At the AVL test bed, the VSM simulation is fully integrated into the AVL PUMA test bed software, which enables maximum realtime performance. The high-precision simulation of vehicle, driver and racing track allow the unit under test (an engine or a transmission) to be tested or optimized under realistic conditions. In other words, the engine virtually leaps over curbs. This realistic environment simulation and its exact reproducibility provide the basis for improved performance and service life of the components and the entire vehicle. ‹F›: A German trade journal reported that AVL took part in creating a future fully electric racing series. Could you give us some more details? ‹Schöggl›: The racing series mentioned is the Formula E, which is organized subject to the rules of the FIA. The first races will be taking place in 2013 with larger cities being the potential venues for events. A full racing series is planned for 2014. Commissioned by > This is how purely electrically driven racecars with variable aerodynamics could look in the future.
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