Formula One Technology Explained - KERS

The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) stood out as one of the biggest changes of 2009. With such huge forces in Formula One, the cars contain a very large amount of waste energy, especially under braking. A KERS, however, recovers a large proportion of this wasted kinetic (movement) energy from the brakes and stores it in batteries. The energy in the batteries is then used to boost existing engine power to give the driver extra horsepower.

A standard KERS operates by a ‘charge cycle and a ‘boost cycle’. As the car slows for a corner, an electric motor (or alternator) captures the waste kinetic energy from the rear brakes. This collected kinetic energy is then passed to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and onto the batteries. The batteries sit underneath the driver’s seat and are positioned centrally to minimise the impact on the balance of the car. Due to the high voltage of the batteries, Shell has developed a bespoke fluid that insulates and cools the batteries to ensure the safety of the system in the Ferrari F60.

When the driver presses the ‘boost button’ on the steering wheel, the batteries transfer the stored energy back to the engine for a maximum of 6.67seconds per lap. This extra energy contributes around 80hp and can shave up to four tenths off a lap time.

Whilst the benefits seem to be huge for a team running a KERS, there are some major drawbacks associated with the system. With the weight limit of the cars set at a minimum 605kg in 2009, the addition of a KERS means that there is less ballast to distribute around the car to help its balance and handling. The teams have to work out whether the time gain from the extra 80hp for 6.67seconds per lap compensates for the added weight.

KERS was introduced by the Fédération Intérnationale de l’Automobile (FIA) with a view to increase overtaking during races, as the boost button provides extra power. In effect, the KERS has also been used to act as a defensive tool to block a faster car, inhibiting overtaking. Almost every team has voted against using KERS in 2010 and the system will not be allowed in Formula One.