Control over F1 cars

When there are 50 people working at high speed on a strange looking, logo-adorned vehicle and one guy sitting low and dry who doesn't do much more than tapping a pedal with his big toe, this guy is the public hero and the whole thing is called Formula 1 racing. These days, even the big toe tapping isn't much of a challenge anymore, since there are so many sensors and actors at work.

Nine top teams are using the current sensor »IVT-F« made by Isabellenhütte Heusler during the 2012 Formula 1 season, which has just started in Melbourne, Australia. The module has been integrated in the so-called E-KER systems: E-KERS is an Electric Kinetic Energy Recovery System that was used for the first time in 2009 and which was integrated in Formula 1 cars again for the 2011 season.

E-KERS forms part of the power transmission of F1 cars. It converts kinetic energy won during the breaking process into electricity with the help of an electric motor that also performs as a generator. This power is stored in lithium-ion batteries and fed back into an electric motor in strictly regulated quantities, which in turn boosts the Formula 1 car’s combustion engine during acceleration periods.

Isabellenhütte’s IVT-F integrated current sensor controls the quantity of power supplied by the E-KERS. The Formula 1 umbrella organisation FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) aims to ensure in this way that the racing teams will not use E-KERS to break the rules. Isabellenhütte’s measurement segment aims to solidify its position as technological leader in the field of shunt-based current measurement with these products.

Jens Hartmann, Sales Director Measurement at Isabellenhütte Heusler GmbH & Co. KG comments: »We are already working on sensors for the 2013 and 2014 Formula 1 seasons.«

The IVT-F integrates a three-channel measuring system for current, voltage and temperature (I,U,T). Its internal sample rate is 3.5 kHz. The U/I input filter cut-off frequency amounts to f_g=350 Hz, the measured value output to 500 Hz. A CAN-Bus interface runs with a data rate of 1 MBit. The manufacturer gives a minimum operating life of 2000 km.

Comments

[BMW and Mercedes servicing]

Always nice to read your blog.
Different view and an own opinion about car maintenance. Thanks for suggestions.

[Crystal Clear Headlights]

Wow, this enlightened me a bit. Thanks so much.

[Green parking lots]

Vodaphone is a huge mobile communications company, and it's also the primary sponsor of the McLaren Mercedes F1 team. The video after the jump shows just what their millions of dollars in sponsorship money can buy: a viral video staring Lewis Hamilton.