Mark Hughes unravels KERS

BMW tested its KERS system in public for the first time at Jerez

http://www.itv-f1.com/Feature.aspx?Type=Mark_Hughes&id=43467&PO=43467
Of the radical new technical regulations being implemented in Formula 1 from 2009, the one that is undoubtedly the most challenging for teams is the development of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS).The energy-saving devices have hit the headlines for unwelcome reasons over the past week, raising serious questions about both safety and whether the systems will be ready for next season.So with this in mind, we asked our expert analyst Mark Hughes to demystify the whole KERS concept itself; while explaining both the challenges posed and possible effects created by their introduction. The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) dominates technical talk in the F1 paddock right now.Next year’s new regulations allow these devices to be used for the first time. They store energy otherwise lost during braking and convert it into power.Legislating the devices into the rules is one thing; getting them working effectively and safely is something else. Teams have only just begun testing them and already we have seen two battery fires and an electrocuted mechanic.
●How KERS will work
There are expected to be two types of KERS systems in use next year: battery and flywheel.The battery system seems set to be the more popular method. It harnesses the braking energy by storing it in super-capacitor batteries which then release power to the driven wheels when required.

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