Bosch Motorsport Developing Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)

Bosch Motorsport is developing a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for use in motor racing. With hybrid technology being used more and more in road vehicles, there are now signs that it will also find its way into racing vehicles. Bosch is developing a modular KERS kit which covers all requirements from Formula 1 to racing series such as the D™ or 24-hour races.

"In comparison with the hybrid technology of production vehicles, the concepts for motor racing are considerably more powerful, and at the same time more compact," said Klaus Böttcher, Director Bosch Motorsport. "We are already holding discussions with many teams from various racing series."

Depending on the specific design, the systems are intended to allow for more overtaking maneuvers using additional power that can be called upon temporarily or even to reduce the number of refueling stops by cutting consumption.

Hybrid systems by Bosch Motorsport always comprise a battery, the electric motor, and the KERS controller. This contains the power electronic, the battery management, and the management system for hybrid and engine functions. A lithium-ion battery with scalable capacity or a flywheel energy storage device is used for storing energy. The latter stores up to 750kJof energy. The electric motors weigh between four and eight kilograms with a maximum power level of 60KW. Thanks to its modular structure, KERS from Bosch can be put together individually in terms of weight, robustness, and performance to suit the requirements of the respective race series.