The spotlight is back on Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems after a BMW Sauber mechanic suffered an electric shock on Tuesday after coming into contact with a car that was fitted with the device during testing in Spain.
The development allows energy to be stored from operation of the car during the race then used for a boost via the pressing of a button.
KERS is intended to recover energy normally wasted by cars in braking and cornering maneuvers, and would serve as a performance boost when drivers need it. Intended to be launched for the 2009 Formula One season, each implementation of KERS is unique to specific teams, but they all share the same issues.
Many have voiced concerns over the safety of implementing such a system in high-speed motorsports. Dealing with a wrecked F1 car is tricky enough, but adding a complex high-voltage system and a chemical battery increases the possibility of danger.
“We’re all fighting very hard to have a raceable, safe KERS, but whether it is achievable or not is yet to be seen,” said Howett, president of Toyota’s Formula One team. “The challenges are enormous for everybody.”
“I think if you read between the lines, a lot of the teams are struggling [to bring it in within the expected time frame].”
Howett has expressed the opinion that the planned 2009 introduction of the system, which stores heat energy dissipated from a car as an additional power source, has left teams struggling to meet their deadline.
Honda team principal Ross Brawn is another one who is unsure as to whether KERS will be used once the season gets underway next year.
“I don’t know for certain,” said Brawn. “We will if it’s a performance gain, and we haven’t done enough work yet to know if it’s a performance gain. We are scheduling to start the season with it, but we will see how it develops.”
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