Zytek KERS test summary

Successful Track Test of Zytek KERS System

Honda HEV Super GT Test Car Completes Two-day test at Suzuka Circuit.

The last of three, two-day tests of the Zytek KERS system installed in Honda R&D's HEV Super GT test car was successfully completed last week. Driver, Katsutomo Kaneishi was very positive in his comments regarding the delivery of the increased performance.

In total, over 2000kms of track running were completed at competitive race pace. The 40kW system ran without fault throughout the test and proved to be capable of up to 1.5 seconds per lap improvement in performance or eight per cent reduction in fuel consumption for the same lap time. Using the push to pass option provided a 10km/h boost in the end of straight velocity. The car was also able to accelerate through the gears from a standstill up to the pit lane 60km/h limit using only the electric motor power.

Progress at the test was such that it proved possible to begin to evolve hybrid system strategies to allow a degree of stability and traction control and to assist with gearshift quality. Operating duty cycles for the system reached and even exceeded target performance at over 1200kJ of energy per lap (three times higher than the systems used in Formula 1 during 2009). The combined mass of the transaxle integrated motor and monocoque mounted inverter and Li-Ion battery was 38.5kg with liquid cooling systems and high voltage wiring adding a further 6kg.

Overall, the test program has been a great success for all the parties involved. It is hoped that the hybrid system will go on to extended use in Super GT and other racing series, benefitting efficiency and stimulating the rapid development and advancement of the technology through motorsport application.

-source: zytek.co.uk