Did you have your eyes locked on the television over the weekend for the Malaysian Grand Prix? Well if you’re hooked on the new Formula 1 campaign, then you may be interested to know that SAFT lithium-ion batteries are among the driving forces for this year’s vehicles.
SAFT is providing its batteries for the KERS systems in five of the 12 Formula 1 teams, including the likes of Ferrari and Lotus Renault GP.
It has been working with the F1 teams to develop solutions for each KERS design with lifetime and durability seen as the key considerations given that the batteries are subject to high levels of heat and vibration.
According to Xavier Delacroix, the general manager of SAFT’s IBG Division, its design works to extremely tight deadlines and establishes its lithium-ion batteries as the reference for Formula 1.
When an F1 car brakes, part of its kinetic energy is captured by an electric motor/generator and this is converted into electrical energy stored in the battery cells. When extra power is needed, the battery releases the stored energy which provides extra power to the drive train. The KERS system allows up to a 60kW boost with an energy release of up to 400kJ per lap.
