It’s not only the system level targets that must be met, but also the overall vehicle-level targets of aerodynamic efficiency, weight and packaging, all of which have an impact on vehicle performance
In last month’s issue (‘Exchange programme’ in V33N10), we talked about motorsport cooling systems and their importance in managing the conversion and dissipation of large quantities of energies moving around the racecar.
We noted that racecars are essentially energy conversion mechanisms, but the actual process of energy conversion is far from ideal and the resulting heat generated must be rejected from the systems, both as a matter of performance and robustness.
The architecture of the systems that manage this heat rejection is crucial in maintaining the optimal temperatures required for efficient systems performance, but also impacts design and aerodynamics.
This month, we’ll deliver a case study of the engineering process employed to develop the cooling system for a state-of-the-art hybrid racecar, the BMW M Hybrid V8. Produced to 2023 LMDh regulations, this car races at the highest levels of international motorsport in IMSA and, in 2024, the FIA WEC.
As you’d expect, the development of any product at this level is a challenging task, particularly a product with innovation woven into its specification from the beginning.
Preparation and a methodical, well-organised process is key, as well as engaging with the right expertise to develop the system and its components through the use of the latest computational techniques, materials and manufacturing processes.
The M Hybrid V8 was developed as a joint project between BMW Motorsport and Dallara. With engineers from both teams working on the project, the powertrain was developed by BMW in Munich, Germany, while the chassis, powertrain systems and overall vehicle architecture were developed by Dallara in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
Starting from a blank sheet, the first step in developing any automotive system is to define its objectives. These may at first seem obvious but, as soon as you go into any level of detail, they rapidly increase in complexity, especially when dealing with something other than a regular ICE racecar.
