The advent of hybrid power in competition offers an amazing field of exploration engineers. Toyota has not yet disclosed the technology that will equip its prototype next year, but let's look at three systems have already proven themselves in the ILMC.

Since the creation of the ILMC in 2010, Porsche, Racing and Hope Mik Corse have demonstrated the viability of different systems to recover braking energy.

PORSCHE 911 GT3R HYBRID

Hybrid system by : Williams and Porsche
Technology : Electromechanical = motor-generators + flywheel
Weight : 105 kg
On braking, the flywheel is spun by an electric motor, attached to two generators on the front wheels. On acceleration the motor becomes a generator driven by the flywheel and the generators become motors to power the front wheels.

Avantage : Temporary 4 wheel drive.
Disadvantage : Weight.

ILMC races : Petit Le Mans 2010, 1000 km of Zhuhai 2010
Hors classement, l’auto avait surclassé toutes les GT l’année dernière à Zhuhai, puis cette année à Laguna Seca (ALMS). Difficile de savoir quelle est la part du système hybride dans ces performances, sachant que l’auto bénéficie de différentes aides au pilotage que les voitures de la catégorie GTE n’ont pas.

The Future
L’expérience acquise par les techniciens de Porsche avec ce programme se retrouvera peut-être dans le prototype qu’engagera le constructeur au Mans en 2014.

 

ORECA 01 SWISSHYTECH

Hybrid system by : Flybrid Systems
Type of technologie : mechanical = flywheel + continuously variable transmission.
Weight : 25 kg
Inertia flywheel directly coupled to transmission.

Avantage : Low weight.
Disadvantage : Development of the continuously variable transmission (interface between the flywheel and the gearbox).

ILMC races: 24 Heures du Mans 2011
Starting from 24th position on the grid, the LM P1 of Hope Racing raced first 12 hours before being forced to retire due to a fire. It will go down in history as the first hybrid car to the start of the greatest endurance race in the world.

The Future
Recurring technical difficulties prevented the Swiss team from finishing the season. All efforts are now devoted to the continued development of the KERS to make it competitive for next season.

 

 

ZYTEK 09 HS

Hybrid system by : Zytek
Type of technology : Electric = motor<->generator + batteries
Weight : 50 kg
Initially developed for the McLaren Formula 1 team, the ZPH system (Zytek Performance Hybrid) reduces consumption in the order of 8%. The package consists of an electric motor in a transverse position, a lithium-ion battery, an electronic box and a cooling system.

Avantage : Simplicity
Disadvantage : Difficulty in rapid storage and recovery of electricity.

ILMC races : 6 Hours of Silverstone 2011 (retired prior to start)
The LM P1 prototype of Mik Corse could not take part in the 6 Hours of Silverstone after going off the track after a fire. The Italian team, however, confirms that the hybrid system worked perfectly during the first free practice.

The Future
The car is currently under reconstruction. It should be back on track next year.

 

Julien Hergault

 Photo : REPTON (GBR), ZYTEK MOTORSPORT. Consisting of a generator, a battery and an inverter, the ZPH system weighs only 50 pounds.