This thesis analyzes the evolution of Formula 1 propulsion systems, focusing on thermodynamic efficiency and energy management and recovery strategies. The motorsport industry is undergoing an unprecedented ecological transition, outlined by the new FIA technical regulations set for the 2026 season, which aim to achieve carbon neutrality. This study presents a technical and thermodynamic comparison between the hybrid Power Unit architecture of the 2014-2025 era and the new generation of 2026-2030 powertrains. Specifically, the research evaluates the impact on the energy balance resulting from the removal of the exhaust gas thermal energy recovery system (MGU-H) and the enhancement of the kinetic energy recovery system under braking (MGU-K). With the deliverable electrical power increased to 350 kW, the new architecture dictates an almost equal power distribution between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the hybrid module. Furthermore, the transition from a fuel mass flow limit to an energy flow constraint is examined, alongside the mandatory introduction of 100% sustainable synthetic fuels (e-fuels). By analyzing power flows and the new operational constraints, this work aims to determine the repercussions of these design choices on overall thermodynamic efficiency and powertrain thermal management. The comparative analysis intends to demonstrate how these new engineering paradigms require a complete redefinition of power delivery strategies, confirming Formula 1 as a premier testing ground for the development of highly efficient, sustainable technologies.
Il presente elaborato analizza l'evoluzione dei sistemi di propulsione in Formula 1, focalizzandosi sull'efficienza termodinamica e sulle strategie di gestione e recupero dell'energia. L'industria del motorsport sta affrontando una transizione ecologica senza precedenti, delineata dai nuovi regolamenti tecnici FIA previsti per la stagione 2026, i quali mirano a garantire la neutralità carbonica. Lo studio propone un confronto tecnico e termodinamico tra l'architettura delle Power Unit ibride dell’era 2014-2025 e la nuova generazione di propulsori 2026-2030. Nello specifico, la ricerca valuta l'impatto sul bilancio energetico derivante dall'eliminazione del sistema di recupero dell'energia termica dai gas di scarico (MGU-H) e dal potenziamento del sistema di recupero dell'energia cinetica in frenata (MGU-K). Con una potenza elettrica erogabile incrementata a 350 kW, la nuova architettura impone una ripartizione quasi paritaria della potenza tra il motore a combustione interna (ICE) e il modulo ibrido. Inoltre, viene esaminato il passaggio da un limite basato sul flusso di massa del carburante a un vincolo sul flusso di energia, combinato all'introduzione obbligatoria di carburanti sintetici (e-fuel) al 100% sostenibili. Attraverso lo studio dei flussi di potenza e dei nuovi vincoli operativi, l'elaborato si pone l'obiettivo di determinare le ripercussioni di tali scelte progettuali sul rendimento termodinamico globale e sulla gestione termica del propulsore. L'analisi comparativa intende dimostrare come i nuovi paradigmi ingegneristici costringano a ridefinire le strategie di erogazione, confermando la Formula 1 come banco di prova d'eccellenza per lo sviluppo di tecnologie sostenibili e ad altissima efficienza.
Evoluzione propulsiva in Formula 1: studio termodinamico e strategie di recupero energetico nel passaggio alle Power Unit 2026
CRESTAN, TOMMASO
2025/2026
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the evolution of Formula 1 propulsion systems, focusing on thermodynamic efficiency and energy management and recovery strategies. The motorsport industry is undergoing an unprecedented ecological transition, outlined by the new FIA technical regulations set for the 2026 season, which aim to achieve carbon neutrality. This study presents a technical and thermodynamic comparison between the hybrid Power Unit architecture of the 2014-2025 era and the new generation of 2026-2030 powertrains. Specifically, the research evaluates the impact on the energy balance resulting from the removal of the exhaust gas thermal energy recovery system (MGU-H) and the enhancement of the kinetic energy recovery system under braking (MGU-K). With the deliverable electrical power increased to 350 kW, the new architecture dictates an almost equal power distribution between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the hybrid module. Furthermore, the transition from a fuel mass flow limit to an energy flow constraint is examined, alongside the mandatory introduction of 100% sustainable synthetic fuels (e-fuels). By analyzing power flows and the new operational constraints, this work aims to determine the repercussions of these design choices on overall thermodynamic efficiency and powertrain thermal management. The comparative analysis intends to demonstrate how these new engineering paradigms require a complete redefinition of power delivery strategies, confirming Formula 1 as a premier testing ground for the development of highly efficient, sustainable technologies.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/114605