The Kinetic Energy Recovery System

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Last year, the importance of developing hybrid technology was embraced by the FIA and, from the start of the 2009 season, Formula One cars will be required by regulation to collect, retain and re-use kinetic energy that would otherwise have been dissipated as heat under braking.

Regulations allow the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) fitted to a Formula One car to collect and store energy during braking at a rate of 60kW - the equivalent of a thousand 60W light bulbs switched on simultaneously. Up to 400kJ of this stored energy can then be re-introduced into the drivetrain each lap at a rate of up to 60kW; an increase in overall power of about 10%. Drivers will have a 'boost' button allowing them to deploy this extra energy tactically during a race, for instance in order to overtake.

On track, therefore, KERS will not only increase the efficiency of Formula One cars but the systems could contribute to more exciting racing. Once these technologies have been validated in the highly demanding environment of Formula One, wider application beyond the race track will advance the progress of mainstream hybrid vehicles.

Williams is the only team on the grid to be using a flywheel system - it is this system that is demonstrated in our latest film which also includes interviews with the team's Chief Designer, Ed Wood and CEO of Williams Hybrid Power, Ian Foley. Included in the material is also an animation of the team's KERS.

For more information about our KERS, please visit: www.williamshybridpower.com