I'm doing a paper on the efficiency of modern F1 engines. Anyone have any facts and/or points I can bring up? Do you guys see the efficiency argument with F1 engines a marketing stunt or is it really something of substance?
For ICE based power unit a thermal efficiency of 50%+ is indeed something that brings the ICE concept further and may expand its lifespan in roadside vehicles. But the costeffectiveness of this complex technology limits widespread use. When battery technology breaks through with a high enough energy capacity (kWh/kg): many ICE powerunits will be replaced by electric power units, although ICE technology will still be there, I would think in mining equipment, agricultural equipment etc.
Large industrial ice engines are approaching or exceed F1 power unit efficiencies. When you’re not constrained as much by weight and packaging (aero) , it opens up some other options.
Bear in mind: 'engine efficiency' is in relation to designated usage profile parameters.
From cost to produce/operate, to durability/longevity &/or ability to meet emissions reg's.
F1 engines are tightly constrained by proscriptive constructional rules, yet are not required
to meet the tougher emissions standards of regular road-going vehicles, as sold for public use.
"Well, we knocked the bastard off!"
Ed Hilary on being 1st to top Mt Everest,
(& 1st to do a surface traverse across Antarctica,
in good Kiwi style - riding a Massey Ferguson farm
tractor - with a few extemporised mod's to hack the task).
Massive marine diesels have been slightly over 50% for decades but smaller diesels struggle to get close to 50%. This higlights the achievment of F1 designers/developers who have been able to match the most efficient ICEs on earth with a 1.6 litre engine running at 10,500 rpm and very high power density.
(combined cycle GTs making 60%+ are part ICE, part ECE)
There is a lot of reading in the forums here including plenty of evidence of the efficiency levels.
