Aviation tech-powered turbocharger gives Ferrari extra thrust in F1

Honeywell has announced that it has worked with Scuderia Ferrari to develop one of the most efficient turbocharger applications in Honeywell's history, leading to greater power for the 2015 Formula One season.

The greater engine power is driven by more efficient use of air flow by the turbo’s turbine wheel, which uses exhaust gases to drive a compressor wheel pumping ambient air into the engine. In general, for each percentage point of efficiency gain by the turbine and the compressor wheels, the engine can produce 2kW and 1kW of more power respectively.

Since Formula One adopted new rules in 2014 requiring race cars to be turbocharged, Honeywell has been achieving ever greater levels of turbo efficiency for automotive applications.  Drawing on its aerospace technological resources and experience, Honeywell's automotive turbochargers are approaching standards and sophistication comparable to aviation industry standards.

“When you consider that exhaust gas temperatures approach the temperature of lava, and internal tip speeds for the turbo’s turbine wheel are approaching 600 metres per second, you begin to see the challenges for bringing durability and performance together,” said Craig Balis, vice-president and chief technology officer for Honeywell Transportation Systems. “We are bringing the full resources of Honeywell to this opportunity to work with Scuderia Ferrari. It has been a collaborative effort and one that is leading to positive results as we have seen early on with consistent podium finishes and a victory in Malaysia.”

Photograph courtesy: LAT Photographic