Optimal control of Formula One car energy recovery systems

The utility of orthogonal collocation methods in the solution of optimal control problems relating to Formula One racing is demonstrated. These methods can be used to optimise driver controls such as the steering, braking and throttle usage, and the optimisation of vehicle parameters such as aerodynamic down force distributions. Of particular interest is the optimal usage of energy recovery systems. Contemporary kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) are studied and compared with future hybrid kinetic-thermal energy recovery systems known as (ERS-K) and (ERS-H). It is demonstrated that these systems, when properly controlled, can produce contemporary lap time using approximately two thirds of the fuel required by present-day