GREEN BrÜAKEs
- A RED HOT TOPIC IN MOTOR RACING
As motor racing goes green, materials, and discs made of
Formula I is aiming to lead feÜous metal. The resulting
automotive research in finding friction generates heat, which
hi-tech efficiency gains. One is wasted. In performance cars,
of the keys to this ecological this phenomenon is taken
drive is regenerative braking to extremes, and due to the
(also known as kinetic energy high temperatures generated,
recovery), which recovers brake discs are often made out
energy generated during of ceramics.
The carbon discs and pads used
on Formula I cars generate
so much heat that they glow
red hot. High temperatures
are, in fact, necessary for the
effective operation of carbon
brakes. But there3 still plenty
of potential for recovering the
kinetic energy, rather than
mere|y dissípating it ín the
form of heat.
The potential for recovering
energy also extends to the
heat generated by engines
and exhaust systems. This
area has also been discussed
as a oossible area for future
exploitation in motor racing.
Heat recovery might offer the
added benefit of reducing
heat soak ítherma| absorption
by the chassisf as delicate
alloy parts and sensitive nonmetallic
materials, such as
polymers, are susceptible to
heat damage.