Hi
Sorry, this is long question, but can someone help me understand?
I was trying to explain the LMP-H energy recovery categories or the four "hybrid powertrain options" as they are called by the WEC and got a bit confused.
(for a start the use of the word drivetrain is confusing as "drivetrain" for me is the engine type and layout - e.g. V8 driving the rear wheels and it appears that the engine drivetrain choice at LM and in WEC this is completely free provided it is a conventional engine and less than 5.5l in size).
I reviewed the Guide and the Blog on this topic
http://clubarnage-2014.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/hybrids-and-mega-joules-explained.htmlI understand that there are also four LMP-H hybrid powertrain options. These are defined by how much hybrid energy is released per lap, using the Le Mans circuit as the baseline. The options are 2, 4, 6 or 8 MegaJoules per lap. (They will release less at other circuits because they are smaller!). As they go up, they get to use less fuel. So if they get more hybrid energy the regulations take the advantage away.
So....
<2 max Petrol 94.3 Kg/h, Diesel 8.01 Kg/h
<4 max Petrol 91.9 Kg/h, Diesel 79.0 Kg/h
<6 max Petrol 89.5 Kg/h, Diesel 77.0 Kg/h
<8 max Petrol 88.5 Kg/h, Diesel 75.1 Kg/h
So if a car sits in a higher category, they have less fuel energy per lap. The higher energy recovery and release doesn't necessarily make the car more powerful or any faster, but is will allow them to refuel less and stay out on track longer than the cars that cannot recover and use less energy.
So, is the advantage of manufacturers working hard to recover and use more hybrid more energy and get into a higher hybrid powertrain level simply that the cars don't have to refuel as often and and stay out on track or is there more to it.
So is that it or do they get to have more power or have I missed something else?
Aricus
