Introduction:
In the world of clean-energy racing, the Porsche 99X Gen 3 racecar is making waves with its impressive performance in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Powered by simulation, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team is optimizing its electric powertrain to gain a competitive edge on the track. Additionally, Formula Student Team UGRacing is using Ansys software to develop an electrified single-seater for Formula Student racing, shaping the automotive engineers of tomorrow. This article explores how simulation is accelerating electric powertrain optimization and driving innovation in the world of electric racing.
Accelerating From Zero Toward Zero Carbon With Ansys:
In the ABB FIA Formula E racing series, efficiency is key. Every kilowatt hour of power from the EV battery is critical for success on the track. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team relies on simulation to analyze electric powertrain component performance and optimize efficiency. By using Ansys Maxwell and Ansys Twin Builder simulation software, engineers can detect and optimize even the smallest details in the powertrain. Starting from 90% efficiency, the team works to improve performance and address unplanned effects that may arise during analysis.
Ansys, Porsche Motorsport, and the Next Chapter for EV Development:
By partnering with Ansys, Porsche Motorsport gains valuable insights from simulation data that can be integrated into various electric vehicle programs. This collaboration accelerates EV development across Porsche’s product portfolio, allowing the team to adapt to different racing environments and climates. The knowledge gained from the racetrack is directly applied to developing high-performance, efficient powertrains for road cars like the Porsche Taycan.
On the Road to Something New With UGRacing:
As a Formula Student racing team, UGRacing is using Ansys software to develop an electrified single-seater for Formula Student competitions. The team benefits from the Ansys Student Team Partnership, which provides free software, resources, and support for development. By simulating designs, UGRacing can ensure safety and optimize performance for their autonomous race car project in preparation for the 2026 season. The team collaborates on various software teams to tackle challenges in perception systems, sensors, and pathfinding for autonomous racing.
Being able to simulate things, when it comes to competition, we are informed about our car, we can justify our design choices without having to spend three times the amount of money that it took to build one car in order to be able to have physically tested everything. So it’s absolutely imperative to our design process.”
Simulation is essential for UGRacing to design safe and efficient vehicles without excessive physical testing. The team collaborates on budgeting, scheduling, building, testing, and iterating on vehicle designs, gaining valuable experience and preparing for careers in engineering. Through the use of Ansys tools and solvers, students conquer new challenges in thermal, fluid, and mechanical vehicle dynamics, setting the stage for future innovation.
It’s a Wrap:
“Driven by Simulation” has showcased how simulation is revolutionizing the world of racing, both on and off the track. From Formula E to Formula Student competitions, Ansys software is driving innovation and shaping the future of electric racing. As we lower the checkered flag on this docuseries, we look forward to the continued impact of simulation on the automotive industry.