Aeristech Speeds Ahead with Le Mans
14.12.2011
Aeristech Ltd recently entered an exciting new market when it was awarded a Le Mans design study project. In August, an automotive OEM with a Le Mans motorsport team, approached Aeristech for its hybrid-turbocharger expertise and commissioned an initial feasibility study based on their specific application requirements. For Aeristech, the study, which involves working closely to its customer’s exact needs, yields two significant benefits. Its commission provides recognition in a fresh market, while its results will support Aeristech’s strategic direction of mainstream automotive turbocharging.
Aeristech’s years of turbocharger experience, through the development of its own ground-breaking Fully Electric turbo which eliminates turbo lag while partially recovering exhaust gas energy, has given it knowledge in complex areas such as vibration control and control system development. This will be employed to examine high temperature flow in hybrid-turbocharger engines. The project also challenges Aeristech’s experience in high temperature exhaust gasses, with Le Mans exhaust temperatures typically beyond 1000 degrees Celsius. Bryn Richards, Aeristech CEO, commented “We are excited to be a part of our customer’s development strategy. We are working together to introduce hybrid turbocharging to Le Mans, and Aeristech’s systems will play a powerful role.”
Beginning with the 2013 season, the Le Mans regulatory body Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) will allow hybrid-turbocharger engines in competition. This alteration is due to the engines’ potential regarding Motorsport’s continuing pursuit of greater fuel efficiency and faster acceleration, coupled with a more recent desire for greener more ecologically responsible cars.
Historically, Le Mans is renowned for advancing the automotive industry, with many inventions crossing over into mainstream automobile manufacture, most notably in aerodynamics, brake systems and engine performance. These developments are often the result of companies keen to gain advantage over their competitors and use the innovation encouraged by rule changes, such as the allowance of hybrid turbochargers like Aeristech’s Fully Electric motor, to gain speed and/or fuel efficiency. With this heat study, Aeristech is proud to enter a new market and thus join the Le Mans history of invention.
