Samuel Treleaven

Project Overview

This project investigates the effect of applying KERS to UWTSD’s MCR Sports 2000 race car around the Silverstone International track. Various experiments, calculations and discussions were carried out including coast down tests and wheel lock limit calculations to assist in the production of a simulated KERS lap. The data was then analysed, and it was found that energy could be recovered four times throughout the track and deployed three times accumulating to 9.76 seconds. Having the KERS implemented caused the lap time to be 1.82 seconds quicker which is a 2.7% decrease in the lap time. Factors such as the car measurements, governing body and championship regulations, component specifications and safety influenced the investigation throughout. The calculated KERS lap was only carried out in Excel and not in the Base Performance Simulator due to the interruptions of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Why did you choose this course? 

I choose to study Motorsport Engineering because I had really enjoyed working on my own cars and competing in rallying. I wanted to make these passions into my full-time job and knew it was the industry I wanted to be in.

Why did you choose UWTSD?

UWTSD is one of only a few universities which offer Motorsport Engineering as a degree. After going to a few open days, UWTSD was the best option in terms of course content, engineering facilities and how practical the modules are. The workshop times being so flexible and open to use was a big reason for choosing UWTSD, as well as their race team. But the biggest reason would be how hands-on and practical the modules and learning is, it suits my learning style perfectly.