The Penske Formula E motor racing team is using Driver-in-the-Loop simulation for product development and circuit acclimatisation
As the Penske Autosport team mounts its title challenge in the 2024 FIA ABB Formula E Championship, it is turning to Ansible Motion’s Delta S3 Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulator to improve performance and train its drivers.
With 48K image rendering, a full 360° wrap-around screen, real Formula E cockpit environment and Ansible Motion’s motion, vision, audio and computer solutions, Penske Autosport will benefit from a highly immersive tool to develop and improve the complex mix of powertrain, software and race strategies needed to succeed in the all-electric world championship.
The Delta S3’s ability to replicate highly dynamic manoeuvres in real time with ultra-low latency enable Penske engineers to validate torque mapping, electro-mechanical driver controls and other specific areas which are vital to understand the sensitive inputs synonymous with getting the most from a Formula E car. The Delta S3 connects seamlessly with on-board ECUs for the powertrain and the eight CAN bus networks used in the category’s chassis. This offers engineers and drivers the ability to interact in real-time with Hardware in the Loop (HIL) and Software in the Loop (SIL) systems – replicating what they will experience in the real car.
Nicolas Mauduit of Penske Autosport says that the benefits of a Driver-in-the-Loop simulator are significant.
“Our drivers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Éric Vergne, will rely on it, as well as our engineering team to maximise performance,” he says.
By focusing on a human-centric, physics-based approach to simulation, and by closely monitoring field use cases, Ansible Motion has continuously evolved its patented Stratiform six-degree-of freedom motion base over the years. Penske Autosport’s simulator features a Stratiform 3 (S3) with 360° yaw capability, a large 4m by 4m ground plane motion envelope and a Quick-change Cabin System (AML QCS). Motion cueing is further enhanced by Ansible Motion’s steering, driver body loading and haptic feedback systems, which are fully integrated into the Formula E cockpit environment.
2018 and 2019 Formula E Champion, Jean-Éric Vergne says that realism is particularly important for him. Some simulators look good on paper, but somehow fail to deliver a realistic experience.
“They can be nervous or ‘buzzy’ in a way that’s not quite right – and that’s ultimately not acceptable for working with our engineers to develop the car for maximum performance. Compared to other simulators, the Delta S3’s motion and visual cues are superior, matching exactly what I’d expect from a physics perspective,” he says.
Technical benefits include seamless integration with tools such as rFpro, an engineering-grade visual simulation environment, which delivers accurate track surface modelling and visual content that, when coupled with Ansible Motion’s vision, motion and audio systems, maximises driver immersion and, ultimately, real-world physics correlation.
According to Dan Clark, managing director at Ansible Motion, human-vehicle interaction is a key part of optimising performance, and that is a real differentiator for on-track success in Formula E.
“We are delighted to supply Penske Autosport with a turn-key Delta S3 system that meets the team’s needs today and into the future. Drawing on the skills and integration capabilities within the wider AB Dynamics group, we are able to deliver this simulator to support Penske Autosport in its pursuit of excellence,” he says.
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