Renault Power Unit Hardware & Software

[iichel]

The RB13 at Singapore



Found the image on Reddit.

[ncassi22]

The Renault intake plenum* has an odd shape. Bell said they have found an interesting solution in that area (for the air supply or was it for the cooling?)
*Or is that another intecooler (placed in front of the manifold) you can see one the sidepod-intercooler-to-the-manifold pipe, with the green cap, just behind that thing
https://twitter.com/Albrodpul
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIj-EDYWsAA4yYq.jpg

Hmmm variable volume plenum? A diaphragm type device maybe?

[ringo]

It's a water to air intercooler similar to what ferrari is doing.
They employ both air to air and water to air cooling.

Maybe it gives additional control of inlet temperatures.

[63l8qrrfy6]

I'm pretty sure Renault's trumpets move vertically within the plenum while Honda's and Merc's move longitudinally.

Given how much teams struggled with uniform flow distribution back in the NA days Renault's solution doesn't seem ideal. It also looks like their whole intake is a lot taller - probably because runners are quite long due to the low engine speeds.

Edit - after another look at the picture in the Honda thread I'm having second thoughts - could be anything hidden under that snorkel and within all the intercooler plumbing.

[Blackout]

http://www.f1i.com/magazine/magazine-te ... -images/5/
More food for your thoughts

[Blackout]

IMO one of the reasons that plenum is so swept forward is the need to free as much space as possible at the back of the V for the new compressor air duct... The new turbo seems to be much compact and closer to the PU, and the new compressor's intake has been placed inside the V, à la Ferrari, IMO (while it was outisde in 2014-2016)...
And maybe that plenum hides a small air-water intercooler too... or a diaphragm-like system

[Jolle]

Looks like more they have a packaging problem with the combination of a short wheelbase (having the shortest engine bay of the top runners) and the fact that the air intake has to go over the PU, where at Mercedes for instance, it's right at the front. Looks like they tilted the whole variable intakes forwards, to give it space. Looking at it, I don't see a water cooler right away. Even Ferrari got rid of the "in the V cooler" to make room for the intake system.

[baybars]

Taffin said that engine structure similar 2017 and 2018 opposite Abiteboul comment

"There is still a big focus in trying to follow our road map and make sure that next year's engine is there.
"As it is an engine that is close to this one, it is easier to transfer ideas from one to the other."

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13046 ... magicEURTM

As I understand Renault will bring small upgrade and they need work reability

Taffin said Renault is focusing on ensuring reliability is good for the remainder of the season so the works team can achieve its target of the being the fourth quickest car by the end of the year.

We are on a good trend and we will keep adding performance in terms of both aerodynamics and engine so hopefully this can be seen in the upcoming races.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13133 ... ne-updates

[ringo]

It may benefit them to go split turbo, while keeping the integrity of the individual parts to prevent teething and reliability issues next year. The packaging is very untidy with the conventional turbo layout.

[63l8qrrfy6]

Split turbo is a durability nightmare. Renault have been struggling with TC/MGUH in the current configuration, going split is probably the single worst thing they could do.

[mclaren111]

Split turbo is a durability nightmare. Renault have been struggling with TC/MGUH in the current configuration, going split is probably the single worst thing they could do.

Just ask Honda

[godlameroso]

Mercedes is doing ok qith split turbo.

[noname]

Mercedes is doing ok qith split turbo.

But it took a long time to make it work. Renault has a enough "challenges" with its current engine, they do need another one. Especially as big as this.

[ringo]

I think it's a small price to pay for the long haul of the next three years.

[63l8qrrfy6]

Mercedes is doing ok qith split turbo.

It failed on Valteri's car. How many times did the Ferrari's turbo fail this year ?
When it is so close 1 DNF is unacceptable.

Ferrari have almost equalized with a normal 'short' turbo.