Cost-effective and durable solution provides tyre information to driver and engineer for touring and GT3/GT4 cars
A cost-effective tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for touring cars has been developed by industry leaders BERU f1systems. Specifically for closed- wheel, road car-derived saloons and sports cars, the system provides accurate tyre pressure and temperature information for drivers and engineers to optimise tyre pressures and wear, as well as offering puncture detection.
A new feature, which is highly relevant to the touring car application, is the ability to switch wheel positions on the car without having to manually re-assign wheels sensors to different corners of the car. The turnkey system available from August 2008, is permitted for race and test in WTCC and dependent on regulations, other national series such as the BTCC (only testing, not race).
“BERU f1systems has specified durable, robust components that can survive the rigours of touring car racing,” says project engineer James Shingleton. “In addition, we have minimised part count to reduce cost and installation.”
The system comprises four wheel electronics and valves, one ECU, four LF triggers and two antennae. Compatible with all CAN based loggers and dash displays, the system transmits tyre pressures and temperature information to the display and/or logger for the driver and engineer to understand when tyres reach their optimum pressure, including advanced warning of deflations. The LF triggers are located in the wheel arches and are used by the system to interrogate the wheel sensors fitted to the car. They trigger uses a motorsport size 4 connector and high strength plastic enclosure for maximum reliability. The ability to switch tyres around the car without having to input the data simplifies preparation and saves time for the engineers.
“Engineers can now switch wheels without manually allocating wheel sensors,” continues Shingleton. “Switching tyres to balance out wear is common in touring car applications, our solution gives them more time to work on set-up rather than inputting data.”
The complete system is expected to cost £1400 which includes sensors for two wheel sets. Wheel electronics can comfortably last a full season’s race and testing, meaning there are no further on costs. A further option is the hand held Mini Analyser, which allows team personnel to wirelessly receive information about the tyres when the car is in the pits.
About BERU f1systems
Founded in 1993 and since 2001, a specialist division of BERU AG, BERU f1systems offers advanced design and manufacturing facilities for vehicle wiring harness systems, tyre pressure monitoring, stress measurement and composites. Supplied to world championship winning cars in every major formula and every Formula 1 team, components from BERU f1systems are now available in military, road car, aerospace and nautical applications.