Simulation software supports Forze’s hydrogen race car in Dutch Supercar Challenge
The Forze Hydrogen Racing Team, affiliated with the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands, is using Cruden’s Panthera Simulator Software to advance its energy management strategies for its hydrogen race car, set to compete in the 2024 Dutch Supercar Challenge.
The collaboration with Cruden, a provider of simulation software to the motorsport and automotive industries, aims to showcase the sustainability and performance potential of hydrogen technology.
Dennis Marcus, commercial manager of automotive and motorsport at Cruden, said, “Forze was using a basic simulator package that was only beneficial for track learning. Since driver-in-the-loop simulation is key to developing and tuning race cars, Forze decided to implement Panthera Simulator Software, via which they are now running the Forze vehicle dynamics and powertrain models on their simulator.”
Entering its 15th year, ninth race car and third season in the Dutch Supercar Challenge, the Forze Hydrogen Racing Team is entering this year’s challenge with the Forze IX car. The race car is built on a Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) chassis, which features two hydrogen fuel cells, four electric motors and an 8.4kg capacity hydrogen tank, compressed to 700 bars.
Forze says the IX has more than 800hp peak power and a top speed of 300km per hour, while emitting only water vapor to ensure a clean exhaust.
The introduction of a second fuel cell and an additional supercapacitor energy storage system was intended to enhance performance, providing a 600kW power boost compared with the previous model.
“Of the multiple elements of the Forze IX race car that have a computer model, some of them require testing with a driver in the loop. The Forze team is able to develop energy management strategies in the simulator and train their drivers accordingly. They can practice, simulate and learn how to manage the fuel cell, when to utilize the full power from the battery and when to regenerate, and how to make braking choices in the race,” added Marcus.
Championship organizer Dick van Elk explained, “Hydrogen-powered cars are very likely to play a role in the future of mobility, and motorsport is a good environment to develop this technology. As organizers of the DSC, we are happy to have Forze competing with us and introducing the potential of hydrogen-powered cars to a larger audience.”
Tested at the Circuit of Zandvoort toward the end of 2023, the Forze IX is undergoing further development as the team integrates the hydrogen system into the vehicle. It will make its debut at the Zandvoort GP circuit on April 14.
