Formula 1 racing is undoubtedly the ultimate sporting event in terms of both performance and speed. And this race is as much about development as it is about the track itself. Our teams are constantly pushing back the technological boundaries to improve performance and reliability. The same applies to the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team, which recently called on Flir Systems to help it collect essential thermal data relating to various tracks and production activities.
In 2014, Flir Systems was named Infiniti Red Bull Racing's innovation partner. Since then, the famous racing team has been working with Flir to collect thermal data on its 2014 title car, the RB10. During this partnership, Flir develops solutions using its world-renowned mini thermal cameras, such as the Lepton camera core, to provide the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team with unique data on the thermal characteristics of their cars' operation and components. Effective temperature management of the cars is an essential aspect of reliability.
Christian Horner, Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team Principal, looks back on the collaboration: " This year is marked by a series of changes, some of the most significant that Formula 1 has seen in the last ten years. The team that manages most effectively to collect useful data, learn from it and apply it will be the one to triumph during this season of transition. The information we can access using Flir technology will be essential in understanding how the new car works, and in giving us the edge over our rivals. "
" Thermal imaging has become an essential tool for monitoring temperature management and tire performance. Experience in this field will be crucial from a technological point of view in the demanding environment of modern Formula 1 racing.. "
Production activities
However, Infiniti Red Bull Racing's use of thermal imaging is not limited to the track. Infiniti Red Bull Racing's head office in Milton Keynes, UK, pursues the same goals of performance and reliability. Here too, Flir Systems' infrared cameras are helping to control the critical temperatures of the company's assets. To this end, the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team has purchased infrared cameras and various test and measurement equipment.
" As our partnership has grown, we've taken advantage of the company's extensive experience in electrical measurement equipment and infrared technology to support us off the track too. ", says Alan Peasland, Director of Technical Partnerships. " So we have technology for the runways, but also Flir's help inside and outside the company.. "
Fast, reliable inspections with Flir cameras
" FLIR E4 & E8 cameras have dramatically improved the way we carry out electrical and IT maintenance and inspection activities. ", says Steven Geary, maintenance manager at Infiniti Red Bull Racing. " When inspecting the plant's extensive network of electrical switches and junction boxes, we can thermally identify hot spots and problem areas where live wires are exposed. Being able to do this without any physical contact has significantly improved the safety of our team. It has also increased the speed and reliability of our maintenance activities, reducing downtime in the plant."
" The MSX mode is one of the best features of the FLIR E series cameras. It enables us to obtain a high level of detail under the existing image, so that we can see identification codes, the number of circuit breakers etc. on the actual thermal image. "
Precise testing and measurement with Flir equipment
In addition to its existing range of Extech test and measurement equipment, Flir Systems also launched a new line of test and measurement products in 2014. From the outset, these new T&M tools were built to incorporate high-end features: advanced diagnostics, improved productivity and enhanced connectivity. The Infiniti Red Bull Racing team has also added a number of these products to its maintenance tool kit.
The new FLIR DM93 digital multimeter is now being used by Infiniti Red Bull Racing's electronics department, as well as by the site's installation departments. " An extremely precise and versatile tool that is now in daily use by our team ", says Paul Everington, Director of Electronics at Infiniti Red Bull Racing. " With Bluetooth connectivity, we'll soon be able to send test results remotely, from the race track to our UK headquarters via our mobile devices. "
The Infiniti Red Bull Racing team also uses the FLIR CM83 power clamp meter. Steven Geary, maintenance manager at Infiniti Red Bull Racing: " Precision and accuracy play a major role in all our Formula 1 activities. Current clamps are now an essential part of my electrical engineering and maintenance team's toolbox, offering excellent quality and reliability. "
The team has also purchased the FLIR VP52 voltage tester pen and uses it for electrical installations and fault detection in the site's many buildings.
Learn more: www.flir.fr