Continued from page 9
transmission system uses less energy to distribute the lighter fluid.
Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oil technology also enables our thermal fluids to maintain excellent dielectric properties over the full lifetime of the Gen3 car – delivering enhanced power and efficiency for the team. The very low viscosity of the thermal fluids optimises the efficiency of the e-motor and inverter. Thanks to its dielectric properties, the thermal fluids also enable the direct cooling of the electric motor and inverter in the car – resulting in a better heat transfer between the heat source and cooling liquid to unlock higher and longer power peaks from the electric motor.
meaning it has at least 70% biodegradable content – supporting Formula E and Nissan Formula E Team’s sustainability aspirations. The thermal fluids are designed so that, as the commercial volume increases, it will be viable to recycle the fluid into re-refined base oils (RRBO). Indeed, we are now actively engaging with customers including OEMs to support the development of recycling in in the supply chain.
Partnering with Mahindra Racing
Since Season 5, starting in November 2018, Shell has also been a technical partner of the Mahindra Racing team. With the team’s engineers and gearbox supplier ZF, our team has co-developed a dedicated Race Transmission fluid and provided technical support across race calendars.
Durability and reliability The bespoke e-Transmission Fluids generate less friction and operate at an 8°C lower temperature compared with benchmarked competitor product – delivering enhanced durability and reliability for the team. The e-Transmission Fluid has been successfully tested by Nissan Formula E Team for over 4,000km.
Meanwhile, the thermal fluids are optimised for compatibility with the race car’s electrical components and have non-corrosive properties to protect the car’s powertrain – resulting in increased durability and reliability for the team. Effective thermal management is key to protect sensitive electrical parts from overheating and ensure they operate safely. The thermal fluids ensure optimal insulation to maximise the performance of electrical equipment and prevent any damages caused by short circuits or creepage current.
Sustainability The bespoke e-Transmission Fluid also uses a natural base oil sourced from renewable feedstocks,
10 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.175 JUNE 2023
Power and efficiency Our team thoroughly tested the bespoke e-Fluid specially engineered for the previous Gen 2 gearbox, designed by fellow team partner ZF. The results showed an efficiency improvement versus the originally intended conventional lubricant in all simulated driving conditions by up to 0.3% benefit. Thanks to the e-Fluids Technology, Mahindra Racing achieved a 0.2 sec time gain per race in Season 8 during 2021 and 2022. Moreover, thanks to our driveline test data, Mahindra Racing was able to optimise race strategies and target the most efficient driving conditions.
Durability and reliability
The bespoke e-Fluid was also tested extensively in the ZF engineered gearbox, simulating a total duration of over 40 races, which represent an equivalent distance of 12.000 km without an oil change – with no scuffing, pitting or extensive wear was observed during the durability test. The bespoke e-Fluid was subsequently run by Mahindra Racing in actual race conditions and proved its great hardware protection, having been used throughout Season 8 and without any fluid-related gearbox issues.
Sustainability
The Mahindra Race e-Fluid also uses an innovative base oil mix sourced from renewable biomass, resulting in more than 60% of contained carbon to be biogenic. This reduces the carbon footprint by 50% compared to a conventional Shell gear oil and leads to highly biodegradable content – supporting Formula E, Shell, and Mahindra’s sustainability aspirations.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
