Modeling and Control Calibration of Cooling Strategies in Formula 1 Power Units: A Zero-Dimensional Approach

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the impact that effective cooling system management can have on the performance and reliability of a Formula 1 power unit. To this end, a zero-dimensional (0D) modeling approach was adopted, enabling fast simulations while maintaining a good level of accuracy. An idealized cooling system was studied, in which the intercooler and engine water cooling circuits can operate either in coupled or decoupled mode, in order to assess how dynamic management of these configurations influences engine performance and safety. Starting from a pre-existing 0D model, additional subsystems (ERS and oil radiators) were integrated and new models were developed, including the estimation of ERS heat rejection and the generation of heat rejection maps based on experimental data. The control system, also provided as a baseline, was modified and calibrated to optimize the trade-off between performance and thermal safety in different operating scenarios, including race start, pit stop, and timed lap. The study was conducted using a reference track (Abu Dhabi), chosen for its particularly demanding climatic conditions, which represent a severe test for engine thermal management and performance. The simulation results highlight how a calibrated and dynamic management of the cooling circuits allows for a reduction in turbo lag and the maintenance of temperatures within safety limits, even under the most critical conditions. This work emphasizes the importance of accurate modeling and structured calibration for the development of effective control strategies that can be applied to real systems.