Key Takeaways
- Formula 1 innovations have made their way into everyday life, including the chilled aisle of local supermarkets.
- The Williams F1 team sold their aerodynamic technology to Aerofoil Energy, which developed an airfoil to reduce energy costs in refrigerated cabinets.
- The airfoil, shaped like a blade, attaches to the front of each shelf and stops cool air from leaking out into the aisle, saving up to 30% in energy costs.
- The technology has been adopted by major supermarkets in the UK, including Sainsbury’s, M&S, Tesco, and ASDA, and is expected to pay for itself in less than a year.
- The innovation was nominated for the MacRobert Award in 2018 and is an example of how Formula 1 technology can be applied to everyday problems.
Introduction to Aerodynamic Technology in Supermarkets
Not all Formula 1 innovations end up in supercars. Some of them end up in some of the most ordinary places imaginable, such as the chilled aisle of your local supermarket. The open-fronted cabinets that make it easy to reach in and grab a bottle of soda have some of F1’s most innovative aerodynamic technology, sold to the company by none other than the Williams F1 team. This technology was developed to address a common problem in refrigerated cabinets: the loss of cooled air into the ambient air, which lowers the efficiency of the unit and makes the condenser work overtime.
The Airfoil Solution
The solution to this problem is an airfoil, a blade-like strip that attaches to the front of each shelf of the refrigerator cabinet. It was developed by UK firm Aerofoil Energy using technology built by Williams Advanced Engineering, which was at the time an orbiting part of the Williams F1 Group organization. The airfoil is shaped to stop the cool air from leaking out into the aisle, and it does so by creating a curtain of air that guides the cool air back into the cabinet. This technology is a direct result of the expertise developed in Formula 1, where teams use complex aerodynamics to create downforce and improve the performance of their cars.
How the Airfoil Works
The airfoil works by using the principles of aerodynamics to guide the air inwards. When air passes over the curved surface of the airfoil, it goes faster over the curved section, creating higher pressure on the flat surface. This creates a region of low pressure above the airfoil and a region of high pressure below it, which guides the air inwards. Williams put the shape through its suite of CFD tools, changing the geometry to work on lower air speeds and then making sure it could be produced and implemented cheaply and efficiently. The result is a simple yet effective solution that can save up to 30% in energy costs.
Real-World Applications and Results
The airfoil technology has been adopted by some of the largest businesses in the world, including Sainsbury’s, M&S, Tesco, and ASDA in the UK. According to Paul McAndrew, CEO of Aerofoil Energy, the technology will pay for itself in less than a year, making it a highly attractive solution for supermarkets looking to reduce their energy costs. The chilled aisles account for more than half the energy costs of a supermarket, making even a small percentage saving a massive win. The technology was nominated for the MacRobert Award in 2018, recognizing its innovative approach to reducing energy costs.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The use of Formula 1 technology in everyday life is a testament to the innovative spirit of the sport. The airfoil technology developed by Aerofoil Energy and Williams Advanced Engineering is a prime example of how expertise developed in one field can be applied to another, with significant benefits. As the world continues to look for ways to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency, it is likely that we will see more examples of Formula 1 technology being used in unexpected places. Whether it’s in the chilled aisle of a supermarket or on the road, the impact of Formula 1 innovation is being felt far beyond the paddock.
