Wednesday 23rd June 2004

Alternator/Starter

Award for clever combined unit

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Automotive component suppliers Valeo have won an award for theire reversible starter/alternator. The 2004 EPCOS/SIA Grand Prix of the Jury trophy thing was presented to Valeo's research and development team at the annual reception of the SIA, the French Society of Automotive Engineers, held yesterday in Paris, France.

Valeo's system combines the functions of a starter and an alternator into one easy-to-install unit. It enables the "start-stop" mode - a feature that automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, at a red light for example, and instantaneously and silently restarts it when the driver engages a gear or releases the brake. Consumers will benefit from up to ten percent fuel savings, zero emissions when the vehicle is at a standstill and reduced noise levels.

[chris_w]

I remember someone doing the start/stop technology a few years ago and coincidentally was yesterday wondering why it never caught on. Lets hope it works well and catches on this time.

I also presume you save weight over a traditional alternator/starter setup. Bonus!

[tt280]

I believe most of big the manufacturers are waiting for the new 42v standard to be adopted before going too far with starter/alternator/start/stop technology. The higher voltage offers greater efficiency and smaller lighter components.

[chris_w]

tt280 said:

I believe most of big the manufacturers are waiting for the new 42v standard to be adopted before going too far with starter/alternator/start/stop technology. The higher voltage offers greater efficiency and smaller lighter components.

That's interesting, thanks. Do you know when this is likely to be adopted?

[annodomini2]

It will come with the hybrid vehicles, vm's will only do it when it is viable, all the technology in the car has to be able to operate at 42v, or expensive voltage converters have to be employed to allow the existing technology to be used, leaving the car with complex wiring looms also adding to the expense (you must remember vm's will go to big lengths to save pennies on the production cost of a vehicle), this is why technology takes a long time to filter into the production car market.