Stop-start problems could lead to rise of ultracapacitors

The proliferation of start-stop systems in today's cars and trucks is pretty simple to explain. With these systems, manufacturers have an easy, mostly unobtrusive way of boosting a vehicle's fuel economy. As with just about anything though, there are drawbacks to modern start-stop tech.

In particular, they're not great when paired with today's lead-acid batteries. These batteries limit the ability of the start-stop function to operate based on factors like charge level and temperature. If the battery is outside the parameters, the stop-start system won't function, curbing any potential fuel economy gains. Obviously, this problem will only become more noticeable as the battery ages.

Ultracapacitors could solve this problem, though, according to a new report from Ward's Auto. Becauseultracapacitors can be cycled rapidly and they can store quite a lot of energy – they don't function via chemical reactions, like standard batteries – they could handle the stop-start duties when the battery isn't up to snuff.

There are other applications for the high-powered capacitors too, including regenerative braking functions, where their ability to harness energy can really be taken advantage of. Ward's has a great breakdown of the pros and cons in a fairly extensive feature on the future of this potentially big automotive technology.

News Source: Ward's Auto

Image Credit: AndyArmstrong/Flickr - CC 2.0

Ford adding stop-start to all major model lines

Ford has gone all-in on its efforts to offer most of its new vehicles with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, but the automaker is reportedly preparing to take another big step toward improving vehicle efficiency.Automotive News is reporting that Ford will soon expand the availability of start-stop technology, which was first offered – presumably the first non-hybrid vehicle, that is – on the 2013 Fusion (equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine) as a $295 option.

The benefit of start-stop is reduced fuel consumption as it shuts the engine off at long stops, and AN quotes Ford as saying that drivers can save more than $1,000 on fuel costs over five years. Despite this, the option hasn't been popular on the Fusion thus far, but it could be more beneficial on bigger vehicles like the F-150. Ford also said that the next-gen Edge, which was previewed in concept form at the LA Auto Show, will be equipped with auto start-stop to help make the EcoBoost engines even more efficient.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

Denso creates li-ion battery designed for stop-start vehicles

PRESS RELEASE

DENSO Develops Lithium-ion Battery Pack for Stop/Start System
- Further increases fuel efficiency on vehicles with stop/start -

KARIYA (Japan) - DENSO Corporation has developed a lithium-ion battery pack that further increases the fuel efficiency of vehicles with stop/start systems. DENSO's new battery pack allows the stop/start system to use more regenerative power than current conventional systems that use a single lead-acid battery. DENSO's battery pack consists of a battery management unit and power supply control switch, as well as battery cells that are provided by a third-party source.

Improved Fuel Economy
DENSO's new lithium-ion battery pack stores regenerated power and then supplies the stored regenerated power to the electrical and electronic components, such as the car navigation and audio systems. This reduces the power generation required by the alternator, which results in an overall load reduction on the engine and improves the vehicle's fuel economy.

Compact and Lightweight Battery Allowing for Increased OE Design Flexibility
The new battery pack is naturally air-cooled and therefore does not require a dedicated battery cooling system. Because there is no need for auxiliary cooling components, this allows the battery to be lighter and more compact. This enables automakers more design flexibility, which is important for vehicles with limited space.

DENSO Stop/Start Available Technology
DENSO has developed different types of starters to meet the specific needs of its customers for their stop/start systems, including the Advanced Engagement (AE) Starter, Permanently Engaged (PE) Starter, and Tandem Solenoid (TS) Starter. Also, DENSO developed a Cold Storage (CS) Evaporator which increases the effectiveness of idle-stop, particularly at high temperatures.

DENSO supplies the lithium ion battery pack, the TS starter and Cold Storage Evaporator on the Suzuki Wagon R, which Suzuki Motor Corporation launched to market earlier this month. DENSO will continue its efforts to expand these technologies to other automakers and other regions in the world.

About the Battery Pack Components

DENSO Battery management unit
DENSO Battery Management Unit monitors and controls the voltage of the lithium-ion battery cells to maintain the proper charge level to protect them from overcharge and over-discharge.

Power supply control switch
Depending on the operational status of the vehicle, this device controls the charging of the battery cells by the energy captured during deceleration and braking. It also controls the amount of power supplied to the car navigation, audio, and other systems during driving.

Battery cells
High-power rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells, which have a higher energy density and charge more quickly than lead-acid batteries, can efficiently store more regenerated power quickly to vehicle's electronic and electrical components.

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electric, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 35 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs over 120,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, totaled US$38.4 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9.5 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

* Dimensions: 200 × 178 × 70 mm (length × width × height)
Weight: 2.5 kg

Jaguar introduces AWD for XF and XJ; V6, 8-speed transmission and stop/start

Jaguar is introducing a new All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system to its 2013 Model Year XF and XJ saloon cars for selected markets powered exclusively by a new 340PS (335 hp, 250 kW) 3.0-liter V6 supercharged gasoline engine, a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, and Stop/Start technology.

Jaguar AWD. Click to enlarge.

Jaguar AWD operates intelligently, continuously monitoring grip levels and driver inputs to both pre-empt and react to wheel-slip, enabling maximum traction in all conditions.

Feed-forward torque distribution allows the system to actively anticipate wheel slippage and prevent it occurring, therefore providing greater driver confidence and vehicle stability in low-grip scenarios. Torque split can be up to 50:50 front/rear. At speed in normal grip conditions the AWD system is rear-wheel drive-biased.

The longitudinal engine installation means Jaguar’s engineers were able to retain the rear axle as the primary drive path, with a multiplate clutch within the transfer case apportioning torque to the front axle as dictated by grip conditions and driver inputs.

Providing the power for the All-Wheel Drive system is Jaguar’s new all-aluminium 3.0 V6 S/C 340 gasoline engine, which delivers 450 N·m (332 lb-ft) peak torque output produced from 3500-5000 rpm, with 400 N·m (295 lb-ft) available from just over 2000rpm for low-down pulling power.

The 3.0 V6 S/C 340 utilizes dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) and spray-guided direct injection (SGDI), allied to new spark plug orientation that aligns the electrode precisely within the combustion chamber for enhanced efficiency. These features, along with a compression ratio of 10.5:1, optimize power, torque and economy throughout the rev range.

The latest twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger is mounted in the V of the engine and features electronically managed boost control which offers operating efficiencies of up to 20%. A system of counter-rotating front and rear balancer weights devised by Jaguar’s engineers ensure the V6’s refinement matches that of the marque’s 5.0-liter gasoline V8s.

Utilizing a twin solenoid starter, the Jaguar Intelligent Stop/Start system is able to restart the engine in less time than it takes for the driver’s foot to move from the brake to the accelerator.

The All-Wheel Drive system utilizes the eight-speed automatic gearbox, standard on all XF and XJ models for the 2013 Model Year, but modified to accept the fitment of a transfer case with an active coupling which directs torque to a new front propshaft, front differential and halfshafts as required.

The multiplate wet clutch coupling directs torque through the front propshaft as dictated by the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM), which monitors grip levels and driver inputs, apportioning the torque front and rear as appropriate.

In order to accommodate this All-Wheel Drive hardware in both the XF and XJ, a new front subframe, cross member, engine mounts and exhaust system have been engineered. The system has been optimally packaged with the front driveshafts running through the engine sump for a lower centre of gravity. The engine itself receives a recalibrated ECU to allow it to communicate with the active transfer case while under-bonnet modifications have been carried out to the fuel lines, hoses, air intake and exhaust to accept the new systems. A new engine undertray and heatshield incorporates a transmission tunnel acoustic pack to ensure refinement is identical to the rear-wheel drive models.

In dry road conditions, the All-Wheel Drive system operates in such a manner that all the dynamic qualities of the rear-wheel drive models are preserved by prioritizing torque delivery to the rear axle. The exception to this is on pull-away from rest when a pre-load torque is always applied to the front wheels to ensure smooth initial acceleration.

This is governed by the feed-forward element of the control algorithms, whereby situations in which wheel-slip might occur are predicted and accounted for by delivering torque to the front wheels as a pre-emptive measure to eliminate the possibility of a loss of grip. Because it is an active, rather than passive, torque delivery method, feed-forward allows the car to offer all-wheel drive security entirely unobtrusively while retaining dynamic rear-wheel drive handling characteristics.

The system constantly monitors road conditions, throttle and steering inputs and should any slip be detected between the front and rear axles, the TCCM will automatically apply reactive feed-back torque to negate any difference in front and rear wheel speeds. The maximum torque split is 50:50 front to rear.

When operating in Winter mode—selected by using the Jaguar Drive Control buttons—the feed-forward function is strengthened to pre-empt the possibility of wheel-spin. In addition, the Dynamic Stability Control system constantly monitors wheel-slip across each axle and uses the anti-lock braking system to selectively brake each of the four wheels as necessary to prevent wheel-spin.

Jaguar Drive Control also offers the driver the option of Dynamic mode in which throttle response is sharpened and the gearbox is instructed to upshift more quickly and at higher revs. Dynamic mode also firms up the damper settings in vehicles equipped with Adaptive Dynamics to deliver more precise, controlled body movements to enhance handling. In Dynamic mode, the All-Wheel Drive system operates in the same manner as in Normal mode.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is 9.8L/100km, equivalent to 234 g CO₂/km.

Source: Green Car Congress

Ford concentrates on control strategies for low-cost start-stop system for Fusion

The new Ford Fusion will be the first non-hybrid Ford vehicle available in the US with Auto Start-Stop. Priced at an incremental $295, Auto Start-Stop can improve real-world fuel efficiency by 3.5%, and can pay for itself in fuel savings in less than 18 months, according to the company.
In its quest to keep the system very affordable, Ford wanted to keep the supporting battery a 12V battery, but also didn’t want to compromise durability, said Birgit Sorgenfrei, Ford’s Auto Start-Stop program manager. The company focused heavily on developing control strategies not only to ensure smooth and robust restarts and driver comfort, but also to minimize the negative impacts of the start-stop duty cycle on the Advanced Glass Mat (AGM) battery. As a result, Ford engineers have more than 25 patents pending for innovations developed in the electronic control strategy for the $295 system.
One of the critical parameters for a start-stop system battery is dynamic charge acceptance (DCA). In a recently published paper with colleagues from RWTH Aachen University and Digatron Industrie-Elektronik GmbH, Eckhard Karden of Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Europe noted that:

Stop-start and regenerative braking are the hybridization features used for micro-hybrids, while avoiding the need for a high volt (above 60V) electric motor and traction battery. In it most widespread and lowest cost implementation, the topologies of a micro-hybrid vehicle’s powertrain and electric power supply system are the same as in conventional vehicles with internal combustion engine, i.e., a 14V generator with modified control algorithms and one lead-acid battery (or sometimes two) perform the brake energy recuperation.

Together with novel vehicle functions like electrically assisted brakes and steering systems, or cabin pre-heating during key-off, micro-hybridization confronts the starter battery with substantially increased energy throughput by micro-cycling with a typical amplitude (depth of discharge, DOD) around a few percent state of charge (SOC) or less. Fast recharge of the battery during these micro-cycles under a broad range of real world usage conditions, like temperature and driving profiles, is a pre-requisite for consistently high availability of stop/start and other essential functions for the customer.

It has been proposed to characterize the recharge ability of vehicle starter batteries as dynamic charge acceptance (DCA). Fuel savings due to regenerative braking critically depend on the DCA of the battery. With an appropriate modification of the alternator control strategy, lead-acid batteries can provide brake energy recuperation functionality.

—Budde-Meiwes et al.

While the energy throughput of AGM batteries is generally sufficient, DCA is an acknowledged challenge as the battery can’t handle more than a half to a third of the power the alternator can provide.
Although other approaches to lead-acid such as PbC or alternative electrochemical systems such NiZn can offer weight reduction, promise longer service life and better charge acceptance, there are as yet unproven at volume and over time, and system integration into 14 V power supply systems could pose a challenge, Ford says.

AGM batteries are actually a very good solution for start/stop. They are used extensively throughout European applications. It is a more durable 12V lead-acid battery. It has been proven in bench testing as well as being able to deliver on the target.

Many of the patents associated with [the Fusion start/stop system] make sure that the system recognizes the battery capability and works to those. The power of our system is that the controls that are used to determine if the engine shuts down or is started take into account the battery, both in terms of short term charge availability as well as in terms of lifetime. We want to make sure that both are maintained in a healthy zone.

We look at what kind of current draw is being used in the vehicle, the powertrain controller makes the decision based on those measurements to ensure that the battery remains healthy.

—Birgit Sorgenfrei

The Ford system. Until now, most non-hybrid vehicles with Auto Start-Stop have only been available with manual transmissions, but US drivers overwhelmingly opt for automatic transmissions. The new Fusion is the first Ford vehicle to offer Auto Start-Stop with a self-shifting gearbox. Since an automatic transmission needs to maintain internal hydraulic pressure even with the engine off, Ford added an electrically driven pump to the transmission along with the upgraded starter motor and the absorbed glass mat battery.
In order to minimize launch delays after a restart, the engineers wanted to keep the transmission in gear even with the engine off as opposed to shifting it into neutral. This required some unique control algorithms for the engine and transmission, Sorgenfrei said.
The control software includes a simulation model of the electrical system that constantly monitors the accessory loads. The model factors in the current draw from features like headlights, climate control, audio system and window defoggers to predict how much power will be available with the engine off and how fast the battery will drain. If the electrical load is demanding too much from the battery, Auto Start-Stop may be disabled to prevent a rough restart or being stuck with a flat battery.
Voltage blending is another technology Ford is seeking to patent. While the engine is running, the alternator produces about 14 to 15 volts, but the battery only produces 12 volts with a full charge. When the Fusion is slowing down with Auto Start-Stop enabled, the load model tracks the vehicle speed and deceleration and then calculates when to ramp down the voltage from the alternator to the battery-only level before the Fusion stops. This blending helps to ensure the driver doesn’t experience any light dimming or sudden fluctuations in ventilation fan speed.
The Auto Start-Stop team has also filed several patent applications related to the signal monitoring and controls for the climate control system. In addition to the cabin temperature and humidity, Auto Start-Stop monitors the temperature of the evaporator core that starts to rise before the occupants even feel a change inside the car. When this happens, the engine will restart sooner.
The 2013 Fusion with Auto Start-Stop also provides coaching to the driver.

When Auto Start-Stop is disabled because of a high accessory load, we wanted drivers to understand why so that they could opt to switch some things off if it’s appropriate. If the rear defrost is still on but the window is clear, they can switch it off to gain the efficiency benefit of shutting down the engine when the car stops.Auto Start-Stop engineering supervisor Kirk Pebley

Johnson Controls to Build $100 Million Start-Stop Battery Plant in China

PRESS RELEASE

Due to increasing global demand for high-quality automotive batteries for environmentally friendly Start-Stop technology, Johnson Controls is investing $100 million to build a Start-Stop vehicle battery plant in China. The plant will supply global and local automakers in Asia and is expected to start production in early 2013.

Johnson Controls, the global market leader in automotive batteries, is expanding its operations in China. As announced by the company during its press conference at the 64th Internationale Automobilausstellung, Johnson Controls plans to produce an annual capacity of 2.4 million Start-Stop batteries by 2015 for local and global automakers.

"We project that China will continue to be the fastest growing market for automobiles through the end of this decade. At the same time, interest in the environment and more energy efficient vehicles is driving many of our OE customers to add Start-Stop vehicles to their fleets," said Kim Metcalf-Kupres, vice president strategy, sales and marketing at Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "We are working closely with our customers globally to ensure they receive the same levels of performance and reliable quality everywhere as we establish regional capacity in line with growing demand."

The company is exploring several potential locations for the new plant and expects to make a final decision in the coming months.

Johnson Controls investing $520 million globally for additional Start-Stop battery capacity

Johnson Controls anticipates the market for Start-Stop vehicles will grow to 35 million globally by 2015. To support this rapid growth, the company is investing $520 million worldwide over the next four years in additional production capacity for Start-Stop batteries: $280 million in Germany, an additional $140 million in the United States, and $100 million dollars in China.

Johnson Controls is currently the leading supplier of Start-Stop batteries in Europe through its VARTA(R) brand. In Germany, the company's plants in Hanover and Zwickau produce more than 11 million Start-Stop batteries annually. The company is also adding 6.8 million units of capacity in the United States.

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 154,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. http://www.johnsoncontrols.com

Johnson Controls to invest $138.5M in Toledo battery facility to support start-stop market; projecting 70-92% demand globally for start-stop systems i

JCI is projecting between 70-–92% demand for start-stop systems in new vehicles by 2020 in the Europe, North America and China markets, squeezing out conventional ICE vehicles. Source: JCI. Click to enlarge.

Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) plans to invest $138.5 million to convert its battery plant near Toledo, Ohio into an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery facility for start-stop and other higher efficiency vehicles. Subject to final state and local incentives, the facility will be the company’s first such plant in the United States.

Alex Molinaroli, president for Johnson Controls Power Solutions, said that the company sees the start-stop vehicle technology market growing to 35 million batteries globally by 2015—including batteries not put into new vehicles—with the United States as an important piece of the market. By 2020, JCI projects, demand for start-stop systems in new vehicles will reach 70–92% in Europe, North American and China—essentially supplanting conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Johnson Controls’ Toledo investment will add 6 million in AGM battery capacity to the company’s North American AGM footprint by 2013.

Start-Stop is a technology applied to a standard gasoline-powered vehicle that automatically shuts the engine off during idle, reducing fuel use and emissions by 5–12 percent, and restarts when the driver engages the clutch or releases the brake pedal.

In a presentation at Johnson Controls Power Solutions Analyst Day, Craig Rigby, Vice President Global Product Engineering, noted that key energy storage attributes—cycling, usable energy, and charge acceptance—tend work against each other. Battery charge acceptance allows a system to capture braking energy to replenish the battery after a start-stop event. A commercially viable system must balance improved charge acceptance with cost and complexity, he said, noting that most current vehicles do not fully utilize the charge acceptance of existing technology.

While there are a number of alternative technologies being proposed for start-stop—such as carbon additives to the negative plate; replacing lead negative plates with carbon plates; or coupling an AGM battery with ultracapacitors—all face challenges and have an impact on cost, he said. AGM, on the other hand, provides the best balance of attributes and aligns with most current and future application requirements, he argued.

VARTA AGM battery. Click to enlarge.

Johnson Controls is currently the leading supplier of start-stop batteries in Europe through its VARTA brand. In 2010 the company supplied 3 million VARTA Start-Stop batteries in Europe, and is adding capacity there to reach 11.2 million batteries by 2015.

In addition to Start-Stop, our Original Equipment customers are also turning to our AGM technology to support many of their other new high efficiency vehicles that place similar aggressive demands on the battery. Our Toledo facility will be very important in helping to establish the same leadership here in the United States.

—Jorge Guillen, vice president, Start-Stop, for Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Pending final state and local approvals, Johnson Controls will receive a combination of tax credits and incentives from the state of Ohio totaling $25 million. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and the first line will launch production in spring 2012.

Source: Green Car Congress

Opel adds stop/start technology to Corsa, Astra ecoFLEX models

2011 Opel Corsa

Press Release

* Ready to go: World premiere of Ampera production car
* Lounge On Wheels: Vision of next-generation Zafira
* More frugal than ever: Start/Stop further improves ecoFLEX range's efficiency
* Redesigned: New Antara and Corsa debut in 2011

Rüsselsheim. The series production model of Opel's revolutionary extended-range electric vehicle, the Ampera, will make its grand premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (March 3-13). First deliveries will be made before the end of this year. With this, Opel makes good on its promise to be the first manufacturer to make this highly innovative technology available in Europe.

Fair visitors will also get a glimpse into the future of Opel's next-generation Zafira: The Zafira Tourer Concept brings on-board flexibility to a new level of sophistication and comfort, showcasing how an elegant Lounge On Wheels could look.

More of Opel's future as a leader in sustainable mobility will also be displayed with the latest low-emission ecoFLEX models. Entering the market in early 2011, the re-worked Corsa and Antara will also be featured at the Opel booth.

Opel Ampera production car – e-mobility within drivers' grasp

Keeping the promises it made in the last years, Opel will continue being a trendsetter with the market introduction of the Ampera by the end of this year. The production model of the Opel Ampera that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show does not deviate from the targets set during the development phase while its bold design remains very close to that of the early concept cars.

The Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will be the first electric car in Europe suitable for everyday driving: it gives drivers the peace of mind that they won't be stranded due to a flat battery. With its unique electric propulsion system providing lively acceleration and high levels of refinement, the five-door Ampera seats four passengers and offers ample trunk space. It is powered by electricity at all times and speeds. For the first 40 - 80 kilometers, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera moves free of gas and tailpipe-emissions.

Independent research found that about 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 kilometers per day, so the Ampera would easily meet their requirements. When the Ampera's battery runs low, it can be recharged in about four hours at 230V by plugging the vehicle's on-board charge system into a standard outlet. Because the battery can be recharged quickly, most Amperas are likely to be driven in battery mode all the time. If a longer trip is required, the gasoline-fueled engine/generator can seamlessly extend the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank. This range-extending technology makes the Ampera the first practical car with worry-free electric driving. The extremely quiet 111 kW/150 hp electric motor delivers 370 meters torque from a standstill. It accelerates the Ampera from zero to 100 km/h in around nine seconds and enables a maximum speed of 161 km/h.

Zafira Tourer Concept: A Lounge On Wheels

In , Opel will also present the vision of what a new generation of its larger monocab, the segment-defining Zafira, could look like. Dubbed a "Lounge On Wheels", the Zafira Tourer Concept features an airy and bright interior executed in high quality. "We've applied the lounge concept to a motor vehicle," says Mark Adams, Vice President Opel/Vauxhall Design. "A lounge is a place you want to escape to and relax, a place where you really want to be. We wanted to offer the same feeling in a monocab and make it the lounge you want to spend time in."

All in true Zafira fashion, Opel's new concept car offers highest possible cabin flexibility to meet most needs for space, with a great emphasis on rear passenger seats. The cabin is also generously glazed to invite light, enhance the feeling of wellness and a peaceful openness to the outside world.

The spacious and sophisticated lounge-style interior is embraced by an elegant, sculptured and dynamic exterior, featuring a new, bold face that integrates a dramatic wing shaped headlamp that creates a very dynamic look.

The Zafira Tourer Concept brings Insignia ambition, quality and innovative technologies to the monocab segment. It is designed to ensure that every journey is pleasant, safe and relaxing for all aboard.

Opel ecoFLEX family: More efficiency thanks to Start/Stop technology deployment

Opel stands for sustainable and practical mobility without compromising on driving fun. Opel ecoFLEX models enable low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without skimping on performance or dynamic driving – all at an affordable price.

The new ecoFLEX family displayed in features two major novelties:

* The Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX now combines its 70 kW/95 hp powertrain with Start/Stop technology, offering combined fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per 100 km and emitting just 94 g/km CO2 .

* Start/Stop technology is also available in the new version of the Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX (70 kW/95 hp). In the 5-door hatchback, it reduces CO2 emissions from 109 to just 104 g/km and combined fuel consumption from 4.1 liters to 3.9 liters per 100 km. While the 5-door hatchback is available with and without the Start/Stop system, the new Sports Tourer 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX has it as standard (fuel consumption 4.1 l/100 km, emissions 109 g/km CO2).

With the deployment of Start/Stop technology all through the model range, Opel has taken another major step towards its goal of lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

Start/Stop technology is now available in the Opel Agila, Corsa and Astra. Before the end of 2011, it will also be offered in the Meriva, Zafira and Insignia.

Starting 2011 – the new face of Opel Antara and Opel Corsa

Starting in the spring of 2011 with accentuated exterior design, new engines, newly tuned chassis and an upgraded interior, the re-designed Opel Antara combines sporty off-road flair with high utility value and urban chic. The fully re-worked engine line-up consists of two new 2.2 CDTI units with 120 kW/163 hp and 135 kW/184 hp, and a new 2.4 ECOTEC gasoline variant with 123 kW/167 hp. All engines meet Euro 5 emissions standards and guarantee improved driving performance with significantly reduced consumption and emissions. The two available transmissions – a six-speed manual and an automatic – have also been completely newly developed. Refinements to the chassis and active safety include improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on grades.

Following the overhaul of everything under its skin in 2010 – engine line-up, chassis and steering system – the Opel Corsa gets a new wardrobe in 2011. A redesigned face lends it a sportier, expressive look; new exterior colors and interior ambiances as well as a great offer of individualized, sporty versions make it more attractive than ever. The new multimedia infotainment system called "TOUCH & CONNECT" features a color touch screen, full navigation coverage for 28 European countries, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections at a very competitive price. The 70 kW/95 hp ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI version now equipped with Start/Stop technology benefits from 8.7% lower fuel consumption in the urban cycle. Overall, it only requires 3.5 liters per 100 km and emits just 94 g/km CO2.

Ashwoods Automotive Offers Retrofit Hybrid Drive Kit as Well as Start/Stop Kit

The Ashwoods Hybrid Drive System Layout. Click to enlarge.

UK-based Ashwoods Automotive, a provider of hybrid-electric vans and hybrid drive systems, is offering a hybrid drive retrofit kit for panel vans. The proprietary system can be fitted in less than four hours and delivers a reduction in fuel consumption from 15-25%, depending upon the vehicle’s drive cycle.

The company has also developed a retrofit stop/start engine system, which can further reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 5-10%.

The Ashwoods motor generator unit. Click to enlarge.

Current customers of Ashwoods’ Hybrid Transit vans include Riverford Organics, the Environment Agency, Transport for London and the Borders Agency, plus the councils of Camden, Coventry, Gateshead, Hackney, Islington, Leeds and Liverpool. Ashwoods is the sole supplier of hybrid vans into the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP). Ashwoods is delivering more than 130 vehicles in Phase One, accounting for more than 68% of the total LCVPP fleet.

Ashwoods is also heading a consortium including Citroen, LifeBATT and SevCon to develop a new generation of hybrid drive trains scalable from 25 kW up to 150 kW, in a £1.8-million (US$2.8-million) project part-funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board.

Hybrid drive. The Ashwoods Hybrid Drive consists of two main components: an electric motor/ generator that drives the rear axle and the Intelligent Power Pack Module (IPPM). The IPPM contains the battery (Lithium iron phosphate), the Ashwoods hybrid control unit (HCU), the Motor Controller plus all power electronics and controls.

Communication with the vehicle is via the standard OBD socket.

When a fleet manager wants to sell the hybrid van, Ashwoods can decouple the system, refurbish it and fit it to another vehicle in their fleet.

Ashwoods has already delivered more than 130 of its Hybrid Transit vans, launched in 2009, to public and private sector fleets.

Stop/start. Ashwoods says that its Stop/Start Module is suitable for most light commercial vehicles, including panel vans such as the Ford Transit and car-derived vans like the Vauxhall Combo. A competent mechanic can fit the module in less than an hour and it does not affect the vehicle’s vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

Source: Green Car Congress