Valeo Supports Research Project For First European Medium Sized Micro-Hybrid Diesel-Electric Commercial Vehicle

PARIS, February 26 -- Valeo is to collaborate with the UK Department for Transport, Ford Motor Company, Ricardo Consulting Engineers and the Gates Corporation on a EUR1.2 million government-funded research project. The "Hytrans" project aims to develop the first medium-sized commercial vehicle in Europe equipped with a micro-hybrid diesel-electric powertrain using Valeo's innovative belt-driven combined starter-alternator reversible system.

The Hytrans research project, announced today at Ford's Southampton Transit van assembly plant by David Jamieson MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, will run for one year. A major aim of the project is to implement a competitive micro-hybrid powertrain technology to achieve reduced fuel consumption of between 15 to 25 per cent over typical door-to-door urban delivery cycles leading to comparably lower CO2 emission levels. Systems integration expertise from all partners will ensure that the final demonstration vehicle is a fully engineered solution with promising practical applications in the commercial vehicles market.

Engineering resources committed to the project by Valeo will reflect the company's proven expertise in hybrid powertrain technology with particular emphasis on the integration of a belt-driven starter-alternator reversible system with design features, such as the "Start-Stop" and regenerative braking functions, that will both make significant contribution to the environmental aims of the project.

Martin Haub, Valeo Group Vice President, R&D and Product Marketing, commented, "The development of an affordable micro-hybrid system for the medium commercial vehicle market is a logical step following the Ricardo i-MoGen car programme, which has successfully demonstrated the fuel economy benefits of mild hybrid technology without compromising passenger vehicle performance".

In order to meet low cost and time-to-market objectives, the Hytrans research project is based on a standard production Ford Transit that will become the practical demonstrator for forthcoming micro-hybrid mass-market powertrain technologies in the medium commercial vehicle sector.

The Valeo belt-driven starter-alternator is a new generation of belt-driven starter-alternators that combines the functions of the starter and alternator into one easy-to-install unit made of the reversible electric machine and associated electronics. In alternator mode, high electrical output is generated with improved efficiency. Electronic control over the reverse motor mode of the alternator provides quick and silent engine starting. The machine uses standard alternator fixings and both generator and electronics are air-cooled.

This machine will equip Ford's latest 2.0-litre common rail 92kW diesel engine installed in the Transit demonstrator vehicle together with a package of electrical energy management devices including a battery management and disconnect unit and a Valeo DC/DC converter, supported by an optimised network architecture to guarantee energy dependability.

The features of the belt-driven combined starter-alternator reversible system selected for the project include:

- The "Start-Stop" function is a fuel saving feature that automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill and instantaneously and silently restarts it when needed. This function is fully compatible with urban door-to-door delivery cycles and offers significant fuel savings, no noise and zero emissions at standstill

- The regenerative braking function operates as soon as the driver lifts off the throttle pedal. This action sends an electronic signal to the starter-alternator to immediately convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored. Significant fuel savings can be achieved through this energy recycling.

Neville Jackson, Director, Technology Product Group, Ricardo, said, "This demonstration platform represents a significant milestone in fuel saving technologies. Its proven benefits address the needs of consumers for better fuel economy and lower noise and emissions during stop/start city use. The belt-driven starter-alternator is a key first step towards increasing power-train hybridisation in pursuit of low carbon emission vehicles. It delivers these environmental benefits without any compromise to the performance or feel of the vehicle compared with the same base engine."