Continental's ISAD Cuts Consumption and CO2 Emissions by up to 15 Percent

DETROIT, March 9 -- An increasing number of automakers now see the Continental Temic ISAD system as the key to lower fuel consumption, less CO2 emissions, and more enjoyable motoring. ISAD stands for Integrated Starter Alternator Damper, and following the debut of this "mild hybrid" technology in a General Motors light truck in 2003, the system is to be fitted to another US-built vehicle later this year. In addition, development engineers at Continental Temic are readying the system for volume production for two European carmakers.

Regenerative braking and start/stop function: Up to 15 percent less fuel

ISAD is the ideal technology to help automakers cut emissions and fuel consumption en route to meeting the voluntary commitment by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) to reduce average new-car-fleet emissions to 140 grams CO2/km by 2008. ISAD is also a key technology in the drive to meet new, stringent corporate average fuel economy legislation to be introduced in the USA.

During braking, ISAD generates electrical energy with a matchless efficiency of around 80 percent and stores it, ready to boost the performance of the internal combustion engine during acceleration. In simple terms, every time you brake, you reduce your fuel bill. The start/stop function also helps cut fuel consumption. As soon as the vehicle comes to a halt, the engine is automatically switched off. Then, the moment the driver depresses the gas pedal, ISAD restarts the engine almost silently, bringing it to full idling speed in just 0.2 seconds -- about ten times faster than a conventional starter motor. When the system is fitted to otherwise unmodified vehicles, these functions result in fuel savings of over 10 percent. When all of the relevant vehicle systems are modified accordingly, savings of up to 15 percent are possible.

More torque: Better acceleration

ISAD also makes driving more enjoyable by providing up to 200 Newton- meters of additional torque for the engine. This makes for a perceptible boost in agility and in turbocharged engines in particular the additional torque effectively smoothes out any turbo lag. Where there is no need to improve performance, ISAD makes it possible to achieve the same kind of performance with a smaller engine (downsizing). And as smaller engines have a lower basic level of fuel consumption there are added benefits in terms of environmental protection and resource conservation.

Vibration damping: Taming the bucking bronco

The patented ISAD control electronics can switch from alternator to electric motor mode within ten milliseconds. This makes the system an extremely effective means of offsetting torsional vibrations in the drivetrain by applying synchronized torque to the crankshaft, helping to avoid the "kangaroo" or "bucking bronco" effect.

Highly efficient system: Power for new functions

The ISAD system comprises an electric motor which is "wrapped around" the crankshaft between the engine and the gearbox or mounted on the side of the gearbox, control electronics, and a power storage unit. The storage unit combines an optimized version of the conventional lead-acid battery and a high-performance "Ultracap" capacitor. For greater efficiency, ISAD features a 42-volt island configuration which is compatible with current 12-volt and 24-volt onboard networks.

One very attractive feature is that ISAD can develop up to 15 kilowatts of electric power -- 5 kilowatts when the engine is idling -- to drive onboard or external equipment. That kind of power means that heater output can reach levels that previously called for engine-powered auxiliary heaters. In cold weather the interior is soon snug and warm, and the engine reaches operating temperature faster. That means less harmful emissions, a longer service life, and much safer motoring, because rapid-action heating for the windshield makes for good visibility.

With 2002 sales of approximately $12 billion (US), Continental AG is a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products. Continental Automotive Systems' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: www.conti-online.com and www.contitevesna.com .