Brake-by-wire Systems Expected to be the Most Successful Advanced Braking Systems in Future

DUBLIN, Ireland--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c51351) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report: Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Advanced Braking and Stability Control Systems to their offering.

This research service titled Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Advanced Braking and Stability Control Systems provides in-depth focus on the growth of advanced braking and stability control systems and the need for integration of different braking and stability control systems. In this research, expert analysts thoroughly examine the technologies, which include hydraulic, electro hydraulic, hybrid and electro mechanical braking technologies and also standard and advanced stability control technologies.

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

-- Hydraulic Braking Systems: The function of a hydraulic braking system commences from the pedal input by the driver. Based on this, the master cylinder and the brake booster develop the braking pressure by pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder. Then the pressurized fluid is transferred to the brake calipers located at the wheels and this is done with the help of hydraulic lines. The length of the hydraulic lines varies with the size of the vehicle and the design of the braking system.

-- Hybrid Braking Systems: As the name suggests, hybrid braking systems are a combination of two different braking systems. Typically, in a hybrid braking system, a hydraulic braking system is present on the front axle while an electro mechanical braking system is fitted on the rear axle. It is because of this partial hydraulic braking system and partial electro mechanical braking system; hybrid braking systems are termed as a step towards Brake-By-Wire.

-- Electro Hydraulic Braking (EHB) System: In an EHB system, the brake actuation and braking of the wheels are done by the hydraulic system while the brake pressure regulation is preformed electronically. In case of failure of the electronic brake pressure regulation system, there is a backup hydraulic brake pressure regulation system, which gets activated and the EHB system is converted to a conventional hydraulic braking system.

-- Electro Mechanical Braking (EMB) System: In an EMB system, the hydraulic lines are completely eliminated. The brake actuation and braking of the wheels is done at the wheel itself. The EMB system has an electro mechanical wheel brake module that replaces brake calipers at each wheel. The wheel brake module includes the brake discs and an electric motor which carries out the brake actuation by generating the necessary brake force. This required brake force is calculated by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which is present in a single control unit with the electronic pedal module which incorporates the electronic pedal feel or feet module. The hydraulic lines are replaced by electronic lines in an EMB system.

-- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This is an electronic stability control system, which has a central electronic control unit and different sensors in the vehicle for different measurements. The function of this system is to maintain the stability of the vehicle at all times and help the driver steer the vehicle during emergency.

Market Overview

Brake-by-wire Systems Expected to be the Most Successful Advanced Braking Systems in Future

Although over 95.0 percent of the European automotive market is currently equipped with hydraulic braking systems, beyond 2009-2010, the industry is expected to gradually shift towards more advanced braking systems such as electro mechanical braking (EMB) systems and electronic wedge brake (EWB) systems. Brake-by-wire systems such as EMB and EWB are expected to greatly influence the braking systems market scenario in the next decade and have the capability to replace hydraulic braking systems and become an industry standard on passenger cars in the future. With regard to stability control systems, the market is witnessing a strong growth, driven largely by the increasing awareness among customers of the benefits of the electronic stability program (ESP). Further, consumer feedback indicates that over 45.0 percent of end users across Western Europe will purchase a vehicle, if ESP systems are offered as standard and the future of braking systems lies in the integration of stability control systems with braking systems.

Considering the reliability issues associated with electro hydraulic braking (EHB), hydraulic braking systems are expected to continue their dominance in the market and maintain their market share until the end of this decade. While EHB systems are presently used in hybrid vehicles, alternative advanced braking systems such as hybrid braking system, EWB system and EMB system are still in the product development and testing stage and are expected to be available in the market only by the end of this decade or early next decade, says Mr. Rajagopalan, Research Analyst with Frost & Sullivan. Of these advanced braking systems, hybrid braking systems are seen as a step towards brake-by-wire, while EWB and EMB systems are identified as complete brake-by-wire systems.

Reliability of the Electronic Circuits and Necessity for a Higher Voltage System Pose Challenges

Advanced braking systems such as EHB and EMB systems require a higher voltage system in order to operate efficiently. One of the key reasons for the failure of EHB systems is the poor reliability of the electronic circuit in the system and this failure of the electronic circuit can be attributed to the absence of a high voltage system in conventional cars. Hence, in the quest towards advanced braking systems, reliability of the electronic circuits and the necessity for a higher voltage system in the vehicle are likely to act as major challenges for the European braking industry.

Currently, customer awareness of the benefits of advanced braking and stability control systems remains low. Hence, adequate customer education regarding the benefits of advanced braking and stability control systems could develop as a crucial driver for these systems in the market. The key to the success of advanced braking and stability control systems is in designing a reliable system, which offers maximum benefits to both the vehicle manufacturers as well as end users, says the analyst. Further, in ensuring maximum market penetration, the system needs be priced strategically and should cater to the needs of different vehicle segments.

Companies Mentioned:

-- 1. BMW

-- 2. DaimlerChrysler

-- 3. Fiat

-- 4. Ford Motor Company

-- 5. General Motors

-- 6. Renault - Nissan

-- 7. Honda

-- 8. Hyundai

-- 9. PSA Peugeot Citroen

-- 10. Toyota Motor Corporation

-- 11. Volkswagen

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c51351