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Tomorrow's Vehicles Need More `Juice' to Run High Tech Electronics

25 January 2000

Tomorrow's Vehicles Need More `Juice' to Run High Tech Electronics, Researchers Say at SAE 2000 World Congress

    WARRENDALE, Pa., Jan. 25 -- New vehicle options such as
in-car computing, heated mirrors and seats, rear air conditioning blowers and
global positioning systems are quickly "maxing out" the electrical capacity of
today's 12-volt automobile batteries.  And while consumers aren't concerned
about battery voltage, automakers and their suppliers are.
    Numerous presentations on the issue and its possible solution -- the
42-volt electrical system -- will be made during the SAE 2000 World Congress,
at Cobo Center, March 6-9 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
    Today's consumers are demanding more vehicle options than ever before.
These options are requiring more power than what the 14-volt car (the voltage
of today's 12-volt cars while running) can provide.  For the past decade,
automotive engineers have been working behind the scenes to address the
problem.  The answer appears to be a 42-volt automotive electrical system.
    The new electrical system offers consumers more electrical power while
allowing auto engineers to adopt many new electronic systems that improve fuel
consumption and air quality.
    For example, in 42-volt cars, camshafts, water pumps, power steering and
brakes, and air conditioning compressors may be electrically controlled,
rather than belt-driven.  Dedicating the engine to actually running the
automobile, rather than moving belts, improves efficiency.  In addition, a
42-volt integrated starter/alternator provides nearly instantaneous starts,
and enhances driving performance and vehicle safety.
    Making the transition won't be inexpensive since everything in the well-
established 12-volt battery infrastructure, from light bulbs to fuses, must
change.  That's why many engineers, including Andreas Pechlaner and Dr. Alfons
Graf of Infineon Technologies, agree that a complete changeover to 42-volt is
unlikely in the near future.  Pechlaner and Graf will present their research,
"42-V PowerNet Door Applications," at SAE 2000 World Congress.
    Other SAE 2000 42-volt papers include: "Impact of 42V Automotive
Electrical Systems on Fuses" and "Fuses for Future Vehicles with 42V Rated
Electrical Systems."  Numerous companies who are developing 42-volt
technologies will exhibit at SAE 2000 World Congress.
    SAE's Cooperative Research Program has organized a 42V Consortium which
aims to understand the effects and limitations of 42V architecture.  Companies
interested in participating should contact, Gary Lecuru, glecuru@sae.org.
    SAE 2000 World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive
engineering technologies, attracts attendees from more than 50 countries.  To
attend, visit http://www.sae.org or call 1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S.
and Canada, call 1-724-772-4027.