Scientists at NUI, Galway are working on developing a new energy saving system to power the electronic components of cars for a consortium of the world's biggest car manufacturers.
Modern cars feature an increasing amount of electronic components from power steering to heated seats and the consortium which includes Ford, DaimlerBenz, General Motors and Volvo intends to transform engines into mini power plants generating electricity to power their electronic components.
Prof Ger Hurley of the Power Electronic research centre, which was approached by the consortium because of its track record in the area, said that in future hydraulics will be replaced by electronics with electronic steering, braking and suspension systems.
"Today we are at a point where electrical system loads have quadrupled over the levels of the mid50s when the 12 volt battery and the 14 volt alternator were first introduced into automobiles. Today's vehicle has more onboard computing power than the Apollo spacecraft of the late 1960s."
The Consortium on Advanced Automotive Electrical/Electronic Components and Systems is developing a new 42-volt system electrical system which lead to cars generating kilowatts of power allowing auto designers to adopt electronic systems that will improve fuel conservation and air quality.
Prof Hurley said: "Each new generation of vehicles contains even more sophisticated electrical and electronic components to create comfort and safety, for example ABS (anti-skid) and airbag control.
"In the future, with electrical suspension and air conditioning, and many other advances, more power will be needed. This is the reason why the main car manufacturers in the world have agreed upon a new vehicle electrical power system," he added.
The device will see power being drawn off the alternator in the automobile engine, and using a higher voltage to push energy through the wires will power everything from air conditioning to electronically controlled valves.
Prof Hurley said electronically controlled components such as brakes would be more sensitive and have the ability to react much quicker than their hydraulic counterparts.
However, this amount of electronic components could result in problems with the functioning of cars as the increased wiring carrying the signals may interfere with each other.
The Galway research team will be running tests to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of a new device before it can be used in a vehicle through immunity and emission tests.
Signals sent from the motor to the brakes, for example, may pass a sensor controlling the airbag and in the worst case scenario result in the bag failing to operate.
As part of the consortium led by Prof John Kassakian at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, the Galway centre will ensure that each new product is compatible with other onboard software and products.
All the major car companies have agreed to adopt the standard of a 42 volt electrical system and the consortium expects the first car company to incorporate the system between 2003 and 2005.
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