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EBERSPAECHER -IAA 2011 - Control unit innovation by Eberspaecher Controls regulates new Mercedes Benz SLK roof glazing(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 12 August 2011 Release date- 11082011 - Esslingen,- Nothing works any more without the support of an electronic control unit - even in the new Mercedes SLK. A highlight of the new roadster, and, at the same time, an active contribution to environmental protection, is the electro chromatic auto-glazing that can be darkened at the touch of a button - regulated by a control unit innovation from Eberspaecher Controls. Further electronic components for automotive start-stop systems and engine-off coasting are also key topics of the company's presentations at the International Motor Show (Hall 8, Booth A 33). Magic Sky Control is the name Mercedes has chosen for their innovation. Yet the operation of the electro chromatic glass roof requires no magic - but just the touch of a button. Thanks to an innovative control unit, it can be switched to transparent or dark. 'Electronically switchable smart glass is far more effective than classic blinds or conventional thermal insulation glass could be', says Frank Giraud, Business Development Manager at Eberspaecher Controls, who accompanied the controller project to series-production readiness. Electronics in touch with the times When the glass panel is subjected to an electrical voltage, particles in the glass structure are aligned in parallel, so that light is able to pass through. If the voltage is switched off, the particles lose this alignment and return to their original position, which blocks the light. A pleasant side-effect of the shading: infrared and ultraviolet light are also blocked. Compared to conventional green thermal comfort glass, the electro chromatic glass helps to keep cabin components up to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler. Mercedes cooperated with a renowned glass specialist for this development, but counted on the competence of Eberspaecher Controls for the control unit. Efficient energy management with power semiconductors Products designed by Eberspaecher Controls support efficient energy management. Electronic components of the specialist are responsible for power supply stabilization in many automobiles with start-stop systems, for example Audis, VWs and Porsches, during traffic light stops. This is only one of the technical fuel consumption control measures in modern cars that Eberspaecher Controls has new solutions for, in addition to their range of DC-DC-converters, q-diodes and e-relay solutions provide alternative stabilizing approaches for networks with additional back-up energy storages. Engine-off coasting The importance of engine-off strategies for fuel consumption management is increasing. Apart from vehicles with 'classic' start-stop systems, hybrid electric vehicles, in particular, can benefit from q-diode technology for engine-off coasting. Engine-off coasting describes the state in which a vehicle continues to move when the accelerator is released (e.g. on a downward slope or when an HEV is using just enough electric power to overcome the tire friction), but with the engine switched off. The problem is that, in most cases, the alternators then also stands still. This compromises the power supply stabilization, a problem that is elegantly solved with the q-diode solution by Eberspaecher Controls, which does not need to rely on electromechanical components. 'Stabilizing the on-board electrical system voltage and safely distributing high-current power requires reliable, compact solutions that conventional electromechanical systems have failed to provide in the past. As a power semiconductor solution, our system helps to fulfill these requirements, and is a key technology for future generations of hybrid electric and electric vehicles', says Frank Giraud. [Editorial queries for this story should be sent to [email protected]] ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2011 Electronic News Publishing - |