Greener car technology reduces emissions
Environmentally friendly technology has burgeoned in recent years, particularly in the road transport sector. However, since market penetration of electric and hybrid vehicles is slow, it is important to upgrade the technology of conventional vehicles as well. Road transport is the second largest producer of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Europe and the EU-funded project 'Energy efficient vehicles for road transport' (EE-VERT) set out to address this challenge. The project worked on running a car's auxiliary systems on clean electricity produced from heat energy and braking power, as well as from solar cells integrated within the vehicle. It envisioned a reduction of 10 % to 20 % in fuel consumption while maintaining a highly favourable cost–benefit ratio. To achieve this aim, the project team built a highly efficient energy management system, powering systems such as steering and air conditioning through electricity rather than mechanised fuel-led power. The concept of energy recovery showed a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, thanks to novel advanced electronic controls and to the activation of required systems only on demand. New components in the prototype vehicle include intelligent alternators and a novel generator that operates on an optimal 40 volts for maximum efficiency between 70 % and 80 %. This has been coupled with a 40-volt lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, combined with an ultra-efficient battery management system and voltage warning mechanisms. Another key accomplishment has been the design of the DC/DC converter to interface between two voltage levels, as the 14-volt power supply is still required for some vehicle components. The project team also developed an electric vacuum pump to replace the mechanical brake boosting system, as well as a fuel pump to enhance engine performance and minimise fuel circulation. Lastly, the project team studied the safety implications of a dual-voltage architecture to ensure that the technology does not pose any hazards. If all these advances are adopted in combination, today's vehicles may become up to 20 % more efficient without radical changes to major components. It will lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a greener environment while we develop the next generation of clean cars in the coming years.
