The search is on in the world of commercial vehicles for new ways not only to reduce the strain on the environment but also to lower costs in operating budgets.
Fuel optimization for commercial vehicles is the goal of a new type of assistance system made by Bosch: Eco.Logic motion. Its focus is to use extended navigation data, such as information about gradients and bend curvatures, to optimize the engine and transmission control systems. Sophisticated algorithms ensure a reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Development engineers at Bosch’s Car Multimedia division have devised special hardware that is capable of taking into account manufacturer-specific algorithms for cutting fuel consumption and emissions. Eco.Logic motion thus acts as a predictive sensor for optimizing the driving strategy and making it more cost efficient. “Under its imperative “Invented for Life”, Bosch will always be committed to innovation and improvement in the area of road safety and environmental sustainability” said Guido Gring, Vice President of Automotive Aftermarket, Sales Independent Aftermarket for Middle East and Africa. “Conserving the environment, its resources and making the roads safer has long since been on the global agenda. The “globalization” of environmental sustainability and road safety prompts Bosch leadership in technological innovation for the automotive sector. Such leadership looks at this region as one of the main markets,” he continued. Bosch has been able to accomplish the first series production project with this new system together with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The jointly developed “Predictive Powertrain Control” system is being introduced to the new Actros in the late summer of 2012. Bosch is supplying the hardware, software platform and electronic horizon for this, and Mercedes-Benz has developed the corresponding application software. The system creates a three-dimensional image of the surroundings based on a digital map that also includes information on gradients and bends. This image combined with precise data about the vehicle’s location obtained via GPS (Global Positioning System) is used to calculate a preview of the vehicle’s surroundings – referred to as the “electronic horizon” – that goes far beyond such near-field sensor technology as radar or video sensors. Based on the information gleaned from the dynamic electronic horizon and from the comparison with current vehicle parameters, the application software simulates an environmentally friendly driving strategy. For this purpose, it calculates a suitable speed and an appropriate gear selection for the route section ahead. This information is then compared with current parameters and is transmitted to the vehicle’s powertrain as instructions that are followed by the engine and transmission control units, thus enabling the vehicle, for instance, to accelerate when most appropriate or avoid unnecessary gear changes shortly before the crest of a hill. Eco.Logic motion offers fundamental benefits through lower fuel costs and reduced pollutant emissions. It quickly pays for itself both in individual vehicles and in entire vehicle fleets and contributes to resource conservation. Furthermore, the hardware platform and system software provide Bosch engineers with other areas of application, such as in the field of hybrid, battery and thermal management. With such intelligent systems designed to meet specific needs, commercial vehicles will in future become even cleaner and more economical.
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