i-MoGen Mild Hybrid Vehicle With World-Class Fuel Economy Announced
CLICK HERE FOR IN-DEPTH "MOGEN" INFO
PARIS--June 27, 2002--Valeo (Paris: FR; OTC:
VLEEY) and Ricardo today announced that the development cooperation
signed last year has resulted in the successful development of a mild
hybrid demonstration vehicle, "i-MoGen" (Intelligent Motor Generator).
The program and system level design, both conceived by Ricardo,
have optimally combined numerous electronically controlled Valeo 42
Volt systems and Ricardo's powertrain, integration and control
expertise. A global customer preview program has recently been
launched and i-MoGen is set to become the benchmark in
production-ready fuel saving technologies, achieving an impressive 28
percent improvement in fuel economy without compromising vehicle
performance, driveability or comfort. i-MoGen meets all future
anticipated emissions legislation.
i-MoGen, based on a current production Opel Astra, has been
equipped with a Ricardo-developed high output down-sized 1.2 liter,
74kW diesel engine and a uniquely programmed supervisory controller
that links Valeo's 42 Volt systems to ensure maximum performance
whilst minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. The 42 Volt systems
from Valeo include an integrated starter-alternator, a DC/DC
converter, an advanced battery management system, intelligent engine
cooling and a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.
Martin Haub, Valeo Group Vice President, R&D and Product
Marketing, commented, "With this demonstration platform, I believe
that Valeo and Ricardo have proved that a combination of down-sized
engine, integrated starter-alternator and 42 Volt systems can deliver
impressive fuel savings. i-MoGen also highlights the importance of the
skillful systems engineering required for the successful integration
of so many different systems. Considerable engineering effort has
culminated in this practical vehicle that despite its huge fuel
savings compromises neither performance nor driveability. This is what
makes this mild hybrid diesel vehicle truly unique."
Valeo and Ricardo employed their integration expertise in
electrical, electronics, powertrain and thermal systems ensuring that
the final demonstration platform is a fully engineered solution with
practical application. Customers testing i-MoGen are especially
impressed by the excellent driveability and performance which have
achieved top ratings on an independent rating scale.
Neville Jackson, Director, Technology Product Group, Ricardo,
said, "This demonstration platform represents a major milestone in
fuel saving technologies. The fact that Valeo and Ricardo are showing
leading-edge technologies allows us to present to customers not a
theoretical concept but innovative systems that are ready to reach the
production line very soon. The proven benefits of this demonstration
platform address the needs of consumers for even better fuel economy,
environmental protection and acoustic comfort. The engineering team is
delighted with the positive feedback received from customers who have
assessed i-MoGen and appreciate the significance of the approach to
systems integration."
Major Systems of i-MoGen:
| - | Down-sized light-weight diesel engine |
| - | High-power integrated starter-alternator |
| - | Supervisory controller |
| - | DC/DC converter and battery management system |
| - | Thermal Management Intelligent System (THEMIS) |
| - | 42 Volt "power on demand" HVAC System |
Behind the partnership with Ricardo lies Valeo's visionary approach to customer-led innovation, called "Domains". Valeo's domains enable the company to anticipate and exceed customer expectations more efficiently and effectively as well as continuously identify and exploit technology integration possibilities.
Editors note:
More details on the partnerships and systems were announced on September, 14, 2001.
Illustrations of the Valeo Ricardo demonstrator platform are available.
Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 143 plants, 53 R&D centers, 10 distribution centers and employs nearly 71,500 people in 24 countries worldwide (end March 2002).
Ricardo is one of the world's foremost independent automotive engineering consultancies with technical centres in the UK, USA, Germany and Czech Republic and is a leading technology provider of research, design and development services for the world's automotive manufacturers. The company employs 1,400 people, 70 percent of them highly qualified graduate engineers and technicians, and its client list includes all the world's major vehicle OEMs. Ricardo is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100.
For more information on the Group and its businesses, consult our website: www.valeo.com
