Bosch’s ‘Smart Electronic’ stop-start system began production at BMW this month, with first variants of the updated 1-series featuring it as standard.
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The start-stop system switches off a vehicle’s engine when stationary in such situations as traffic jams or at red lights. Bosch supplies the key component for this system: a starter developed specifically for stop-start applications.
The starter switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and starts it again as soon as the driver needs to accelerate. During each trip, the system reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 8%, depending on the vehicle, Bosch claimed. If the stops last longer, the actual saving of CO2 emissions and fuel can be “significantly” higher.
The supplier said its start-stop system is a cost-effective way of conserving resources and protecting the environment. “This technology significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially in city driving,” said board member Volkmar Denner.
The company already produces the battery sensor that detects the battery’s current charge and communicates this information via the energy management system.
“Bosch has drawn on its combined competence in drive trains, energy management and starter technology to develop this system and its control function,” said Denner.
With the Bosch system there is no need for any further adjustments to the drive train or engine. The number of engine starts the starter has to make has been significantly increased for this application. In addition, the starter’s improved-performance electric motor, and a low-noise, stronger pinion-engaging mechanism ensure that the engine starts reliably, quickly, and quietly, Bosch said.
