At the Tokyo Motor Show, Valeo announced details of a new vehicle model that is expected to be the first in the world to adopt 14 volt belt-driven starter-alternator technology. PSA Peugeot Citroën has confirmed that it is to specify Valeo’s belt-driven starter-alternator on a future undisclosed vehicle model, scheduled for production in Europe during 2004.
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By using the existing alternator engine mountings the Valeo unit is a flexible “bolt-on” solution that does not intrude on the powertrain design, unlike integrated starter-alternators that are located between the engine and the transmission and therefore require extensive re-design of these components. The starter-alternator system is capable of performing 600,000 silent starts which is more than 15 times that of a conventional starter motor which can only do an average of 40,000. Moreover, the system can be adapted to all types of gear boxes: manual, automatic, robotised.
Consumers will benefit from up to a 10% saving in fuel consumption and no engine noise and zero emissions at standstill. Reduced noise levels when re starting the engine further enhance these significant environmental benefits and, in addition, drivers will also benefit from extended periods between refuelling. In the congested urban traffic conditions frequently encountered by Japanese motorists, measurements taken have shown that the period when vehicles are at standstill can be greater than 30% of journey times.
