Start-Stop Technology by using Micro-Hybrid Technology for Increasing Fuel Efficiency

To increase fuel efficiency and Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5% each year for all new model mid-size cars, medium-duty cars, and light-duty Trucks is pushing automobile makers to convert their fleets to hybrid-electric and micro-hybrid vehicles. The national mandate set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implementing automated start/stop (SS) technology in a passenger vehicle is a cost effective way to improve fuel economy (FE) and to reduce Emissions without affecting consumer acceptance. In the urban areas, where much of the vehicle driving time is spentidling at Stop lights or on traffic jams, the engine can be shut down when the vehicle is stopped to save fuel. This research had been investigated the feasibility of using a micro-hybrid configuration to achieve efficient start Transients for SS technology. As the preliminary Simulation results which suggest that the traditional starter/battery combinations may be appropriate and a fuel savings of over 5% expected in regulatory urban driving cycles. The model as well as the selected component package will be used for development and control of a SS system in the test vehicle. Start-Stop vehicles, which shut off the engine at idle condition and restart the engine when the driver’s release the brake pedal or presses clutch, it has been commercially available for several years and have achieved a recordable market penetration in Europe. However, they have only recently become available in the United States. Given different vehicle preferences, traffic conditions, regulatory environment and fuel prices in the U.S. market, there have been questions about the availability of Start-Stop vehicles in that market.