| A breakthrough in sensor battery
technology has been achieved by Hella and its partner Autokabel after
the two suppliers announced a world first in the development of a state-of-the-art
battery sensor that offers numerous benefits to OEMs, drivers and the
aftermarket.
Hella's says the new sensor offers advantages to the OEM and driver as well as the aftermarket |
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Unlike the rest of the automotive industry, which has leapt forward with
time and pushed the boundaries of technology, batteries – many commentators
say – remains yesteryear’s component that is still in use
today.
It had been presumed by some leading automotive experts that battery failure – an age-old problem that usually rears its ugly head during cold
weather seasons – would increase, mirroring the sharp rise in electric
consumption in modern vehicles, with the likes of seat heating, DVD and
zonal air conditioning, all fast becoming ever popular.
Yet Hella claims such a problem looks to have been finally eliminated
thanks to the new sensor that permanently measures the current, voltage
and temperature of the battery and supplies the up-to-date data to the
power management system of the vehicle.
Hella says that no additional design space is required for the advanced
integrated sensor, which is the size of a postage stamp, since the pole
terminal including the electronics can be positioned in the battery pole
niche.
The German tier-one says the new sensor offers advantages to the OEM and
driver as well as the aftermarket.
Advantages for the OEM:
The new sensor promises to reduce production costs significantly since
the voltage measurement currently required in the vehicle will no longer
be necessary when the battery sensor is installed.
Hella says that due to permanent monitoring of quiescent current, faulty
control units can be recognised during assembly and be replaced immediately,
so that an optimum battery charge status is always guaranteed when new
vehicles are delivered.
Advantages for the driver:
The new sensor guarantees a reliable electrical supply in the vehicle
even as the number of electronic, safety, comfort and assistance functions
increases. Battery service life is also increased because the sensor controls
the charging and discharging cycles.
Even when the vehicle is not in use for longer periods or when electrical
items are used with the vehicle at a standstill, the engine can still
be started up.
Advantages for the garage:
During servicing work, faulty units can be pinpointed and evaluated more
easily on the basis of the permanently monitored quiescent current. In
addition, the sensor makes exact diagnosis of the charge and aging status
of the on-board battery possible.
Hella’s new battery sensor has already graced the acclaimed BMW
5 Series, with a number of other OEMs now expressing an interest in the
advanced technology
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