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ZF Introduces Eco-Life Commercial Vehicle Transmission With Learning Software
21 September 2006
by Jack Rosebro
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| ZF Eco-Life |
ZF Friedrichshafen AG has announced the production of a new six-speed automatic transmission, designed for city bus applications.
The ZF Eco-Life can operate with higher fluid temperatures than previous transmissions, a requirement that ZF found to be important when integrating the transmission into powertrains that are designed to meet Euro-5 standards. The transmission control module is mounted directly on the transmission to reduce harness length and complexity.
One notable feature of the Eco-Life is its integration with ZF’s optional Topodyn software. When installed in vehicles that run regular routes, Topodyn learns the route and selects the appropriate shifting strategy from one of three lookup tables: eco mode, normal, and power mode in anticipation of changing topography. ZF says that the software can do this accurately without the need to reference GPS data.
Service life of the unit is said to be up to 40% longer than its predecessor, the ZF EcoMat, reducing material and resource flows used in production.
Separately, a ZF hybrid system is being featured in the Nissan Cabstar vehicle study, shown at the IAA show in Hanover. (Earlier post.)
The hybrid system for the 3-liter version of the Nissan Cabstar combines an eTronic transmission with a 40 kW electric motor. Separate clutches for each of the two power plants allow the diesel engine to be completely disengaged while coasting, affording higher energy savings. ZF is also supplying the system&rsqo;s clutch actuating technology and control software.
Nissan says that the Hybrid Cabstar will reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% in addition to reducing emissions.
September 21, 2006 in Hybrids, Transmissions | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: tonychilling | September 22, 2006 at 12:45 AM
Currently not a single hybrid application at any application mode favors series hybrid versus series hybrid from the point of view of fuel efficiency. Yet it could change dramatically.
Posted by: Andrey | September 22, 2006 at 02:11 AM
The problem with a series hybrid is the losses of converting mechanical energy to electrical and then back again.
Posted by: Tim Russell | September 22, 2006 at 09:11 AM
A series hybrid could overcome conversion losses by using a more thermally efficient engine such as multiple expansion diesels. A multiple expansion engine produces less HP/lb but in a hybrid a smaller is can do the job. Why carry around a 200 hp engine when average power need is only 20 hp?
Posted by: tom deplume | September 27, 2006 at 02:48 PM
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Transmissions will become the thing of the past especially for city bus service. I would think series hybrid drive drive is indeed the wave of the future.
I wonder how are the series hybrid buses in NY city performing?
Article states:"Can operate at higher fuild temperatures"?
is this a feature?
Sounds more like inefficiency.