|
|
|
|
|
01/01/2011
 Email to a friend
 Comment on this article
|
Powertrain developments will be at the core of General Motors global strategy
 When we're looking for greenhouse gas improvements, we look at the entire portfolio: the conventional and electrification, with hybridisation acting as the overlap," explains Prof Dr Uwe Grebe, adding that he sees a number of mega trends for petrol engines. "Downsizing, boosting, especially improvements in lean combustion, HCCI – and the third megatrend is variable valve train. Those all move the gasoline engine forward and there's a lot of potential in diesels as well to have a significant future.
GM, says Grebe, is among the leaders in HCCI technology that are predicting it will happen "in the next couple of years" and that it's one step towards achieving 2015 emission requirements. But he concedes that, for 2020, "there's still a lot of work to be done".
While electrification is going to play a role, he states, "it is not an option to say: 'Leave conventional technology where it is and only focus on electric applications to balance the overall fleet average emissions and fuel consumption'."
Although he does not dismiss diesel, he wants the supply chain to help develop technology that will keep costs in check. "It's all about improving the technology, so we can minimise complexity. If we can integrate NOX after treatment with the particulate filter, and get it in one can, then you can cut costs by eliminating flanges, etc. On the diesel side, there's room for improvement by working with the suppliers on ideas we have on the chemical and precious metal elements to optimise the design and costs involved."
Advances made by GM in developing control algorithms and increasing computing power mean technologies that were once theoretical, or impractical because of cost, are now potential game savers. However, Grebe adds: "Suppliers need to develop more sophisticated and capable injection systems, air delivery systems and after treatment systems – there's a lot of refinement needed.
"To keep costs down, we need to look at the whole systems approach. There's definitely more complexity happening and we need to offset that in other areas by integrating more parts with a better understanding of the specifications."
When it comes to whole vehicle development, he says GM has a very clear understanding that this is 'team sport'. "Typically, I show, on the one side, engine downsizing and, on the vehicle side, they use the same chart. The synergies are really starting to happen. Take the weight out of the vehicle and you immediately require a smaller engine; all the technological solutions have the same applicability and effect. A lighter powertrain means lighter mounts; the brakes are smaller and lighter. It's an upward spiral in efficiency."
|
|
| |
Author
AD
|
| |
| |
Copyright AD Media Europe.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
|
| |
|
|
| |
To access the whitepaper section you need to complete our 60 second registration process. Once completed this then allows you to download any and all white papers, register for e-zines and access our detailed supplier directory for FREE.
If you are all ready a registered user then enter your e-mail address and login.
You will need to have logged in prior to entering your comments in the boxes provided.
|