Semiconductor chip optimizes heat management in engines
Electronic systems not only increase comfort and safety in cars – intelligent electronics also help to throttle energy consumption. In many German medium-sized and luxury class cars semiconductors from ELMOS Semiconductor AG control an electric water pump for cooling the engine. The chip ensures that the pump only runs at full speed when needed.
The electronic pump manages to cool a 190 kilowatt engine – equivalent to 258 bhp – with just 200 watts. Conventional water pumps which are powered by a ribbed drive belt use up to two kilowatts to keep the coolant circulating and they also run at full power even when maximum cooling is not needed such as directly after starting. Thanks to the ELMOS chip the pump now switches itself off when the engine is starting. This not only saves energy but the engine warms up more quickly reducing emissions and saving fuel.
The pump system with electronic components from Dortmund is already used as standard in many vehicles. Semiconductors and sensors from ELMOS make cars more comfortable, safer and more efficient in many other areas too: they trigger airbags, control steering and regulate air conditioning. They also ensure that the optimal amount of fuel is injected into the engine, or show us when an oil change is due.
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