Schaeffler continues the
success story
of UniAir technology that
has proven itself many
million times
n 2009, Schaeffler set new
standards with the start of
volume production of UniAir
– the world’s first fully-
variable electrohydraulic
valve control system. In doing so, it set
standards in environmentally friendly and
dynamic engine technology, which also
marked the beginning of a new era in
valve control systems. Schaeffler’s latest
generation of UniAir also now allows
vehicles in the upper-class automotive
market to operate more economically and
with lower emissions.
I
HERZOGENAURACH, May 31, 2017. UniAir
controls the engine valves based on cycles
and offers an extended range of strategic
options for matching engine operation to
specific situations and requirements. This
technology makes it possible to achieve
significant reductions in fuel consumption
and emissions, as well as a significant
improvement in torque curves. By using
UniAir, customised operating strategies
for modern combustion processes, such
as the Miller and Atkinson cycles, can also
be realised in accordance with customer
requirements.
significant retardation of the ignition
timing.
“We are continuously developing UniAir
technology in order to meet the increasing
demands of our customers to produce
drives that reduce fuel consumption and
emissions,” explains Prof. Peter Pleus,
CEO Automotive Schaeffler AG. “Since
its development, market interest in the
system has steadily increased. The fact that
other automotive manufacturers are now
using this innovative technology provides
us with a source of recognition and of
motivation to continue along this path.”
Ron Lee, Powertrain Director in the
Development department at Jaguar,
explains that “with the Jaguar Land
Rover Ingenium gasoline engine, we
have successfully completed the first
stage on the way back to producing our
engines in-house. The close collaboration
with Schaeffler has made a significant
contribution here.
The engine scores points with its
outstanding driving behaviour,
excellent performance, and reduced fuel
consumption.”
From the finger follower through to
the fully-variable UniAir valve control
system, Schaeffler offers a modular
system for variability in the valve train.
Complemented by decades of experience
in vibration damping, a high level of
driving comfort is also guaranteed in
demanding operating modes. Optimum
interaction between the technologies
is a decisive factor for ensuring further
reductions in fuel consumption and
emissions. In this respect, Schaeffler
offers the automotive industry benefits
like no other supplier thanks to its
unique expertise and the comprehensive
cooperation between specialist
departments such as Engine Systems,
Transmission Systems, Chassis Systems and
Electric Mobility.
www.schaeffler.co.uk
The latest generation of UniAir technology
is also demonstrating its potential. In
this specific case – a newly developed
four-cylinder gasoline engine series – the
UniAir system is combined for the first
time with two hydraulic camshaft phasing
units in accordance with customer-specific
requirements. The additional degree of
freedom offered by the system with its
optimised mass design means that the
engine can operate in an even broader
spectrum of the data map with optimum
efficiency.
This means, for example, that the
engine can be switched off in start-stop
operation and can be started again at
lightening speed, keeping vibrations in
both instances to a minimum. Another
advantage of the technology is the fast
and precise control of the valves to match
the relevant cycle. This allows an instant
increase in torque without impairing
the efficiency of the engine due to the
Issue 27 PECM
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