How the need for Cost Effective CO ² Emissions Reduction through Powertrain Hybridization Pushes for Innovative, Integrated and Robust Mechatronic Design 2006-21-0004

Ecology is getting nowadays more and more of a concern for the automotive industry. Reduction of fuel consumption and consequently of CO² emissions are currently one of the main powertrain innovations driver through vehicle hybridization. Hybrid product family is rapidly expanding, and after the success of full hybrid solutions mainly in the North American market, mild and micro-hybrids represent an emerging and promising solution.

Indeed, requiring less vehicle modifications for their integration, and nevertheless providing a higher cost to benefit ratio compared to full hybrids, mild and micro-hybrid systems are targeting large market shares [2], [3]. In particular, 14V belt-driven air cooled starter-alternators offer enhanced comfort through fast and noiseless start as well as flexibility and simple vehicle implementation.

However, the success of these solutions is mainly depending on their cost. These cost driven applications are calling for deeper system integration even for simple starter-alternators that are fitted onto the internal combustion engine (ICE). Thus, the packaging of the power electronic stage has to face harsher environment and higher level of standardization for mass production requirements than current power products.

The document will define the key drivers of innovative power electronics packaging that fulfills these requirements.