Hella electromotive actuators for VNT engines

Hella's electromotive actuator is used in VNT turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with other turbocharger applications soon to follow.

Hella engineers have developed the first electromotive actuator for turbochargers in cooperation with Honeywell's and BMW. The actuator is used in the BMW 7 Series 3.9-L V8 turbodiesel engine, the BMW Alpina B6, and the Mercedes-Benz S- and M-Class turbodiesel V8, with further turbocharger applications to follow. The turbocharger in these applications has a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) geometry, which helps to produce better torque characteristics at low engine speeds while maintaining power at higher rpm.

The advantages of electromotive (rather than pneumatic) actuators, according to Hella engineers, are quicker reaction time, more accurate position setting, easier turbocharger application in vehicles, better diagnostics capabilities, and the ability to meet stricter pollutant-emissions limits. The use of inductive sensors, complex electronics with microprocessor technology, and better materials for ceramic support has made it possible to create a device with better control accuracy and longer service life under the high-temperature and extreme-vibration conditions near turbochargers.

The electromotive actuator can also be used for other applications in the engine compartment, according to Hella. For example, the concept fulfills vibration and temperature requirements of intake-tract induction-pipe loading flap and EGR valve/flap applications, with either PWM or CAN interfaces.

- Kevin Jost

Mobile high-speed Internet access from KVH

The launch of the TracNet mobile high-speed Internet server (shown) and the mobile DirecPC directly relate to KVH Industries' ongoing development of ultra-low-profile satellite antennas suitable for use aboard SUVs, minivans, and smaller automobiles, according to Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH Industries' President and CEO.

KVH Industries has made high-speed mobile Internet access possible on North American vehicles through its TracNet mobile Internet server, which was introduced at the recent Recreational Vehicle Industry Association Trade Show in Louisville, KY. The TracNet system consists of a server, a modem using Hughes Network Systems' DirecPC network, and a cellular/satellite return path antenna for Internet downloading.

High-powered DirecPC downloads are received by a KVH TracVision mobile satellite TV antenna, which relays the data to the TracNet server. Two-way, high-speed access to Internet data is available to laptops and PCs either through a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet connection or the integrated 802.11b wireless network, which permits multiple users to surf the Web from in or around the vehicle. Requests for additional data, outgoing e-mail, and other information are relayed to DirecPC through TracNet's return path, which includes a land-line connection for use while parked and a wireless satellite/cellular system for use while the vehicle is moving. The KVH system allows travelers aboard vehicles equipped with a Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) compatible TracVision system to easily switch from satellite TV entertainment to high-speed, fully functional Internet access without purchasing a new antenna.

"Internet downloads will be delivered to TracNet users via DirecPC at speeds reaching 400 kbps, seven times faster than the 56-kbps dial-up connections found in most homes and RV parks, and almost 30 times faster than other alternative mobile data connections," explained Ian Palmer, Vice President of Satellite Sales, KVH. "This translates into significant cost savings based on download size. For instance, a 1-MB file would typically cost $0.26 to download via TracNet versus $3.70 using a cellular modem, $17.92 via Globalstar, or almost $42.00 using Iridium."

- Kevin Jost