The Schaeffler Group and turbocharger specialist ABB Turbo Systems AG have signed a cooperation agreement with regard to Schaeffler's fully variable valve control system, UniAir, which is now in series production for a number of automotive customers.
The collaboration agreement will see ABB contribute its knowledge of efficient, single- and two-stage turbocharger technology, as well as marketing and sales of large, high-performance engines. The cooperation applies to units with a performance of 400kW (544 PS) per cylinder or higher. The applications of these large engines are typically in marine, machinery and stationary operation.
"The fully variable valve control system [VVT] is the perfect match for our modern high pressure- and two-stage turbocharging systems," explains Oliver Riemenschneider, head of sales and marketing at ABB Turbo Systems. The advantages of the VVT system in conjunction with high pressure turbocharging are in the fields of both emission and fuel consumption reduction and in the improvement of the start, part load and acceleration behaviour. The UniAir fully variable, hydraulic valve control system is behind the VVT system. It enables the variation of both valve timing and valve lift.
The UniAir valve control system, which was jointly developed by Fiat Powertrain and the Schaeffler Group and is manufactured by the Schaeffler Group, has already been launched in the automotive sector. The Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir is the first vehicle to utilise this groundbreaking technology, which is branded ‘MultiAir' by Fiat.
The fully variable valve control system is said to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – in conjunction with downsizing – by up to 25%.
"The cooperation with ABB Turbo Systems will open up new areas of application for this innovative valve control system," explains Dr. Peter Pleus, who is responsible for motor systems and is president of Schaeffler Group Automotive.