Electric vacuum pump for brake systems saves gas

European automotive part manufacturer Hella has developed a new electrically driven vacuum pump for vehicle brake systems that will save gas and reduce emissions in cars.

The Electric Vacuum Pump UP5.0 promises impressive performance, durability and power efficiency. It’s been designed to help automakers and suppliers reduce CO2 emissions to meet strict new requirements taking effect in 2020 and 2025.

Fuel efficiency and cash savings

Hella says the new pump will increase a vehicle's fuel efficiency, resulting in CO2 savings of up to 2g CO2/km, when compared to mechanical pumps. This equates to fuel savings of 0.2 to 0.4 miles per gallon. This latest generation pump also delivers cost savings of about 20 percent compared to the company's previous generation of stand-alone vacuum pumps.

Hella currently supplies electric vacuum pumps to more than 40 manufacturers worldwide and produces more than six million units per year. The company is dedicated to research and development, employing more than 6,000 in this field alone.

So how does it work?

When making the UP5.0, Hella says it concentrated on fuel efficiency and fully independent vacuum generation. Its new electric vacuum pump is designed to provide on-demand brake-system vacuum in high-efficiency gasoline engines, diesels, and turbo- and super-charged engines, as well as hybrid or full electric powertrains.

“Hella's Electric Vacuum Pump ensures consistent and effective brake power,” the company stated. “Until recently, the majority of vehicle brake boosters used the vacuum generated from the manifold of the internal combustion engine.

“However, with today's advanced engine technologies (i.e., downsizing) or under certain operating conditions (i.e., cold start/engine warm-up phase), the vacuum provided by the engine is no longer sufficient.

“In addition, advanced engine technologies, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, are not capable of generating any vacuum pressure. Hella's electric vacuum pump provides alternative or additional vacuum for these advancements in technology.”

Boosts impact of other engine functions

New fuel-saving approaches can impact other engine functions that provide vacuum to support brake-booster systems, but Hella has addressed this problem by meeting vacuum requirements for brake boosters under the most demanding applications.

The advantages of the new pump, Hella says, are reduced energy loss with “switch-on on-demand”, reduction of emissions and CO2, and no mechanical interface required. The pump is also maintenance-free and supports a flexible vehicle platform design.

Hella develops and manufactures lighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. The company also has one of the largest trade organizations for automotive parts, accessories, diagnosis and services within Europe.

Tagged: Emissions

Electric vacuum pump for brake systems saves gas