Technology helps new Audi engines stay cool

TT Electronics has revealed its role in helping Volkswagen-Audi Group (VAG) boost the fuel economy and reduce the emissions of its latest-generation A3, A4, A6 and similar-sized models. Engineers at the company’s Salzburg technical centre created an electrically driven 50W water-pump controller (EWPU) that has been employed in a range of applications including the turbo-intercooler circuit of the advanced EA288 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. TT Electronics has over 10 years’ experience developing electronic controls for on-demand driven items such as turbo-intercooler pumps and main water pumps up to 600W at 12V and 1,000W for the new 48V on-board supply system. These help increase fuel efficiency by reducing load on the engine crank, and reduce emissions by assisting faster warm-up. To create the new EWPU for the EA288 turbo-intercooler, TT Electronics worked with Volkswagen-Audi Group and the water pump supplier, Saleri. The integrated control unit is optimised for mass-market deployment, and meets high performance and reliability targets using conventional assembly technologies with a specially designed frameless EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) filtering circuit. Sophisticated motor control and diagnostics ensure smooth running and maximise reliability, while the option to connect to the vehicle’s LIN infrastructure provides scope for richer communications, says the company. “Our expertise in EWPU development, spanning applications from high-performance cars to the latest generations of clean, economical vehicles, made TT Electronics the ideal technical partner for the EA288 project,” said Johann Maier, product line director, power modules. “This latest success enhances our credentials as the leading developer of electronic powertrain controls for conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles.”