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Camless engine design attracts research funding

A Valeo product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 6, 2007

The French Industrial Innovation Agency has agreed to provide Eur 61 million in funding for Valeo's LowCO2Motion research programme.

The French Industrial Innovation Agency (Agence de l'Innovation Industrielle, AII) has agreed to provide Eur 61 million in funding for Valeo's LowCO2Motion research programme, which aims to improve vehicle engine efficiency and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.

Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman and CEO, commented: "This funding recognises the value of the work that Valeo engineers have been undertaking in this field for several years and will allow us to offer the market new solutions that can provide up to 30% fuel savings with a significant reduction in CO2 and pollutant emissions".

The programme focuses on two major innovations.

The first is the camless system, in which the camshaft in engines is replaced by electromagnetic actuators that operate each valve independently.

By controlling residual gases, minimising pumping losses and deactivating cylinders and valves, this technology reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 20% for gasoline engines.

It also provides enhanced performance and driving comfort due to an increase in low-end engine torque.

A version for diesel engines will also be developed.

The second major innovation, totally compatible with the camless system, is a next-generation mild hybrid based on Valeo's Stars+X technology.

In addition to the start-stop function, which cuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, this system features a regenerative braking function, where energy generated during braking is recovered.

The program includes the development of a new high-efficiency, high-power alternator technology as well as ultracapacitors, enabling a 10 to 15 % reduction in fuel consumption.

These innovations will be enabled by new mechatronic technologies which are also part of the programme.

The LowCO2Motion programme represents a total investment of Eur 212 million over a four-year period.

The AII funding is subject to the approval of the European Commission.

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