A telemetry system from Bosch known as Eco.Logic Motion is now fitted as an option to Daimler’s Setra TopClass 500 coach. The system provides the benefits of lower fuel costs and reduced emissions. “The focus is on optimised engine and transmission control through the use of extended navigation data, such as information about road gradients,” explains Manfred Baden, President of the Car Multimedia division at Bosch.
Bosch’s Car Multimedia division and Mercedes-Benz Trucks jointly developed the first series production project incorporating Eco.Logic Motion. The system in the Actros truck, referred to by Daimler as “Predictive Powertrain Control” was introduced in the late summer of 2012. Bosch supplied the hardware, software platform and electronic horizon for this, and Daimler developed the sophisticated algorithms. This technology is now also optionally available in the Setra TopClass 500 coach and will soon be an option in further Setra coaches and the Mercedes Travego.
Eco.Logic Motion acts as apredictive sensor for improving the driving strategy. Through strict separation of the operating software and application software, the hardware developed by Bosch is capable of also taking into account vehicle-specific algorithms and improving the energy efficiency.
The system creates a three-dimensional image of the surroundings based on a digital map that also includes information about the slope of the road. This image combined with precise data about the vehicle’s location obtained via GPS is used to calculate a preview of the vehicle’s surroundings – referred to as the ‘electronic horizon’.
Based on the information gleaned from the dynamic electronic horizon and from the comparison with current vehicle parameters, the application software simulates an environmentally friendly driving strategy. For this purpose, it calculates a suitable speed and an appropriate gear selection for the route section that lies ahead of the coach. This information is then compared with current parameters and is transmitted to the vehicle’s powertrain as instructions that are followed by the engine and transmission control units, for example enabling the vehicle to accelerate when most appropriate or avoid unnecessary gear changes shortly before the crest of a hill. Testing shows that fuel savings as great as 9% are possible.
