More than 95 percent of all new cars are equipped with a start-stop function.
The start-stop technology saves fuel at every red traffic light, is easy on the wallet and is good for the environment.
We explain how it works and why it is so important that you select the right battery for this.
The aim of the automotive industry is to further reduce fuel consumption and, in doing so, reduce emissions. The target set by the EU is 95 g of CO2 per kilometer from 2020, which means that the majority of vehicles produced in Europe will be equipped with automatic start-stop systems or alternative drive systems. Already today, more than 70 percent of all new vehicles are equipped with a start-stop system in order to reach these fuel saving targets.
Vehicle manufacturers are making use of new battery technologies in the electrical system in order to:
● Enable the optimum charging current consumption from brake energy recovery (energy recovery).
● Ensure the optimum operating mode at lower levels of charge (SOC State Of Charge at approx. 70%).
● To guarantee a longer and stronger cyclic load at engine stop when the alternator is not charging.
When the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at a red traffic light), the automatic start-stop function shuts down the engine and restarts it again automatically when you step on or off the clutch or brake during a stop. The result of this is that the start-stop system ensures lower fuel consumption – especially in city traffic. Due to the environmental factors and the improved economic advantage of this, the start-stop system is becoming more popular across all vehicle classes.
The savings potential: Depending on the driving situation, you can consume up to about 0.8 l less fuel per 100 km, especially in city traffic. A start-stop system can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 8%.
When you insert the key in your car’s ignition and turn the switch or push the button to ‘ON,’ a signal is sent to the car’s battery. Upon receiving this signal, the car battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy. This electrical power is delivered to the starter to crank the engine. The battery also provides power to the car’s lights and other accessories.
Voltage refers to the amount of electrical potential your battery holds. The standard automotive battery in today’s vehicles is a 12-volt battery. Each battery has six cells, each with 2.1 volts at full charge. A car battery is considered fully charged at 12.6 volts or higher.
When the battery’s voltage drops, even a small amount, it makes a big difference in its performance. The table on the left shows how much energy remains in a battery as the battery voltage reading changes.
Electrical energy in a battery is generated by a chemical reaction. In the case of a lead-acid battery, a mixture of sulfuric acid and water, known as electrolyte, reacts with active material inside the battery.
A battery’s voltage largely depends on the concentration of sulfuric acid. To get a voltage of 12.6 volts or higher, the weight percentage of sulfuric acid should be 35 percent or more.
As a battery is discharged, the reaction between sulfuric acid and active material forms a different compound and the concentration of sulfuric acid declines. Over time, this causes the battery’s voltage to drop.
Vehicle engines require cranking power to start. The power needed depends on many factors, such as engine type, engine size and temperature. Typically, as temperatures drop, more power is needed to start the engine. Cold cranking amps (CCA) is a rating that measures a battery’s cranking power.
The basic requirement is a particularly strong and cycle-resistant start-stop battery.
Start-stop systems place higher demands on the car battery. Therefore, more power and higher cycle stability are required. When the vehicle is stationary, the battery must provide the energy for the increased number of engine starts and for the electrical loads in the car.
Camel provides both AGM and EFB start-stop batteries for customers. You can choose the suitable batteries for your specific requirement.
