ZF outlines EBS benefits
ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems (formerly Wabco) has highlighted a range of advantages offered to CV fleets by its electronic braking system (EBS) technology.
“Transmitting the driver’s actuation of the brake pedal into electronic signals, EBS significantly reduces the braking distance of a commercial vehicle and also greatly improves driving stability and steerability,” said Dr. Thomas Dieckmann, technology and innovation officer, Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division.
“To perform its function, EBS collects and analyses considerable amounts of data generated by several sensors in the truck and trailer. For example, the trailer EBS (TEBS) analyses the data from the anti-tipper module and combines it with data on the load condition, wheel speed and lateral acceleration. This prevents the trailer from tipping over.
“If the truck then takes a bend at a too high speed and with a high centre of gravity, the TEBS brakes automatically. In addition, the TEBS modules can now also be linked to additional sensors and systems such as the tyre pressure monitoring system.
“Once connected with solutions like OptiTire, the TEBS collects tyre pressure data in real time. Depending on the type of system, temperature data can also be linked in order to detect possible leaks or tyre damage even earlier.”
EBS also lays the groundwork for Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), Dieckmann points out.
“These systems, such as OnGuard, actively intervene in the drivers’ and vehicles’ behaviour and provide up to full braking on stationary and moving vehicles ahead. Having the potential of reducing collisions even by 90 per cent on highways, AEBS brings ‘Vision Zero’ within reach. “
The ZF EBS transfers the driver’s deceleration request electronically to all braking system components to shorten response time, balance brake forces and provide efficient brake management between service and endurance brakes.
Transmission of electronic pressure commands from ECU to pressure modulators is very fast, says the company, and the system facilitates a sensitive dosage of the applied air pressure according to a wide range of vehicle information such as axle load status, vehicle speed and vehicle mass, and trailer brake system information.
The EBS balances brake forces between axles of truck-trailer combination during braking procedure, and provides efficient brake management between service and endurance brakes.
Based on two pneumatic and one electronic circuit for reliability, the EBS fulfils regulatory requirements on braking systems (ECE R13). Integrated diagnostic functionalities constantly monitor system performance, while a scalable software approach is said to provide diverse upgrade options.
The system is able to recuperate braking energy in most of the braking manoeuvres of a full-electric or hybrid-driven commercial vehicle, says ZF.
Cited benefits for fleet customers include improved driver and vehicle safety and stability, shorter stopping distances compared to a conventional braking system, a comfortable braking experience independent of the load status, optimised uptime due to reduced service needs, and increased vehicle efficiency through optimised brake wear.
The system comes with the integrated stability control system ESCsmart, and ready to connect to the OnGuard AEBS, and TailGuard Reversing Collision Avoidance System.
