Continental's Fuel Pump with Integrated Electronics goes into Series Production

REGENSBURG, Germany, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental, the international automotive supplier, is working with a major European vehicle manufacturer to integrate its next generation fuel pump technology into 2013 model year vehicles.  The new technology, which helps reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, also has been nominated for a 2010 PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award by Automotive News.  

"This contract underlines Continental's market leadership in fuel delivery system technology," said Dr. Markus Distelhoff, head of Continental Powertrain's Fuel Supply Business Unit. The new pump generation will be controlled by an electronic control unit, housed inside the flange of the supply module. Because the pump will only supply the engine with as much fuel - whether gasoline or diesel - as its operating status requires at any given moment, much of the electrical energy usually needed can be saved.

Demand-regulated pumps help save fuel

Intelligent control saves between 60 and 70 percent of electrical energy compared with traditional constant fuel supply systems. In a 1.8 liter engine, this can mean a CO2 saving of 1.5 to 2 grams per kilometer, a notable contribution when one considers the strict limits where every gram counts and expensive tax penalties can be imposed. "By introducing this product to the market, the Fuel Supply Business Unit can claim to be the pioneer of demand-regulated electronically-controlled pumps," stressed Distelhoff. "The potential savings of two thirds of the pump's electrical energy shows just how much a sophisticated, demand-regulated fuel feed system can contribute."

The electronic control unit also offers vehicle manufacturers and drivers additional advantages. For instance, low-wear brushless motors can be used in the pump to further extend their service life. In addition, contact-free sensors for measuring fuel levels in the tank, self-diagnosis by the pump and an economical solution for detecting leaks can be incorporated into the electronics.

To date, electronic control units have been separate modules located outside the fuel tank. The innovative feature of the next generation of supply units is that their electronics are integrated in the flange of the supply unit which is itself fitted as a self-contained module inside the fuel tank. This produces both economic and technical benefits, for instance:

• Integrating the unit reduces both assembly time and the space required in the vehicle.
• The time and cost of system integration is also significantly reduced because the design of the pump and the electronics supplied by Continental are already matched to each other, thus shortening total development time.
• In addition, less logistical effort is involved in procuring a single assembly, resulting in considerable overall cost benefits for the vehicle manufacturer.
• The short electrical connection between fuel pump and electronics within a single component inside the fuel tank safety area results in considerably better electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Since there is no need for a cable with two plug connections, the system is more reliable, further reducing overall costs.
• Vehicle manufacturers have also recognized the particular benefits of brushless fuel pumps with electronics integrated into the flange.

These benefits are some of the reasons Continental's Powertrain Division earned its first major series production contract to supply this module for diesel and gasoline engines.

With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2010, Continental is among the leading automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Continental currently employs approximately 150,000 people in 46 countries.

SOURCE Continental