Chrysler 2011 Annual Report Download - page 55

Report on
Operations
54
Research and
Innovation
reducing fuel consumption on gasoline engines by more than 10%, while also having a measurable benefit in
terms of driving performance. In 2011, CRF worked on the second generation MultiAir which, on the same
engine hardware, offers new valve control capabilities for full control of the combustion process under all
operating conditions, optimizing the compression ratio and level of exhaust gas recycled, instant by instant
and cylinder by cylinder. During the year, CRF’s research activities in this area focused on development of
a vehicle for comprehensive testing of engine modularity in terms of reductions in consumption and driving
performance, focusing on enhancements to software and control strategies to yield the maximum benefits
from this advanced engine control technology. Results achieved both on the demo vehicle and from bench
tests were very promising. From “cylinder deactivation” alone, the potential reductions in fuel consumption
are estimated at between 3% and 5%, with Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) in line with regulatory
standards and no impact on vehicle performance.
Optimization of on-board energy use. The efficiency of the latest-generation engines and the resulting lack
of heat that can be extracted from engine coolants, have made the introduction of devices such as smart
heaters necessary to improve engine warm-up and passenger comfort. Through the recovery of engine
exhaust heat, which accounts for around a third of the energy generated from fuel combustion, engine warm-
up can be accelerated, improving both passenger comfort and energy efficiency. On next-generation vehicles,
new smart cooling systems will increase vehicle energy efficiency by operating at two levels: first by dispersing
high temperature heat (heat generated by the engine) and second, for lower temperature heat, by optimizing
the utilization of systems for splitting cooling flows for localized cooling of auxiliary systems. Application of
these systems can achieve real reductions in fuel consumption of around 5%.
Optimization of a vehicle’s aerodynamics is another factor that can contribute to improvements in energy
efficiency. Here a solution has been developed that improves the air outflow from the front wheel housing,
which is a critical element in the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle. Using calculation and optimization
“€2.2 billion
in R&D
expenditure,
equivalent
to 4.2% of
net revenues
for Industrial
Activities”