Antonov Automotive Technologies, the UK-based transmission research and development company, showcased its design and technical capabilities at the Stuttgart Engine Expo exhibition. The event is one of the world’s leading annual events for the vehicle powertrain and driveline engineering community.
Antonov’s transmission technologies include the world’s first 2-speed supercharger drive system to enter series production. This technology, which has recently made the transition from technical concept to initial low volume manufacture, is currently being demonstrated in a Chevrolet Lacetti, Ford Mustang and Hummer H3.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL
“There is a dramatic improvement in the driveability of the Hummer when equipped with a 2-speed supercharger with little effect on fuel economy,” said Antonov chief executive John Moore. “This results from the significantly improved low speed engine torque, which we have similarly demonstrated in our Chevrolet Lacetti and Ford Mustang demonstrators.”
The commercial potential of an Antonov step-up drive applied to a centrifugal pump supercharger lies in its ability to increase the power and torque of an engine at low engine revs. The application of a 2-speed drive - which is based on the Antonov Mechanical Module (AMM) - enables a supercharger to be better matched to the engine.
By driving the pump faster at low engine speeds, a higher boost ratio can be obtained to provide additional low speed engine torque. As engine speed rises the unit automatically changes up to enable the supercharger to continue to operate effectively at higher engine speeds. The ability of the mechanism to operate as a passive mechanical device without the need for electronic control systems or hydraulic actuators means low cost, high efficiency and simplicity of application.
Antonov anticipates demand for its supercharger drive system will come from carmakers needing to downsize engines in pursuit of better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. Smaller displacement engines have less torque at low engine speeds, which adversely affects the driveability of the vehicle and its engine performance characteristics. Hence the need to compensate with forced induction systems.
The benefit of the Antonov 2-speed supercharger is that the torque curve of a small displacement engine can be tuned so that it matches the performance of a much larger naturally aspirated unit. This is equally applicable to diesel and gasoline engines.