AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIERS BEWARE - HIGHER VOLTAGE AHEAD!
COVENTRY, UK - 8th August 2003 - Warwick Control Technologies, in collaboration with TRW Conekt, the European Automotive Initiative Group and Warwick Manufacturing Group, will be presenting a series of Higher Voltage Automotive Systems seminars across the country. These seminars will assist automotive suppliers in managing the transition from the current 12/14volt standard to the 36/42volt standard, as well as adapting to the changes imposed by drive-by-wire systems.
The Higher Voltage Automotive Systems seminars are being supported by the Department of Trade and Industry in recognition of the implications for UK suppliers of higher voltage systems, and have also been endorsed by the SMMT, the IEE and various regional development agencies. The seminars will identify threats and opportunities to suppliers of automotive electronic, electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components and systems. For example, steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems will challenge traditional mechanical and hydraulic systems. Insulating and housing materials made of plastic will also have to be specified to a higher level of thermal and electrical durability.
Guest speaker Alan Williams, Electrical Power Systems Manager, TRW Conekt said, "New features and functions of cars are demanding more robust high power electrical supply systems. Systems based on the 12/14volt standard are reaching the limit of their capacity to deliver, and this, coupled with the fact that higher voltages provide greater fuel economy, has pushed car manufacturers and their key electrical system suppliers to develop a new 42volt standard. In Japan the first production models are on the street, and by 2005 production models will be introduced in Europe and North America. The impact on suppliers of electrical components and related materials at all levels in the supply chain will be profound."
The seminars will take place across the UK in order to cover numerous regions. The first is to be held at the University of Bath, 30th October 2003,and will cover the Southwest and Wales area. This will be followed by subsequent seminars held at TRW Conekt, Birmingham, 27th November 2003, covering the central region, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, February 2004, to cover northern regions and London, April 2004, to cover the Southeast area. As well as presentations given by specialists in higher voltage technology, the seminars will provide an opportunity to see a 42volt demonstrator vehicle, which will be on display at each location.
Presenters at the seminars include; Alan G. Williams, Electrical Systems Manager, TRW Conekt; Dr Gordon Smith, Warwick Manufacturing Group; and Chris Quigley, Managing Director, Warwick Control Technologies. Further information and a registration form for the seminars can be found on the Internet at www.42volt.org.uk.
Warwick Control Technologies is a University of Warwick research spin-off company that is expert in vehicle control systems. Information on Warwick Control Technologies can be found on the Internet at www.warwickcontrol.com.
TRW Conekt is a consultancy which brings together key services in engineering, knowledge and technology. Conekt has operated in the automotive, aerospace, professional and industrial sectors for almost 40 years, generating major competitive advantage through the generation of new ideas and the application of science and technology in product development and manufacturing. TRW Conekt news is available on the Internet at www.conekt.net
Higher voltage automotive systems
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