Active Grille Shutter
Active Grille Shutter (AGS)[edit]
Active grille shutter is an advanced mechatronic system, which performs a key function of selectively allowing or restricting airflow with an automatic opening and closing of shutters based on real-time needs. This results in reducing aerodynamic drag to an extent and improving the fuel economy of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced CO2 emissions. The automotive industry is very keen on adopting technologies, which lead to an improvement in fuel economy and a reduction in harmful emissions. Due to increased demand for improved fuel economy and reduction in CO2 emissions, active grille shutter (AGS) has been considered as one option to increase fuel economy by reducing vehicle drag resistance. An AGS system will allow airflow through the grille when demand on vehicle cooling system. Automotive manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce the CO2 emissions of their vehicle fleet. Increasingly, OEMs are focusing on intelligent air flap systems, which enable high cooling capacity through maximum air flow when they are in an open position. In a closed position, they reduce drag and the time necessary to bring the engine up to operating temperatures. Electric vehicles like the Tesla S benefit from Röchling's Active Grille Shutters (AGS) with a total of four independently controlled flap systems and the new generation of actuators. The module extends the driving range through improved aerodynamics and ensures optimized battery cooling and temperature control. Maximum benefit can be achieved if the controlled air flap systems are mounted right in the front to optimize aerodynamics.
History[edit]
Active Grille Shutter is a very promising technology to improve the performance and fuel economy of automotive engines. The engine room temperature and the automobile aerodynamic resistance should both been considered when controlling the opening of the Active Grille Shutter. Grille Shutters have been used on vehicles as far back as the 1920’s (e.g. 1929 Rolls Royce, 1930’s – 40’s Packards) for primarily thermal warm-up benefits. The aerodynamic drag reduction benefits are the first driver for modern Active Grille Shutters. Although used primarily on luxury branded vehicles in recent times (e.g. Mercedes and BMW), almost all automobile manufacturers are currently investigating, and in some cases AGS are already in production.
Why Active Grille Shutter ?[edit]
AGS in vehicle mainly serve following purpose:
1. Aerodynamic Drag reduction
2. Air Flow Management to improve engine cooling
Active Grille Shutter Benefits[edit]
A active grille shutter has the following benefits.
Aerodynamic Drag Reduction[edit]
AGS systems are mainly used to improve the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle by controlling the cooling air flow. Since the cooling system is designed to provide enough cooling even at worst case driving conditions there is unnecessary air flow and a resulting drag in all other driving conditions. Especially during highway cruise the shutters can be closed to provide significant drag reduction as well as a reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Values out of different projects are confirming a CO2 reduction of up to 3 g/km for passenger cars and a fuel reduction of up to 1 l/100 km for heavy trucks considering real world driving conditions.
Improved Cooling Performance[edit]
By directing the air towards the radiator the AGS in some cases can be used to improve the cooling performance.
Noise Reduction[edit]
The initial application area of an AGS system was to specifically improve the idle noise of a diesel engine. An approximately 1 dB(A) reduction of the overall sound pressure level can be achieved in front of the vehicle.
Improved Cold Start and Heat Retention[edit]
Recently, there has been an increased focus on the thermal functions of the AGS such as improved engine warm-up and heat retention in the engine compartment after engine stop. The faster warm-up of the engine results in less CO2 emissions by the shortened warm-up phase and also allows a quicker defrosting of the windshield and heating of the cabin. The AGS system is a key component of a concept of thermoacoustic engine encapsulation.
Active Grille Shutter Assembly[edit]
A active grille shutter has the following parts:
Frame[edit]
This is the main supporting structural member to which vanes, air guides, actuator, lever and linkage are assembled to it.
Vanes[edit]
Vanes are nothing but flap acts as a door. Fully or partially open when cooling required or closed when cooling not required. Sometimes array of vanes used or in some cases single vanes used to perform the opening and closing. Vane are assembled either horizontally or vertically.
Air Guide[edit]
Air guides are use to guide air and avoid air leakage.
Actuator[edit]
The main function of the actuator is to actuae vanes. The vanes are connected to actuator by lever and linkages.
Lever and Linkage[edit]
Lever and linkage used to connect vanes to motor.
Screws[edit]
Fasteners are required to assemble the parts together. Sometimes plastics snaps fits are used instead of screws.
System Designs Parameters[edit]
The Design of AGS is based on following parameters. These parameters determines the size of AGS in vehicle packaging space, Actuator torque.
AGS Parts and Material[edit]
Frame : Polypropylene glass filled
Vanes : Polyamide glass filled
Lever and Linkage : Polyamide glass filled
Air Guide : Soft Plastic (Thermoplastic olefin)
References[edit]
http://tachkit.com/ford-focus-active-shutter-grille
https://www.bmw.com/en/bmw-models/7-series-sedan.html
https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/20145427/
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