Effect of Head Lamp Controller on Fuel Efficiency in Small Vehicles Engineering Research Centre, TATA Motors Limited

Format:

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Kakaye, Sunil G., author.

Conference Name:

SAE World Congress & Exhibition (2007-04-16 : Detroit, Michigan, United States)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 2007

Summary:

This paper describes a micro controller based electronic unit that senses the vehicle motion and controls the headlamp operation in low beam condition. It automatically switches "OFF" the headlights if vehicle is not in motion for more than the specified time. When vehicle starts moving, controller automatically switches "ON" the headlights again. Controller controls the operation of low beam of the headlight. Controller with the help of parking, ignition & RPM signal derives all the safe operating conditionsNormally during night time in traffic junctions (Signals) or in other heavy traffic situations the headlights of the vehicle would be continuously "ON" even though the vehicle is not moving. This leads to unnecessary electrical load on engine in vehicle idling conditions and hence unnecessary consumption of fuel due to headlight "ON" condition.The situation becomes worse when the vehicle is completely stopped for a short while and headlamps are ON (id est user forgets to switch off the headlights). In this case vehicle battery will get discharge due to large headlamp load current (Typ. 9 Amps).Operation of controller is designed to be fail-safe. Manual override switch is provided to meet specific requirements.This will result into improving fuel efficiency of smaller vehicles (id est Engine power less than 16HP) and energy management on all types of vehicles

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

2007-01-1317

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license