Peace of mind from SpeedStart

UK company CPT has developed an auto stop/start system that overcomes one of stop/start technology's biggest challenges, helping improve fuel efficiency and cut CO2 emissions along the way.

Billed "the world's most powerful belt-driven integrated starter generator (B-ISG) to operate at 12 volts", CPT's SpeedStart system helps overcome one of auto stop/start technology's great bugbears: what's known as 'driver change of mind'. It's that moment when, intending to stop, a stop/start-equipped car slows beyond the point of no return, just in time for the driver to change their mind. The engine stops when they no longer want it to, sending them into one of those fraught stalled-in-traffic moments.

The CPT microhybrid system's higher than normal power and torque output gives the driver more leeway to respond in real time to changes in traffic conditions, its added responsiveness providing assurance of being able to kick the burner back into action promptly, every time.  In traffic, this means drivers can leave the vehicle in gear way down below the cut-out threshold knowing it will restart quickly -- in about half the time of conventional starters -- and seamlessly when their foot comes off the brake pedal. The extra muscle gives the vehicle the chance to work in stop/start mode more often than normal systems, helping maximise fuel efficiency and cutting CO2 emissions by a claimed 7-10 percent. A side benefit is that it boosts energy regeneration on deceleration.

The company showcased its SpeedStart package before government and industry nabobs at a recent conference organised by Cenex, the UK's centre of excellence for low carbon technologies, using a petrol-powered Audi A4 and a diesel Volvo. It's also taking the Audi on a round of demonstrations to European auto makers.  CPT says it's capable of cranking oilers displacing up to 2.0 litres and petrol engines up to 4.4-litres, giving it potential applicability across a wider range of powertrains than the industry has seen to date, auto and manual.

"Motorists also need to be able to drive a vehicle as they would normally with no change to their driving habits and with confidence of an instant re-start whatever the traffic conditions or engine speed; they don't need the anxiety of worrying about whether a stop-start system will work or not," CPT micro-hybrid spokesman Mike Dowsett told media in a statement. 

Testing under New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) conditions showed up 3-5 per cent reductions in emissions, the company claims. Energy regeneration potential is easily realised to add a further 3-5 per cent, with the motor's unique brushless technology adding a further 1 per cent.

CPT has bet big on the SpeedStart's timing, with pressure growing apace on the auto industry to get their lineup average below 130g/km CO2 by 2012, and 95g/km by 2020. The US isn't far behind, with a national target of 155g/km by 2012 and some states even more stringent. 

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