Eaton Showcases Power Management Technology at Auto Shanghai 2009

Updated: 2009-04-25 11:40

SHANGHAI– Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation is showcasing an array of its latest technology and products at the 13th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2009). The products, co-exhibited by Eaton's Truck and Auto groups, include UltraShift PLUS AMT, Twin Vortices Series supercharger (TVS®) and hybrid power systems share the common theme of "innovation for sustainability."

In a world increasingly challenged by environmental issues, Auto Shanghai 2009 places an emphasis on new forms of energy and innovation. These latest products by Eaton exemplify these trends and demonstrate the company's long-term commitment to helping customers use power more efficiently, effectively and safely."

While a lot of companies talk about green initiatives, Eaton is working with customers in China to create a sustainable automotive industry with products and technologies that save energy and cut emissions today," said Joe-Tao Zhou, president of China, Eaton Corporation.

UltraShift PLUS Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

The UltraShift PLUS family of transmissions provides safety and ease of operation for drivers. It offers advanced safety features for operation on grades, optimal performance over the road or in tight spaces and easy operation for the most inexperienced driver.

The UltraShift PLUS has a wide choice for customers'diverse applications and tailored fleet needs. Features include intelligent shift decisions based on grade, vehicle weight, available engine torque and throttle position, hill start aid (prevents roll back on grades), and low speed maneuverability.

"Eaton's UltraShift PLUS provides the value owners demand with a driving experience operators desire. UltraShift PLUS easily integrates with a variety of engines and vehicle models, all supported from design through service by our China Truck team," said Dave Bennett, vice president and general manager of Eaton's Truck Group in Asia Pacific.

Twin Vortices Series (TVS) Supercharger

In response to market demand for increased engine power in smaller engines with improved fuel economy and lower emissions, the Eaton Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharger delivers more power and better fuel economy in a smaller package. The TVS design provides approximately 20 percent more efficiency than previous supercharger systems, more than 75 percent thermal efficiency and 2.5 pressure ratio capabilities. The TVS features twin four-lobe rotors that are twisted 160-degrees. The intermeshing, high-speed rotor design pumps air directly into the engine's intake system and creates more power. By comparison, previous Eaton supercharger designs featured three lobes twisted 60 degrees. The fourth lobe and added twist, when combined with redesigned air inlet and outlet ports, create a smooth, highly efficient flow of air into the engine that reduces noise and vibration. All Eaton superchargers are maintenance free, guaranteed to last the life of the engine and performance tested to three million miles.

"Automakers – increasingly facing stricter fuel economy requirements ¬– are seeking technologies to make smaller, more efficient engines. The supercharger system is an outstanding technology designed to simultaneously increase power and improve fuel economy," said CB Kim, general manager of Eaton's Automotive Group in Asia Pacific.

Hybrid Power Systems – Global Vehicle Technologies for China

Vehicle makers, fleets and users in China are working hard to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases in their cities, and Eaton is excited to be working with China's top Bus OEM's to provide them with hybrid power systems. This supports a key China government led initiative to improve the alternative energy infrastructure in China.

Among Eaton's most renowned sustainable technologies, Eaton's hybrid power systems dramatically save fuel from 30 to 60 percent, with similar reductions in harmful emissions and particulates. Eaton is the only manufacturer producing both hybrid electric and hybrid hydraulic systems.

Eaton's hybrid power systems have earned the company recognition as a global leader in alternative power for commercial vehicles. Because hybrid systems comply with emissions regulations while reducing fuel consumption and improving drivability, they possess great appeal for both the light- and medium-duty truck and bus markets. This includes telecommunication companies, utilities, and municipalities that use a generator for auxiliary power when the vehicle is stationary. HEV technology eliminates the need for auxiliary power equipment. The light- and medium-duty trucks and buses that stop and start frequently can also reap benefits from HEV drivetrains.

To make hybrid power practical, Eaton leverages existing production components into an integrated Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain system. These proven products include the base automated transmission, automated clutch products and electric control modules. This modular concept allows Eaton to support customized OEM solutions for a wide range of applications, operators, and fleets.

Eaton began operations in China in 1993 through a joint venture agreement to manufacture steering control units and hydraulic motors. Since then, its presence has grown significantly in the region through acquisitions, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries. In China today, Eaton has 27 operations with more than 10,000 employees.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 75,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.