Febi takes PMM readers through a key feature of mild-hybrid vehicles – the auxiliary belt for the starter-generator.
In recent years, the automotive industry has been exploring various ways to reduce exhaust tail pipe emissions and improve fuel efficiency. One of the technologies that has gained significant traction is the 48 volt mild-hybrid system. This system combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an intelligent starter generator and a 48 volt lithium-ion battery, resulting in reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.
The 48 volt mild-hybrid system is a promising technology that offers several benefits for passenger cars. By combining a traditional internal combustion engine with an intelligent starter generator and a 48 volt lithium-ion battery pack, this system can significantly reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and enhance overall performance. Unlike conventional generators, this technology combines a starter motor and generator in one part.
Due to this advantage, the vehicle can be sped up by rotating the engine just by the generator in the acceleration process and generate electrical power while the engine is running. The power to rotate the combustion engine is transferred from the generator to the crankshaft pulley by a reinforced auxiliary belt with aramid cord and new designed tensioner.
Benefits of the MHS
- Improved fuel economy: the ISG provides additional power during acceleration, reducing the load on the engine and improving fuel economy.
- Reduced emissions: the ISG can assist the engine during acceleration, reducing emissions and improving the vehicle’s environmental footprint.
- Better performance: the additional torque provided by the ISG improves acceleration and overall performance.
- Cost savings: compared to full hybrid or electric vehicles, the 48 volt mild hybrid system is a more cost-effective solution for improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.
Febi’s replacement auxiliary belts for startergenerators are designed, specified and manufactured to be OE-matching quality. All products aim to deliver an optimised power transmission, a wear-resistant belt surface and excellent noise behaviour even under extreme conditions. The high strength aramid cords moulded within the belt withstand frequent load direction changes under high loads and tractive forces from the starter-generator. The static and dynamic load carrying capacity of the drive belt is also essential during the instantaneous restart of the internal combustion engine using the starter-generator after the vehicle has stopped.
These strengthened belts – using a reinforced elastomeric compound with a high fibre content can be quickly and easily identified. As an example, febi part no. 181286 also has a general service number of 5PK1166 EST. ‘’EST’’, which stands for electric start, defines that this belt is suitable for cars equipped with stop-start or a starter generator for vehicles with a mild-hybrid drive.
Service replacement
Febi’s range of high-performance auxiliary belts for intelligent starter-generators and auxiliary belt kits, meet the individual service replacement requirements of mild-hybrid vehicles. Many vehicle manufacturers advise replacing all the components of the auxiliary belt drive system at the same time as the recommended service interval.
Note: Conventional standard multi-V belts should not be used as a replacement for vehicles requiring strengthened belts as there is a high risk of increased belt wear and elevated noise levels. This can cause the belt to snap, damaging the auxiliary belt drive.
