StARS attraction

A project aimed at producing the second-generation of starter alternator reversible systems (StARS) could help boost Europe’s carbon reduction efforts by cutting emissions and fuel use in cars.

Led by global automotive supplier, Valeo, the EUREKA i-StARS project is developing a micro-hybrid start-stop system to replace the alternators currently in mass production.

It is hoped that this will fulfil global demands for more energy efficient vehicles following the introduction of new European Union legislation designed to reduce the average carbon dioxide emission for new cars from 160g/km to 130g/km in 2012.

Existing hybrid solutions have a high level of integration between the electrical machine assisting the internal combustion engine and the associated power and control electronics.

This causes thermo-mechanical constraints on the system that pose difficulties to the automotive industry in terms of flexibility and cost.

Project leader, Valeo, already has experience developing the first generation of alternator-based start-stop systems for Citroën, Smart Cars and Mercedes Benz A and B class vehicles.