Schaeffler set a new technological standard for environmentally-friendly and dynamic engines in 2009 with the volume production start of the world’s first fully-variable electrohydraulic valve control system, UniAir. This also marked the beginning of a new era in valve control technology. Recently, the one millionth UniAir system was manufactured at the company’s Cheraw, S.C. facility in North America.
The world’s first fully-variable electro-hydraulic valve control system is currently being used in Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep branded vehicles. Further brands will follow in the foreseeable future. Contributing also to the success story of the innovative UniAir technology is the win of the renowned Automotive News PACE Award in 2012.
UniAir provides for the demand-based control of engine valves and allows almost any valve lift variation to be realized. The technology enables considerable reductions in consumption and emissions to be achieved, as well as a significant improvement in torque curves. UniAir offers an extended range of options for matching engine operation to specific situations and requirements including, for example, the implementation of modern combustion processes such as the Miller and Atkinson cycles. Cylinder deactivation is also possible without additional engineering outlay. Thus, three-cylinder engines can be operated using rolling cylinder deactivation, meaning that each cylinder is switched off in turn. A key advantage of this is that the deactivated cylinder does not cool down so that optimum results can be achieved in terms of fuel efficiency and emission reduction. With a three-cylinder engine, this intelligent deactivation solution leads to fuel-saving, quasi “1.5-cylinder” operation. Schaeffler expertise in the area of transmissions also helps in this regard as far as vibrations are concerned, as it ensures a high level of driving comfort even with this unique mode of operation.
“We are continually refining our UniAir technology in order to meet the ever more stringent demands of our customers and the global automotive market,” says Prof. Dr. Peter Pleus, CEO Automotive Schaeffler AG. “Since its development, market interest in the system has steadily increased. It won’t be too long before more automakers will be using this innovative technology. This success has been achieved thanks to our outstanding development and production expertise and the hard and dedicated work of our employees.”
Variable valve trains from Schaeffler
From camshaft phasing units and switchable finger followers through to the fully-variable valve control system UniAir – Schaeffler offers a comprehensive range of products for variability in the valve train. Tailor-made operating strategies, such as cylinder deactivation or special valve lift curves, can thus be implemented to suit customer and market requirements. Finding the optimum combination of individual components is a critical factor in reducing consumption. In this respect, Schaeffler can offer the automotive industry benefits that are not available from any other supplier – thanks to the company’s unique expertise and the interdisciplinary work of its engine systems, transmission systems, chassis and e-mobility business divisions.
