Voith Turbo Introduces Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit for Safer and More Efficient Braking in Commercial Vehicles

Voith Turbo Introduces Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit for Safer and More Efficient Braking in Commercial Vehicles

(IN BRIEF) Voith Turbo has been continuously developing its hydrodynamic retarder system for more than 50 years, providing wear-free braking for commercial vehicles. The company has now introduced the Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit (MRCU) as a new standard feature for the retarder. The MRCU integrates the electronic control unit (ECU) directly into the retarder, saving space in the driver’s cab and simplifying the vehicle system layout. The MRCU also improves the retarder’s safety by continuously monitoring its operation and quickly re-establishing a safe state in case of faults. It complies with the latest automotive cyber security requirements, using the open AUTOSAR standard for future-proof operation.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM, 3-Aug-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — For more than 50 years, the Voith retarder has been helping to make commercial vehicles safer, more efficient and more sustainable. Thanks to an ongoing development process, the hydrodynamic retarder system allows up to 90 percent of all braking operations to be wear-free. With the launch of its Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit (MRCU), Voith Turbo is now taking the technology to a new level. In future, the MRCU will be part of the retarder’s standard equipment and will further improve its functionality. One of the most striking benefits of the MRCU, which is designed as an all-in-one solution, is that the electronic control unit (ECU) responsible for the regulation, control and monitoring of the retarder is now integrated directly into the retarder. This saves space in the driver’s cab and simplifies the layout of the entire vehicle system. Another new feature is that damping plate, pressure sensor and valve technology are housed in a single compact unit directly connected to the retarder.

The developers also attached particular importance to easier handling. The MRCU connection thus uses a single plug and the compressed air connection, allowing OEMs therefore to quickly integrate the module in just a few steps.

Moreover, the MRCU improves the safety of the retarder in operation, as the technology continually monitors the operation of the system. If it detects a fault, the unit immediately re-establishes a safe state. This also happens in the case of systemic errors. Voith Turbo’s developers have also made provision for potential valve malfunctions – with a series

“This results in lower air consumption with higher efficiency and also a longer service life. In any case, we have designed the entire unit so that environmental factors in the drivetrain will not impair the function of the MRCU.” Mirco Wassermann, Head of Engineering Retarder – Electronic Components at Voith Turbo

Naturally, the MRCU satisfies all the latest requirements for cyber security in the automotive segment. Voith Turbo is using the open AUTOSAR standard as the operating system for the MRCU. This standard provides a future-proof foundation for automotive control units and facilitates the implementation of updates and upgrades, for example. Optional support from CAN FD is also possible and allows faster communication between various control units within the vehicle. For diagnostic communication, Voith Turbo relies on the ISO-standardized UDS protocol. An improved error memory allows maintenance work to be performed in a more targeted and even more efficient way.

About the Voith Group

The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.9 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

Media Contact:

Susanne Speiser
Manager Global Communication
Voith Turbo
t +49 7321 37 8497

SOURCE: Voith GmbH