The Daimler-Benz Winter Test Center “Rovaniemi” — A Prerequisite for Experimental Development of Electronic Wheel Slip Control Systems for Commercial Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz recognised early on the significance for the development of new components and systems of being able to conduct field trials in winter conditions. As a consequence, the company established a Winter Test Centre on the local airfield at Rovaniemi, Finland. The geographical location offers constant winter conditions for extended time periods. Road surfaces providing different degrees of adhesion, circular sections and gradients were created at the centre. Extracts of the work relating to the development of the anti-lock system ABS and the traction control ASR are presented as examples of a comprehensive programme of winter testing.

Comparisons are made of various control systems, such as 4-channel and 6-channel systems with Individual Control, Select Low Control or Modified Individual Control on the basis of the required stopping distances and steering wheel correction angles, and the concept benefits and drawbacks determined for a solo vehicle on the one hand and a tractor/semi-trailer combination on the other hand.

As a second component of wheel slip control, the traction control ASR is compared with traditional differential locks in respect of its traction behavior. Test results are discussed for starting-off maneuvers on homogenous and split adhesion road surfaces for a 3-axle, 22-tonne vehicle with one driven axle.