Experimental evaluation of multiple FEAD layouts and potential contribution for fuel consumption and emissions reduction in downsized internal combustion engines

Increasingly research has been conducted lately towards reduction of both fuel consumption and gases emission in automotive vehicles propelled by Internal Combustion Engines. Among many initiatives, downsizing of those engines has been broadly adopted, arising side effects as increased vibration levels along Front-End Accessory Drive (FEAD) system. The present study focuses on the potential improvement of transmission efficiency and of vibration levels along FEAD by considering different layouts for the system. Multiple combinations of alternator pulley technologies and tensioner types are evaluated either during in-vehicle tests or in customized test rig that emulates vehicle FEAD in operating conditions. Specific transducers spred over the vehicle and at test rig assure the relevant data are captured for every layout arrangement investigated. Experimental results evidence the influence of distinct alternator pulley technologies and tensioner types on both transmission efficiency and vibration levels along FEAD during critical operating conditions. Moreover, the proposed experimental approach can be adopted to refine FEAD layout into a feasible arrangement, which can contribute to validate downsized internal combustion engines.