Delphi’s IVT Sensor Makes More Electronics Possible

New technology monitors battery’s charge and discharge, determines battery health.

TROY, Mich. — Delphi Corporation’s (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ) new Battery IVT Sensor helps ensure optimal battery performance, improving the integrity of a continuously expanding collection of electronics included on automobiles while ensuring sufficient power for starting the engine.

Delphi’s Battery IVT Sensor precisely measures current (I), voltage (V) and temperature (T), the three parameters essential to determining battery health and, when it is integrated into a vehicle as part of active battery management, can improve fuel efficiency, extend battery life and help optimize alternator and battery size, further optimizing the electrical/electronic system.

“Delphi’s new IVT sensor combines many benefits in one small package, providing our customers with a way to ensure the integrity and availability of the electrical/electronic system. It is another example of how Delphi makes the most of the E/E architecture by understanding overall E/E system operation and developing the components required to implement new features and functions,” observes Dave Wright, Delphi’s global director of innovation and electrical/electronic architecture, “In fact,” Wright says, “Delphi’s Battery IVT Sensor can be used to boost fuel efficiency by reducing the power the alternator is required to put out during periods when the battery is sufficiently charged, thereby lowering the engine’s mechanical load.” In some instances, this can improve fuel economy by as much as 0.5 miles per gallon.

Most automotive electrical systems do not measure battery current. Many that do lack the precision, high level of accuracy and range of measurement that Delphi’s Battery IVT Sensor provides.

Accurately calculating battery state of charge (SOC) to ensure optimum battery performance is becoming increasingly crucial as more and more electronics are included on automobiles, forcing the batteries and alternators that power them to work harder. This is especially true when power demand exceeds the vehicle’s generator capability.

When this happens, the battery provides additional power to support the electrical load. If the battery charge and discharge are not monitored and managed during these periods, the battery could be drawn down so that it doesn’t have the required reserve to restart the engine once it is turned off.

Premature battery failure is usually the result of deep discharge cycling events or overcharging.

Because Delphi’s Battery IVT Sensor continuously updates the battery’s SOC and state of health (SOH), the vehicle’s electrical loads can be managed so that power generated and stored is balanced against the load requirements.

When the battery’s SOC is sufficient, power output from the alternator can be lowered and still maintain the charge.

Delphi’s Battery IVT Sensor reduces the need to store excess energy, making it possible for vehicles to use smaller batteries and alternators. The sensor also provides for continuous availability of safety-critical functions, preserves a minimal acceptable charge for engine crank reserve, and extends the life of incandescent bulbs by allowing them to operate at lower average voltages over the vehicle’s life. All of these advantages demonstrate how Delphi’s master architects maximize the benefits of optimally designed E/E architectures.

For data and diagnostic communication, Delphi’s Battery IVT Sensor features a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) or Controller Area Network (CAN) interface.

Delphi’s IVT Battery Sensor is usually located on the negative battery post, but may be mounted in a pre-fuse box on the battery or in a Delphi Electrical Center.

It is designed for use in passenger and commercial vehicles beginning with model year 2010 and can be adapted for use in hybrids and the marine industry.

For more information about Delphi Corp. (OTC: DPHIQ), visit www.delphi.com