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What is an electronic control APU? With this feature, your car is safer.
The electrification of trucks is developing rapidly, and electronically controlled APUs are frequently appearing on various high-end models. So, what exactly is an electronically controlled APU (electronic air processing unit), and what benefits does it bring to vehicles? With an electronically controlled APU, what different functions can our trucks achieve?
▎What is an electrically controlled APU?
Simply put, an electrically controlled APU is an addition of an electronic control system to the original air dryer. Previously, unloading and four-circuit distribution were mechanically controlled and passive, opening the corresponding valves once the specified pressure was reached. In contrast, an electrically controlled APU is computer-controlled, allowing different air circuits to be opened and closed according to actual air demand.
The electronically controlled APU contains many sensors, including those monitoring the pressure, temperature, and humidity of different air circuits, as well as the drying particles in the desiccant tanks, among others. Additionally, there are solenoid valves on the air circuits to control the opening and closing of the airflow, rather than relying on simple mechanical passive opening and closing.
▎How does an electronically controlled APU work? The air from the airbags can be used for braking.
As mentioned earlier, the electronically controlled APU contains many sensors that monitor the various states of each air circuit loop in real-time, as well as the status of the drying unit itself. The computer of the electronically controlled APU communicates with other parts of the vehicle through the CAN bus, especially with the braking system, air suspension system, air pump, and so on.
According to the air demand of different parts of the vehicle, the electronic control APU's circuit board will control the opening and closing of different air circuits. For example, when the pressure in the air tank reaches the preset value, the air circuit to the tank will be closed, or it will actively unload, so that the air compressor no longer takes up the engine's output power, reducing energy consumption.
In addition, the main function of the electronically controlled APU is to reasonably allocate airflow to different parts for use. For example, if your air storage tank is leaking but there is still air in the air suspension airbags, when you start the vehicle, the electronically controlled APU will automatically direct the air from the airbags through the air circuit to the brake calipers. Air from the driver's seat, suspension, and other areas will first be supplied for braking, ensuring that the vehicle's brakes work properly.
▎ As electrification increases, electronically controlled APUs will become standard.
The electrification of trucks is increasing, and domestic trucks are catching up with imported ones, with both chassis and the entire vehicle being equipped with electrification monitoring. The electronically controlled APU will also work in conjunction with the EBS, air suspension, and clutch air compressor, intelligently controlling and distributing compressed air throughout the vehicle to ensure maximum efficiency.
Why do high-end models emphasize that EBS and electronic-controlled APUs work better together? It is well known that the main benefit of EBS for driving braking is its quick response. One of the functions of an electronic-controlled APU is to allocate compressed air. When used with EBS, the electronic-controlled APU calls the nearest compressed air to complete driving braking.
● Editor's Note
Looking ahead, as electrification progresses, electronic-controlled APUs, EBS, and other systems will become standard features, making our trucks safer. However, the maintenance cost of electronic-controlled APUs is relatively high; for example, replacing the electronic-controlled APU assembly in a Volvo truck costs around 20,000 yuan, and domestic trucks can cost over 10,000 yuan.
Therefore, for vehicles with electronic-controlled APUs, it is essential to regularly replace the dryer and air filters and pay attention to whether the air compressor is leaking oil. Once the air compressor leaks oil, the electronic-controlled APU is basically ruined.
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