Active safety systems in the car today have become the most important section of the car configuration. When buying a vehicle, the potential owner immediately examines the comfort and safety zone in the equipment in order to make a choice in favor of a more reliable car. One of the active safety systems - ESP - is the most important addition to a modern car, which helps to improve directional stability.
The system of exchange rate stability can fully work only with the presence of ABS, and preferably also EBD. Virtually all functions of the car are in the control of course stability, so that in the event of a critical situation with skidding, this module allows you to avoid an uncontrolled trip of the car.
The nature of the ESP - what functions are under the control of the system?
Most modern cars in their advanced trim levels have this active safety feature. If earlier buyers were embarrassed by the presence of many abbreviations of three Latin letters, today each name arouses genuine interest in the driver. After all, this is such an important safety issue.
But in the case of the stability control system, not every driver knows the nature of the operation of this module. When ESP is included in the car configuration, the question arises, what are they? So, the ESP module is responsible for controlling the control of the car during skidding, controlling the following functions of the car:
- steering, or rather, the inadmissibility of sharp jerks by the steering wheel when skidding;
- distribution of braking forces on each wheel to the required degree;
- decrease or increase engine speed to obtain the desired control;
- monitoring of angular velocity and lateral acceleration to understand the beginning of a skid.
Sensors for this function are located on virtually all vehicle controls, resulting in a quick response to any skid. As soon as the car starts to get out of the driver's control, ESP assistance is activated and the distribution of the correct brake forces, steering adjustment and other functions begin. It is almost always possible to avoid uncontrolled skidding.
Do not think that you can recklessly drive on slippery roads on cars with the ESP system, because the module will save you in any situation. ESP is far from magic, it is a technology that will not help to reverse the laws of physics. So if you enter a skid at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour, you will not feel the operation of the function.
Statistics on the use of ESP on cars
When all modern motorists already know what ESP is, whether it is worth taking a package with this function and overpaying for a car upon purchase, it's time to talk about the real benefits of this system. The main task of any active or passive machine safety function is to prevent possible accidents, which often occur when control is lost.
It was this task that the creators of the ESP system for cars set for their developments. With incredibly sensitive sensors, the module responds in 20 milliseconds and activates all necessary anti-skid devices. This is confirmed by many statistics:
- the number of accidents in winter on cars with ESP has almost halved;
- insurance companies in the US and Europe have begun the practice of reducing the cost of insurance for cars with such a system;
- manufacturers are investing more and more money to improve this function;
- not so long ago, the ESP system successfully migrated to sports cars, although its features are contrary to sport.
Of course, the most visible benefits from using this technology will be for novice drivers who do not yet have enough experience and practice to get out of difficult traffic situations. Previously, the ABS function was considered exclusively the prerogative of novice drivers, but today in some countries, without the use of this braking assistant, the sale of new cars is prohibited.
Summing up
Among the many new developments with cryptic acronym names, the ESP system is of great importance and is one of the important additions to your car. With a variety of sensors and instant response to the start of a skid, this module will not allow the driver to lose control.
If you are wondering if it is worth paying extra for this active safety feature, be sure to decide in favor of having it in the car. Such additions do not require additional costs, maintenance and other processes. They will only always serve for the benefit of your safety.
ESP: is it a whim or a necessity? Is it necessary to have this system in the car or can you easily do without it? You will learn the answers to these questions from this article.
ESP is a system of electronic stabilization or exchange rate stability. Whoever likes to be called. Different manufacturers may have different names. Twin brothers are DSTC, DSC, VSC, VDC, ESC systems.
ESP. What does it give the driver?
Safety first In the event of an emergency, the system takes the initiative and intervenes in control in a fraction of a second. ESP controls the vehicle's lateral dynamics and helps maintain directional stability. In particular, it is able to prevent side sliding and skidding, and stabilize the position of the machine. Especially when driving at high speeds and with poor traction. Of course, nothing in this world is perfect, and no one can guarantee 100% protection. But this smart assistant will help you out more than once in extreme situations.
The principle of its work is quite simple. It receives data from the ABS sensors and, if necessary, brakes the wheels.
Story
Something similar to the modern ESP was patented in 1959. The German company Daimler-Benz called such an invention a "control device". However, the idea was brought to life only in 1994. Since 1995, the ESP system has been serially installed on the CL600 coupe, and then on all S and SL cars. What is it - a whim or a necessity?
Judging by the fact that today such an option is available on almost all car models, it can be judged that the system has proven itself well. But don't buy ESP Japan. Trust the original.
ESP: What is it and how does it work?
The system is linked to the engine control unit, ARS and ABS. ESP continuously processes signals from various sensors. In particular, thanks to it receives data on the speed of rotation of the wheels. The position of the steering wheel and the pressure in the brake system are also taken into account. But the main indicators are a sensor that is calculated relative to the vertical axis, as well as a lateral acceleration sensor. It is these devices that are able to give a signal that a lateral slip has appeared along the vertical axis, determine its degree and give orders for further actions. The system constantly monitors vehicle speed, steering angle and skidding.
The controller continuously compares the actual behavior of the vehicle on the road with that which is programmed. If deviations are observed, the system perceives this as a dangerous situation and takes actions to correct it.
To return the car to its previous course, the system can give a command to force the braking of the wheels. This action is performed by the ABS hydraulic modulator, which pressurizes the brake system. At the same time, a command is given to reduce torque and reduce fuel supply.
The system works constantly - during braking, acceleration and even when coasting.
Modern security systems in the car have been constantly improved since their widespread introduction into serial use. Most of them were developed and initially implemented in Western Europe or North America. These include ESP, what it is in a car, we will analyze it further.
The story begins with a patent in 1959. At that time, no one knew the concept of "system of exchange rate stability", what it was, and the module was called a control device. The author of the patent was the authoritative Daimler-Benz. After that, it took almost 35 years of work to implement the development in real production cars. Although before that there were attempts to introduce at that time a not so perfect and rather cumbersome program to stabilize the movement of cars.
Starting in 1995, the first to know what ESP is in a car were the owners of the then stylish Mercedes-Benz CL 600 coupe. At that time, it contained 11 different elements, unlike today, where their number was reduced to four . Some time later, the system became mandatory for company vehicles classified as SL and S.
Until 1998, serial installation was also carried out on class A cars, but the cars were often recalled by the company, since the optional module caused certain difficulties. A year later, everything returned to normal, and ESP was included in the basic package of most model classes.
Bosch is considered to be the European leader in the production of stability control systems. It introduces its products on the products of such recognized world leaders as Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW, Audi, etc.
You need to know that the installation of ESP units on vehicles since 2011 is a necessary procedure when new cars leave the assembly line in the European Union region, Canada and the United States.
Before explaining the operation of the ESP stability control system, what it is in a car, it is necessary to understand the terminology. After all, it is also called the dynamic stabilization system. Also, in various global companies involved in the production of motor vehicles, they use their own developments in this area and use a personal designation.
There are various abbreviations for auto companies to describe the system, which we will decipher:
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program);
- VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control);
- VSC (Vehicle Stability Control);
- VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist);
- DTSC (Dynamic Stability Traction Control);
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
If among the functions of the purchased car there is one of these designations, then this is an excellent signal for the driver.
What is ESP
On a slippery road, the car often behaves in an unpredictable way. Even an experienced driver is not always able to respond in a timely manner to external negative factors. Transport is able to go into a skid. Further, he loses control and his level of maneuverability decreases. ESP helps to ensure stability on the track in such a case.
The main task of the system is to create conditions for the car to go where the steering wheel is turned. The drift is thus excluded. The module uses a variety of sensors. Their task is to track the direction of movement of the vehicle based on the position of the steering wheel and the degree of pressure on the gas pedal. The control unit also processes the received data regarding lateral accelerations and the current orientation of a possible skid.
Stability helps the driver during a random emergency situation, as ESP works in the car, keeping the dynamics of the car under control. Not only skidding is blocked, but side slips are not allowed. In fact, the system helps to maintain the course set by the driver, saves the trajectory of the current given route and helps to stabilize the car during any maneuver.
ESP is relevant for roads with poor coverage, where the risk of going into uncontrollability increases significantly. It is often called just that - "anti-skid".
How everything works technically
Modern ESP refers to active high-level security systems. It consolidates several subsystems:
- anti-blocking ABS;
- brake force distribution EBD;
- anti-slip ASR;
- electronic blocking of differential EDS.
The actuating device is a hydraulic module. Also mandatory attributes are synchronously configured sensors and blocks:
- course stability sensor;
- wheel rotation sensor;
- a sensor that monitors the angle of the steering wheel;
- a hydraulic pump through which commands are sent to the wheel lines;
- electronic control unit.
The ECU sends requests and receives feedback from sensors about 30 times per second. This module takes additional readings from the steering angle sensor and other control sensors. If the obtained parameters fall within certain characteristics, then the ESP re-subordinates the supply of gasoline or diesel fuel, as well as the operation of the brakes. Thanks to synchronism, it is possible to align the vehicle in the direction of movement of the front wheels.
You need to know that today the electronics adapt to the actions of the driver, and the person driving the vehicle directs the front axle. ESP only helps him achieve the desired result.
Wide functionality
In extreme conditions, the ability to influence the brakes is sometimes a decisive factor in the stabilization of the vehicle. When the front axle begins to slide to the side, the rear brakes are forced on. It is the wheel that is located inside the turning radius that is blocked. Thanks to this state, the front of the car is leveled and does not get demolished.
There are situations when the rear axle is demolished from the track in the process of turning. ESP in such an event blocks only the front axle. This is especially true for the side located on the outer turning radius.
There is a popular misconception that ESP prevents many drivers from driving a vehicle. The statement is fundamentally wrong, since a person will not be able to make decisions and implement them at such a high speed, as electronics and hydraulics do.
Important! The developers of the implemented methodology assure that there are no situations on the road when the ESP can adversely affect the current situation.
In some cases, the owners of this module can expand its capabilities. For this, a set of progressive options is provided:
- Electronic hydraulic systems. When there is a sharp release of pressure from the gas pedal, the event is perceived by the electronics as an emergency. To speed up the process, the brake pads are as close as possible to the discs.
- Brake discs with self-cleaning system. When driving through puddles or during bad weather, a small wet coating forms on the surface of the discs, which can reduce the coefficient of friction between the pads and discs. Periodically, the pads, at the command of the electronics, independently remove a layer of moisture.
- Soft stop function. The service contributes to a smooth decrease in vehicle speed. This is facilitated by a decrease in pressure in the hydraulic circuits during the braking process.
- Help with adjustment on uneven ground at an angle. Unauthorized rolling back of the car on a slope during a stop is blocked.
- "Stop forward." The option is in addition to cruise control. Thanks to it, the distance from the car in front is monitored. The function is comfortable for operation in traffic jams and, in some modifications, is able to work without a driver.
- Auto brake when parking. It is an electrical analogue of the hand brake. To activate, depress the pedal all the way, and then press a special button that activates the hydraulics.
Engineers do not stop at developments in this area, so the system will continue to improve. Motorists, of course, it only pleases.
Electronic Stability Program is a dynamic vehicle stabilization system that prevents the development of a skid or minimizes it. Even if the car cannot be left on the road, it will hit the obstacle with the front bumper, and thus save the lives of passengers.
The ESP system almost constantly interacts with the anti-slip control system (ABS) and the electronic control unit of the power plant, thereby forming a single system that consists of an electronic controller and a set of sensors: wheel speed sensor, brake fluid pressure sensor, steering position sensor. This "alliance" provides counter-emergency measures. Lateral acceleration and angular velocity sensors transmit basic data to the system, based on which the side slip indicators are calculated. The system continuously monitors the speed of the vehicle, what is the current engine speed, as well as the angle of the steering wheel.
ESP plays a huge role in terms of vehicle safety. But do not forget that the possibilities of ESP are not unlimited - you cannot bypass the laws of physics, and it is impossible to foresee all possible situations on the road. Every driver must remember that ESP does not release him from the obligation to drive carefully and comply with traffic rules.
Driving a car is not an easy task, as it may seem at first glance. A situation can happen with the driver in which the vehicle can behave in the most unexpected way. This can especially happen in winter, when the road is heavily swept with snow.
Movement in such situations can lead to inevitable drifts, as a result, the car becomes uncontrollable and it becomes extremely difficult to maneuver in such conditions. In such circumstances, the use of electronics can help drivers. It is possible to eliminate the uncontrolled behavior of vehicles on the road with ESP.
Purpose of ESP
The abbreviation ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program. Also known under a different name - the exchange rate stability system (hereinafter SKU). The letter combination in the abbreviation may be different, depending on the manufacturer: DSTC, DSC, ESC, etc.
The presence of electronic stabilization on the car prevents the occurrence of emergency circumstances such as lateral movement, skidding of the car. This is due to the control of the transverse dynamics of transport. Electronic stability control is able to maintain directional stability of the vehicle. During maneuvering, ESP aligns the position of the car, this is felt when driving the car at high speed.
I&C device
Course stability is a high-level active safety, which consists of:
- systems preventing blocking of wheels during braking (ABS);
- brake force distribution system (EBD);
- electronic differential lock (EDS);
- traction control (ASR).
Under the control of the course stability system there are input measuring means, a control unit and a hydraulic unit as an executing mechanism.
Input meters are used to convert some vehicle characteristics into electrical signals. With their help, the behavior of the driver and the driving characteristics of the vehicle are analyzed.
For evaluating the behavior of the driver, the steering angle meters, brake system, stop signal switch are used. The longitudinal-transverse acceleration, wheel speed and angular velocity of the machine are also analyzed.
The control unit of the exchange rate stability system receives parameters from the measuring instruments and creates a control action on the executing mechanism subordinate to the active safety system:
- valve mechanisms ABS;
- solenoid valve mechanism ASR;
- indicators of control lamps ESP, ABS, brake systems.
The ESP control unit has a connection with other system control units: engine and automatic transmission. In addition to receiving parametric signals from their systems, ESP has the ability to control and influence these systems. The hydraulic block of the ABS / ASR system and its component part are used for the operation of the exchange rate stability system.
The principle of operation of the SKU
The occurrence of a car accident is determined in the comparative actions of the driver's behavior and the desired driving characteristics of the car. If the actions differ from the actual parameters of the car's movement, ESP defines it as an "uncontrollable state" and is connected to work.
Equalization of traffic with the help of SKU can be achieved by several methods:
- with braking of some wheels;
- changing the rotation of the motor;
- change in the angular rotation of the steered wheels (when using the active steering system);
- change in the degree of damping of vibrations of the damper (with adaptive suspension).
If there is not enough steering angle, ESP can prevent the vehicle from pulling out of the corner by braking the inside rear wheel and changing the engine speed.
When a vehicle skids, ESP prevents this situation by braking the outer front wheel and changing the rotation of the engine speed.
Such braking of the wheels occurs due to the connection of the required active safety systems. When connecting these systems, the mode of operation has the form of a repetitive nature: increasing pressure, holding and depressurizing the brake system.
To change the engine speed, the ESP can implement this in several ways:
- changing the location of the valve flap;
- change in the supply of fuel;
- change in the ignition pulse;
- change in the angular advance of the ignition;
- blocking the gear in the automatic box;
- change in the distribution of revolutions between the axles (for all-wheel drive vehicles).
Combining the control system, suspension and steering constitutes the integrated control of vehicle dynamics.
Auxiliary functions of the I&C
The design of directional stability can be performed using auxiliary subsystems and functions: hydraulic boosting of the brakes, rollover prevention, collision prevention, alignment of the movement of road trains, increasing the effectiveness of brakes when heated, removing moisture from brake discs. The above subsystems are not considered structures, but exist as an additional software extension to the directional stability system.
Roll Over Prevention levels the vehicle while driving under rollover conditions. Rollover prevention is implemented by braking the front wheels and reducing engine torque. Auxiliary braking occurs due to the active brake booster.
Collision warning (Braking Guard) is implemented when Adaptive Cruise Control is installed. When there is a threat of a collision, the subsystem notifies with the help of visual and audio signals. In case of emergency, the return pump in the brake system is automatically switched on.
Alignment of the movement of road trains is implemented when equipped with a device for towing. The subsystem prevents the trailer from wobbling when driving by braking the wheel or reducing the torque.
Overheating brake performance (Over Boost) prevents the moment of unsatisfactory contact of the brake pads with the brake discs, which occurs when overheating occurs. This happens by means of an auxiliary increase in the pressure force in the brake actuator.
Dehumidification of the brake discs is activated when driving over 50 km/h with the windshield wipers running. The scheme of operation of the subsystem consists in a short increase in pressure in the front wheel circuit, as a result of which the brake pads, pressing against the discs, remove moisture by evaporating it.
What is the difference between ESP and ESC
ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program. ESC - Electronic Stability Control, means electronic stability control. These two systems are designed for the same purpose - stable and safe movement of the vehicle during maneuvering. The main difference between them is that ESP is installed on all popular car brands, and ESC is installed only on Kia, Honda, Hyundai.
Does the ESP system cause inconvenience to the driver?
Professional drivers who want to get the most out of their rides (usually racers) will find road holding to be a bit of an inconvenience. If, when the car is skidding, the driver needs to get out of it, as a rule, he adds gas. In this case, the electronic stabilizing program does not allow this, since it is programmed in this case, to reduce the engine torque, and also does not allow the supply of fuel in large quantities.
For such motorists, in many cars equipped with a course stability system, a button is provided to turn it off. It happens that instead of a button, you need to perform a sequence of several actions to disable it. Installed ESP systems have the ability not to turn on instantly, but with a time delay. This allows the driver to make their own decisions in non-standard situations on the road.
If you are not a professional racer or your driving experience is not too great, then it is not recommended to turn off the stability control system. Because security has a higher priority in your case. If your car is equipped with an ESP system, you can feel confident driving on the roads. But don't play with the laws of physics. ESP is designed to minimize accidents, not completely eliminate them, and you should not put yourself in danger again.
How important ESP is, BOSCH said:
