The presence of a stabilization system in your car can be a decisive factor for saving life in emergency. How does the stabilization system work?
Stabilization system, or, as they are also called, system exchange rate stability controlled by a special control unit. Numerous sensors monitor the vehicle's direction of travel based on the position of the steering wheel and accelerator pedal. The computer also receives information from the sensors about lateral accelerations and skid orientation.
As a result, when a threatening situation arises, when the driver loses control of the car, ESP recognizes the danger and enters into work with lightning speed. The course is corrected by braking both wheels on the starboard or port side, or one front or rear. Depending on the degree of risk of skidding, the system itself decides which of the wheels should slow down. In extreme cases, the ESP "suffocates" the engine by restricting the fuel supply to the injector. The process itself takes place quickly and barely noticeable, and the main roles are assigned to electronic unit control and anti-lock braking system ABS.
As you understand, ESP itself is worth nothing: the main thing is that the car is equipped with an ABS system, in addition to which the ESP program with the necessary sensors is attached. So the cost of ESP cannot be very high, and the fact that buyers are forced to refuse a useful guardian angel because of the inflated cost seems even more blasphemous.
Since February 2009, all-crash tests on the system Euro NCAP become tougher. As a result of the fact that many cars score the maximum five stars during various tests, the organization's management decided to introduce a new evaluation criterion: the presence in the basic equipment of the system ESP stabilization. As a result, under the new rules, cars will receive a single assessment, and not four, as before.
Of course, this is great news for all of us. And although the ESP system has become more affordable over the years, many manufacturers continued to offer it as an option, which is wrong. Those buyers who have tried ESP in action have assured us that they will never buy a car without an electronic guardian angel.
And now let's consider the attitude of drivers of developed European countries to ESP. It seems to be European states- civilized countries and willingly accept the most modern technologies into their daily lives, but many motorists prefer to spend money on improving the comfort level of their car, rather than ordering an extra active or passive safety.
In the course of a study on stabilization systems and directional stability, the British association The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed the following trend: only 10% of Europeans are generally aware of what it is and how ESP works. The rest simply do not represent the value of Electronic Stability Control or Vehicle Stability Assist systems (for different manufacturers This technology is referred to by various names. What then to say about the Russians?
It turns out that when ordering a particular model, Europeans are ready to abandon the installation of ESP in favor of, for example, leather interior, climate control, expensive music audio system, xenon headlights, etc. It is noteworthy that this situation is also indicative for the Russian market.
For comparison, during a similar investigation in the United States, it turned out that if all cars were equipped with ESP, then the number of accidents could be reduced by exactly 50%. The number is impressive. According to information from Honda owners of its models with ESP are 35% less likely to get into an accident.
Order statistics for stabilization systems for new cars in the UK is also depressing: only 34% of the total number of buyers ask for additional ESP. And only the Germans are more scrupulous people: 60% of people order the ESP option.
Of course, expensive models from luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Volvo come standard with stability control. Cheaper brands put this technology on their list of expensive options.
Back in 1995, Bosch developed its first ESP and, according to company representatives, the price at which automotive brands purchase stabilization systems does not exceed 7,000-9,000 rubles on average, while dealers literally “fight” twice or even three times more expensive already from the client.
Mercedes-Benz Corporation today equips every model with ESP technology. “It is extremely important for us that our cars are not only comfortable and high-tech, but also as safe as possible. Therefore, our opinion is this: safety should be included in standard equipment, therefore, ESP, along with other active and passive safety systems, should be part of the standard equipment, ”an official source from Mercedes-Benz said.
Take for evaluation and domestic market. For example, public favorite Ford Focus in popular trim levels Comfort and Ghia. How much do you think dealers are asking for optional ESP? As much as 17,900 rubles! It is clear that many will prefer "music" more expensive than ESP. Moreover, many are confident in their abilities, if something happens ...
Opinion of the masses
As already mentioned, many drivers in Europe have little idea of the benefits of ESP. Therefore, the British association The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders invited drivers of different genders and ages to take an introductory test.
Before testing at the test site, all subjects were asked what they know about stabilization systems and how much they are willing to pay for them. A third of the entire group turned out to be completely unaware of the matter, and the rest had only a superficial idea, but would be ready to pay no more than 180 pounds sterling (about 10,000 rubles) for ESP on average.
Participants were also asked to prioritize the following car parameters: class, brand image, body design, trunk volume and economy. On average, the stabilization system in this list ranked only sixth out of seven.
After the survey, the test itself was conducted among the subjects, organized with the support of specialists from Bosch. In principle, nothing super complicated was required from the drivers: everyone had to perform the “elk test” exercise, or in other words, a detour of a suddenly appeared immovable obstacle. First with the included guardian angel in the face of ESP, and then without it at a speed of 80 km / h. With the ESP disabled, everyone lost control of the car, which in a real situation would definitely lead to an accident. But with the stabilization system involved, the drivers managed to keep the car on the right path and subsequently level the car.
What to say about ordinary motorists, if the benefits of ESP have not yet been fully convinced Insurance companies. In theory, with this system, the coefficient should only decrease, but this does not happen, and the owners pay for the policy as much as the owners of iron horses without ESP. But in the near future, the picture should change, at least according to the owner of a large insurance company in the UK, James Harrison: . But it didn't happen right away. Same story with ESP. Apparently insurance companies need time to understand that this or that system really significantly reduces the risk of an accident.
In the meantime, exchange rate stability systems, despite all their obvious benefits, remain in little demand around the world. Russia is no exception, although every year our motorists are becoming more civilized and attentive not only to their lives, but also to the lives of those around them.
Summary
People don't fully understand how vital stability control systems are. When ordering a new car, buyers are more likely to spend money on comfort improvements than on ESP. This is the current situation and we tried to change the attitude towards ESP in this material.
In our view, ESP should become standard equipment on all vehicles regardless of class and make, like ABS, seat belts and airbags, especially since, as it turns out, automakers pay only £200 for this technology to the manufacturer. The companies themselves are confident that over time ESP will be on the list. basic equipment, but why wait, because the system reduces the risk of accidents by 30%, and this is thousands of saved lives every year.
Good afternoon, dear readers.
In this article from the "Car Security Systems" series, we will talk about system active safety ESP. ESP - Electronic Stability Program - dynamic stabilization system or directional stability system. Just like the series discussed in the previous article, the ESP system does not serve to eliminate an accident, but to prevent it.
However, unlike the same one, the dynamic stabilization system is not yet very widespread, and it is not yet possible to meet it on relatively inexpensive foreign and even more so domestic cars.
I believe that this is a matter of time, and in 5 years esp will become the generally accepted standard, and cars without this system will simply not be produced.
It's time to move on to a detailed review of the system, but first I want to give an example of a situation in which esp could help avoid an accident.
Situation in which ESP could prevent an accident
So, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the video in which the car gets into a skid on a dry road and provokes an accident:
As you already understood when watching the video, the culprit of the accident is a car that got into a skid. Although, in fact, almost all participants in the incident violate.
The ESP system allows you to avoid just such skids, for example, that occur when a wheel or several wheels of a car hit the roadside.
How the dynamic stabilization system works
I will try to describe the principles of the dynamic stabilization system as simply as possible so that you do not have any questions.
ESP works like this: The system monitors the position of the vehicle's steering wheel and its actual direction of travel. As long as the car is driving strictly in the direction of the steering wheel, the system does not interfere with the work.
However, in the event that the vehicle's trajectory suddenly ceases to correspond to the position of the steering wheel (this can happen in the event of skidding or drifting), the system will immediately intervene and help the driver avoid an accident.
Of course, in reality, the operation of the system is more complicated. ESP is an extension and largely uses the devices and mechanisms that are present in ABS. However, ESP also requires an accelerometer (a sensor that determines the actual direction of the car) and a sensor that determines the position of the car's steering wheel.
In the event of a discrepancy in the results of the two above sensors, the system limits the braking force applied to one or more wheels (forcing them to slow down less), and in some cases intervenes in the operation of the engine (forcing the car to accelerate or slow down).
| You can ask your questions on the topic of the presented article by leaving your comment at the bottom of the page. You will be answered by the Deputy General Director of the Mustang Driving School for Academic Affairs High School Teacher, Candidate technical sciences Kuznetsov Yury Alexandrovich |
Vehicle dynamic stabilization system ( ESP)
The task of ESP is to control the lateral dynamics of the car and prevent the car from stalling into a skid and side slip through computer control moments of force wheels (one or more at the same time).
This system is sometimes referred to as "anti-skid" or "stability control". It is able to compensate for driver errors, neutralizing and eliminating skidding when control over the car is already lost.
Experts call the ESP system the most important invention in the field automotive safety afterseat belts. It provides the driver better control the behavior of the car, making sure that it moves in the direction in which the steering wheel points. According to the American Insurance Institute road safety ( IIHS ) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA (USA), about one third fatal accidents could be prevented by the ESP system if all vehicles were equipped with it.
The main ESP controller is a pair of microprocessors, each with 56 KB of memory. The system makes it possible, for example, to read and process the values provided by the wheel speed sensors, the steering wheel position sensor and the air pressure sensor. brake system at 20 millisecond intervals.
But the main information comes from two special sensors: angular velocity relative to the vertical axis and lateral acceleration (sometimes this device is called a G-sensor). It is they who fix the occurrence of lateral slip on the vertical axis, determine its magnitude and give further orders. At every moment, ESP knows how fast the car is going, what angle the steering wheel is turned, what rpm the engine has, whether there is a skid, and so on.
The ESP system can be considered as an extended version of the previously discussed anti-lock braking system(ABS). Many ESP components are integrated with the ABS system, but in addition to its components, ESP requires components such as a steering position sensor and accelerometer (a device that measures the difference between the absolute acceleration of an object and the gravitational acceleration, more preciselyfree fall acceleration) that follows the actual turn of the car.
If the accelerometer readings do not match the steering angle sensor readings, the system applies braking to one (or several) of the vehicle's wheels in order to prevent an incipient skid. For example, due to high speed when passing a right turn, the front wheels are blown off a given trajectory in the direction of the action of inertia forces, i.e. radius greater than the turning radius. ESP slows down in this case rear wheel along the inside of the turn, giving the car more steering and guiding it into the turn. Simultaneously with the braking of the wheels, the ESP reduces the engine speed. If the rear of the vehicle skids while cornering, ESP activates the brake on the left front wheel along the outer radius of the turn. Thus, a moment of counter-rotation appears, excluding lateral skid. When all four wheels are slipping, ESP decides on its own brake mechanisms which wheels should come into operation. The system works at any speed and in any driving mode.
In addition, in vehicles equipped with an electronically controlled automatic transmission, ESP is even able to correct the operation of the transmission, that is, switch to a lower gear or to a "winter" mode, if it is provided.
There is an opinion that this system interferes with an experienced driver who is able to drive to the limit. Such situations are really rare, but they can occur - for example, when you need to step on the gas to get out of a skid, and the electronics do not allow you to do this - it “strangles” the engine.
In addition, in some cases it may be useful to turn off the ESP system so that the wheels can spin with slip:
When driving in deep snow or wet ground;
When the car is rocking back and forth when stuck in the snow;
When driving with snow chains fitted.
In many vehicles equipped with ESP, it is possible to forced shutdown. And on some models, the system allows for small drifts and slips, giving the driver a little mischief, intervening only if the situation becomes really critical.
The ESP system may have the following additional functions:
Rollover prevention system;
Collision avoidance system;
Road train stabilization system;
System for increasing the efficiency of brakes when heated;
System for removing moisture from brake discs;
And etc.
Rollover Prevention System ROP (Roll Over Prevention) stabilizes the movement of the car in the event of a rollover threat. Rollover prevention is achieved by reducing lateral acceleration by braking the front wheels and reducing engine torque. Additional pressure in the brake system is generated by an active brake booster.
Collision avoidance system (Braking Guard) can be implemented in a car equipped with adaptive cruise control. The system prevents the risk of collision with visual and sound signals, and in a critical situation - by pressurizing the brake system ( automatic start return pump).
Train stabilization system can be implemented in a car equipped with towing device. The system prevents trailer yaw when the vehicle is moving, which is achieved by braking the wheels or reducing torque.
Heating Brake Improvement System FBS(Fading Brake Support, another name - Over Boost) prevents insufficient adhesion of the brake pads to the brake discs, which occurs when heated, by additionally increasing the pressure in the brake actuator.
Brake Disc Moisture Removal System activated at speeds over 50 km/h and the wipers on. The principle of operation of the system is to briefly increase the pressure in the front wheel circuit, due to which brake pads are pressed against the disks and moisture evaporates.
The dynamic stabilization system is called differently by different automakers. ESP is the most common name. In addition, the following abbreviations are used:
ASC(Active Stability Control) and ASTC (Active Skid and Traction Control MULTIMODE), used in cars: Mitsubishi
AdvanceTrac, used in cars: Lincoln, Mercury.
CST(Controllo Stabilità, used in cars: Ferrari.
DSC(Dynamic Stability Control), used in cars: BMW, Ford (Australia only), Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda , MINI .
DSTC(Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, used in cars: Volvo.
ESC(Electronic Stability Control), used in cars: Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia.
ESP(Elektronisches Stabilitätsprogramm), used in cars: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Chery, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Daimler, Fiat, Holden, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Opel, Peugeot, Proton, Renault, Saab, Scania, SEAT, Škoda, Smart, Suzuki, Vauxhall, Volkswagen.
IVD(Interactive Vehicle Dynamics, used in cars: Ford.
MSP(Maserati Stability Program, used in cars: Maserati .
PCS(Precision Control System, used in cars: Oldsmobile (which was discontinued in 2004).
PSM(Porsche Stability Management, used in cars: Porsche.
RSC(AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, used in vehicles: Ford .
StabiliTrak, used in cars: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet (called Active Handling on Corvette), GMC Truck, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn.
VDC(Vehicle Dynamic Control), used in cars: Alfa Romeo, Fiat , Infiniti , Nissan , Subaru .
VDIM(Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) with VSC (Eng. Vehicle Stability Control), used in cars: Toyota, Lexus.
VSA(Vehicle Stability Assist), used in cars: Acura, Honda, Hyundai.
Of course, ESP is a highly efficient system, but its possibilities are not unlimited. The reason for this is the laws of physics, which electronics cannot change. Therefore, if the turning radius is too small or the speed in the turn exceeds reasonable limits, even the most advanced motion stabilization program will not help here.
System of exchange rate stability (another name - dynamic stabilization system) is designed to maintain the stability and controllability of the vehicle by early detection and elimination of a critical situation. Since 2011, equipping new passenger cars with a stability control system has been mandatory in the USA, Canada, and EU countries.
The system allows you to keep the car within the trajectory set by the driver in various driving modes (acceleration, braking, driving in a straight line, in corners and with free rolling).
Depending on the manufacturer, the following names of the stability control system are distinguished:
- ESP(Electronic Stability Program) on most vehicles in Europe and America;
- ESC(Electronic Stability Control) on Honda cars, Kia, Hyundai;
- DSC(Dynamic Stability Control) on BMW cars, Jaguar, Rover;
- DTSC(Dynamic Stability Traction Control) on Volvo cars;
- VSA(Vehicle Stability Assist) on Honda, Acura;
- VSC(Vehicle Stability Control) on Toyota vehicles;
- VDC(Vehicle Dynamic Control) on Infiniti cars Nissan, Subaru.
The device and principle of operation of the exchange rate stability system are considered on the example of the most common ESP system, which has been produced since 1995.
The device of the exchange rate stability system
The stability control system is a higher-level active safety system and includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake force distribution (EBD), electronic differential lock (EDS), anti-slip control (ASR).
The course stability system combines input sensors, a control unit and a hydraulic unit as an actuator.
Input sensors fix specific parameters of the car and convert them into electrical signals. With the help of sensors, the dynamic stabilization system evaluates the actions of the driver and the parameters of the vehicle's movement.
Used in assessing the actions of the driver steering wheel angle sensors, pressure in the brake system, brake light switch. The actual parameters of movement are estimated by sensors of wheel speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, angular velocity of the car, pressure in the brake system.
The control unit of the ESP system receives signals from sensors and generates control actions on the actuators of controlled active safety systems:
- intake and exhaust valves ABS systems;
- switches and valves high pressure ASR systems;
- control lamps of the ESP system, ABS system, brake system.
In its work, the block ESP control interacts with the engine management system and automatic transmission (through the appropriate blocks). In addition to receiving signals from these systems, the control unit generates control actions on the elements of the engine control system and automatic transmission.
For the operation of the dynamic stabilization system, the hydraulic block of the ABS / ASR system with all components is used.
The principle of operation of the stability control system
The determination of the onset of an emergency is carried out by comparing the actions of the driver and the parameters of the movement of the car. In the event that the driver's actions (desired driving parameters) differ from the actual driving parameters of the car, the ESP system recognizes the situation as uncontrolled and starts working.
Stabilization of the movement of the car using the stability control system can be achieved in several ways:
During understeer, the ESP system prevents the vehicle from pulling out of the corner by braking the rear inner wheel and changing the engine torque.
During oversteer, the vehicle is prevented from skidding in a corner by braking the front outer wheel and changing the engine torque.
The wheels are braked by turning on the appropriate active safety systems. In this case, the work is cyclical: increasing pressure, holding pressure and depressurizing the brake system.
Changing the engine torque in the ESP system can be done in several ways:
- changing the position of the throttle valve;
- skip fuel injection;
- skipping ignition pulses;
- changing the ignition timing;
- cancellation of gear shifting in automatic transmission;
- redistribution of torque between the axles (in the presence of all-wheel drive).
A system that integrates the stability control system, steering and suspension is called the Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Management System.
Additional functions of the stability control system
The following additional functions (subsystems) can be implemented in the design of the road stability system: hydraulic brake booster, rollover prevention, collision prevention, stabilization of the road train, increasing the efficiency of the brakes when heated, removing moisture from the brake discs, etc.
All of the listed systems, in general, do not have their own structural elements, but are a software extension of the ESP system.
ROP rollover prevention system(Roll Over Prevention) stabilizes the movement of the car in the event of a rollover threat. Rollover prevention is achieved by reducing lateral acceleration by braking the front wheels and reducing engine torque. Additional pressure in the brake system is generated by an active brake booster.
Collision avoidance system(Braking Guard) can be implemented in a vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control. The system prevents the danger of a collision by means of visual and audible signals, and in a critical situation by pressurizing the brake system (automatic activation of the return pump).
Train stabilization system can be implemented in a vehicle equipped with a towing device. The system prevents trailer yaw when the vehicle is moving, which is achieved by braking the wheels or reducing torque.
FBS Hot Brake Improvement System(Fading Brake Support, another name - Over Boost) prevents insufficient adhesion of the brake pads to the brake discs that occurs when heated, by additionally increasing the pressure in the brake actuator.
Brake Disc Moisture Removal System activated at speeds over 50 km/h and the wipers on. The principle of operation of the system is to briefly increase the pressure in the front wheel circuit, due to which the brake pads are pressed against the discs and moisture evaporates.
The Electronic Stability Program, or ESP for short, is the most popular a large number modern abbreviations. that mean one thing dynamic system stabilization. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be called differently: VDC, ESC, DSC, VSC, etc., but this does not change the essence, the stabilization system helps the driver to cope with the car in different situations.
History of ESP development
Back in 1959, the prototype of the modern ESP was patented by Daimler-Benz and received the name. But the company's engineers failed at the first attempt to revolutionize automotive systems security. It was Daimler-Benz who brought the imperfect system to mind. In 1994, a test of the new, even for those times electronic assistant continued on premium Mercedes, and a year later, in 1995, it was first used in series on the Mercedes-Benz CL 600 coupe. Successful tests of the system on the coupe a few years later allowed ESP to be installed serially on Mercedes S and SL classes.
The main task of ESP
The stabilization system is also called the stability control system, so do not think that you are confused in terms. ESP is controlled by a control unit, which receives signals from a variety of sensors. They track the direction of movement of the car depending on the position of the steering wheel and gas pedal. In addition, the control unit receives information about the lateral accelerations of the vehicle and the orientation of the skid.
This is what the ESP control unit looks like
ESP controls the lateral dynamics of the car, helping the driver in critical situations, thereby preventing the car from stalling into a skid or side slip. In fact, stabilization system maintains directional stability, trajectory of movement and stabilizes the car during maneuvers. And especially on high speed or on poor pavement where the tendency to drift or skid is much higher. From this follows the second common name of the system - the anti-skid system.
How does ESP work?
Modern cars of almost every model can be equipped with a stabilization system, if not in basic version, then at least as an option. Cars of any brand and class can be equipped with ESP and the same cost vehicle not anymore.
The stabilization system is closely interconnected with, moreover, ESP cannot work without an anti-lock braking system. In addition, the traction control system and the engine control unit take part in the stabilization process. At its core, it is a single system that works in a complex way. The driver, of course, does not always understand and feel the actions of the system. But at the same time, it performs a whole range of counter-emergency actions.
The electronic stabilization system is active and works in any driving mode - whether it is acceleration, braking or coasting. And the algorithm of its work depends on each specific situation. Smart ESP can even adjust the automatic transmission's performance, downshifting or winterizing to smooth out responses.
Should I use the ESP OFF button?
There is an opinion that the stabilization system interferes experienced drivers deal with an emergency. For example, when you need to give gas to get out of a skid, and the system blocks the fuel supply. This is true, but only in the case of fairly experienced drivers. Most drivers have never been to similar situations and skidding them can only scare. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the human factor, when, for example, the driver is distracted or did not have time to respond to an extreme situation in time.
Therefore, we recommend that you do not turn off the stabilization system in order to avoid even the slightest possibility of an uncontrolled emergency. For fans of extreme driving, some manufacturers have provided several modes of operation ESPwhen the system allows you to misbehave a little and comes into operation in a critical situation.
Make sure your car has ESP
Automakers ask for unreasonably large amounts of money for such an important option as ESP. But still - this is a necessary minimum for safe movement. Of course, the stabilization system forgives and corrects many of the driver's mistakes, without requiring him to have counter-emergency driving skills. But still, the possibilities of the system are not unlimited, and sometimes it’s not just worth not allowing dangerous situations.
Therefore, it is highly desirable to have any stabilization system on the car. It will help you fit into a turn or keep a straight line without skidding. Significant assistance of the system will be more effective with deliberate actions of the driver.
