Bendix highlights scalable brake control, air treatment, eCompressors

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems emphasized several of its technological advancements for electric and alternative-powertrain vehicles at 2024’s Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Among these were the company’s Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) system, its Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT) technology, and its electric air compressors (Compressors).

Global Scalable Brake Control systems

Bendix’s GSBC features electronic braking system (EBS) technology, also known as a “brake-by-wire” or electropneumatic braking system. Bendix highlighted the GSBC's compatibility with electric vehicles (EVs), including its ability to function with other driver assistance and safety systems.

TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions, Controls Group, Bendix, discussed how GSBC is applicable to many applications becasue EBS-equipped vehicles still use the air system for brake actuation. This increases safety in the vehicle, for if the electrical system fails, the existing air brake actuation process will still meet safety requirements.

For EVs, the GSBC is compatible with single, dual, per-wheel-end, and electric or hybrid powertrains, Bendix said. This allows trucks to use a combination of pneumatic braking and the slowing of electric engines for stopping power. The system can also utilize regenerative and foundation braking to better power an electric vehicle.

“Regenerative braking involves capturing energy at the wheel-end during the vehicle slowdown and sending it back to the vehicle to use for propulsion or heating purposes,” Dan Zula, director, Brake Redundancy Product Group at Bendix, explained. “It’s a feature most often found in heavy stop-and-go applications, like refuse and delivery trucks. Bendix GSBC prioritizes regenerative braking, which can help extend EV driving range by replenishing the batteries as the vehicle is in use.”

Additionally, the company claimed that its GSBC provides more precise braking control down to individual axles and wheel ends by monitoring brake pedal pressure. And in the shop, the GSBC’s mechatronic design uses fewer components for easier diagnostics and repairs.

Global Scalable Air Treatment technology

Another piece of technology suited for EVs is Bendix’s GSAT system, which can control both traditional air compressors and those with electric motors, the company stated. Designed for regional environmental regulations and a flexible installation process, the system offers a functional controller for air compressor and air dryer integration. For EVs, the company’s GSAT system utilizes charging strategies and controls the air compressor’s speed to maximize charging efficiency.

It also controls anti-compounding and spring-brake inversion for better braking and integrates Bendix’s Intellipark Electronic Parking Brake System to help mitigate rollaways, all while including cybersecurity protections. The system also incorporates the parking brake to reduce the weight of the air treatment system.

“Even with all it does, GSAT comes in a compact, lightweight design and modularity that make it easy to incorporate into a wide range of vehicles across many applications, and its functions can be customized by the manufacturer,” said Jason Kolecki, Bendix director, marketing and customer solutions – Air Supply and Drivetrain. “And because it’s electronically connected, there are maintenance advantages like advanced air system health monitoring, including diagnostics and prognostics.”

Electric air compressors

Finally, the company showcased how its electric air compressors, or eCompressors, could provide an efficient, quiet air supply for electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. These compressors come in two models: the ESM Electric Screw Module and the EVM Electric Vane Module.

Both compressors have an electric motor with an integrated high-voltage DC/AC inverter for smooth starts, stops, and air delivery adjustments, Kolecki noted. Both can also connect to a vehicle’s Controller Area Network and respond to air system controller input based on air demand.

However, the ESM is better suited for high-air demand applications, such as transit buses and trucks, while the EVM is designed for low- and medium-air demand vehicles, such as long-haul trucks.