From series production to the racetrack – the modular clutch actuator
The new modular clutch actuator shows just how closely connected series production and motorsport are at Schaeffler. It has been contributing to greater efficiency and facilitating many functions that improve road safety and comfort as a hybrid transmission in countless road vehicles since 2020. In combination with the hybrid configurations P2 to P4, it also enables fully electric driving. Its great flexibility and performance also makes the modular clutch actuator by Schaeffler perfect for motorsport. It is set to make its DTM debut in 2022 – in the new BMW M4 GT3 of Schaeffler brand ambassador Marco Wittmann.
Being a pioneer primarily means breaking new ground. But before the first step is taken, these new paths have to be found. This is particularly true of areas that have already been well researched. In the case of Schaeffler, this kind of area is the further development of the combustion engine towards hybrid transmissions. Schaeffler has set itself the goal of enabling new potential for greater efficiency and CO2 reduction.
Marco Wittmann is the first driver in the DTM to use the Schaeffler clutch actuator.
New solutions for a proven system
An example of this is the modular clutch actuator. It is the next stage of development in the hybridisation of various transmission types. The modular clutch actuator can, for example, be used as a core element of a clutch-by-wire system, in which the clutch is no longer controlled mechanically, but electronically.
Nothing changes for the driver – the level of resistance from the pedal is “simulated” using a power emulator. While the driving experience remains at the same high level, the advantages of the system are played out in the background, particularly in electric driving. Active sailing, for example, is fully electric.
In the blink of an eye
The hydrostatic modular clutch actuator developed by Schaeffler achieves times of under 150 ms when opening and closing the clutch, making it as fast as the blink of an eye. On the one hand, this enables functions such as hill start and congestion assistance, protection from stalling, as well as vibration damping via slip control, through to switching between fully electric and conventional driving.
On the other hand, the system contributes to greater efficiency and CO2 reduction. This makes it perfect for stop-start procedures and sailing. During sailing, the combustion engine is switched off temporarily and decoupled from the powertrain. The vehicle thereby uses the remaining kinetic energy to move without consuming any fuel, or can also drive in fully electric mode (active sailing).
The modular clutch actuator makes electronically-controlled clutch systems possible.
The modular clutch actuator makes electronically-controlled clutch systems possible.
Developed for series – perfect for racing
The hydrostatic modular clutch actuator made its series production debut in various models of major customers in 2020. Thanks to its compact structure and fully-integrated control unit, the system can be easily integrated into existing transmissions in a plug and play style. What is more, it is so compact and light, that it can fit in virtually any car. It also has a high performance density with particularly low energy consumption.
All these advantages go beyond being beneficial to series vehicles only, they can also have a positive impact in motorsport. The result is road-to-race technology transfer, which underlines the quality and huge potential of Schaeffler technologies.
DTM premiere in the BMW M4 GT3
The modular clutch actuator shows just how closely intwined series production and motorsport are at Schaeffler. The system that has been tried and tested on the road is set to make its DTM debut in 2022, with Marco Wittmann in his Schaeffler green BMW M4 GT3 #Greenmachine being one of the drivers to compete using the system.
The primary advantage in motorsport is the extremely rapid responsiveness of the modular clutch actuator, which is connected directly to the starter clutch assistance. This enables a much more dynamic launch, which gains important split seconds. So the route from series production to motorsport, which is often the other way round for many technologies, was mapped out for the hydrostatic modular clutch actuator by Schaeffler.