Palestine Polytechnic University

College of Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Automotive start stop technology

Dr. Mohammad Ghazi Alqawasmeh

Obaida ashuor
205139

Apr,2,2024
The first start-stop systems: All beginnings are difficult
As early as the beginning of the 1970s, Toyota was the first automotive manufacturer to present
a start-stop system as a response to the oil crisis. The idea: Automatic start-stop systems save
fuel and therefore money. This was a sensible idea in view of the price increases for gasoline
and diesel fuel due to the oil crisis. VW and Audi were also quick to recognize the advantages of
a start-stop system and presented a semi-automatic start-stop system at the beginning of the
1980s. However, due to lack of acceptance by customers, the first start-stop systems soon
disappeared from the market.
It was only at the turn of the century, that leading automotive manufacturers turned to this
technology again and developed it further. As well as the economic benefits which start-stop
technology provides to drivers, this time it was the planned EU climate-related legislation which
caused the revival of automatic start-stop systems.i

Automotive start stop technology:

HE days of ever-increasing vehicle emissions crackdowns are upon us, and car makers are
pulling every trick out of the book that they can to make their products cleaner, and greener.ii

in general, the start-stop technology automatically turns off the engine when the car stops and
restarts it when the car is ready to move again.
In the city, vehicles are stationary for nearly 35% of the time (traffic jams, red lights…), with
their engine’s idling needlessly. The Stop-Start system automatically switches off the engine
when the vehicle is at a standstill and restarts the engine immediately, as soon as the driver lifts
his foot off the brake or disengages the clutch, leading to a significant reduction in CO2
emissions with this technology,
CO2– emissions can be reduced
by 3 – 8% and saving fuel that
would otherwise be wasted
while the car is idling, The Stop-
Start system provides fuel
savings of up to 6% in European
standard mixed cycle use, and
savings of up to 15% in
congested city driving. iii
Operation for system:
Automatic start-stop systems function by detecting the vehicle's stationary status through a
network of sensors, which also analyze various operational factors. When the car comes to a
halt, such as at a traffic light with the transmission in neutral, the system halts the engine.
In some advanced models, it even shuts off the engine when speed drops below a certain
threshold. Despite the engine being inactive, power is maintained for electrical components
through the vehicle's battery. Upon engaging the clutch, the system swiftly restarts the engine.
For vehicles equipped with automatic or dual-clutch transmissions, the start-stop system
triggers upon brake actuation, shutting down the engine when the vehicle stops due to braking,
and automatically restarting it when the brake is released.

These systems rely on an array of sensors to gather pertinent data about driving conditions.
Sensors such as the neutral gear sensor, wheel speed sensor, and crankshaft sensor determine
whether the vehicle is moving or stationary.
The engine controller coordinates the start-stop processes, ensuring synchronization with the
engine management system.

Additionally, an electronic battery sensor (EBS) plays a crucial role by communicating vital
information about battery charge, voltage, and temperature. Compensatory measures are
implemented to address voltage fluctuations occurring with each engine restart, ensuring the
proper function of essential devices and electronic aids. Furthermore, to withstand the
increased stress from frequent starts and prevent premature wear, components of the starter
unit, including bearings, gear units, and engagement mechanisms, undergo reinforcement and
are designed for extended longevity.iv
The most famous are the technologies developed:
Bosch. Their system is named Stop&Start. This one is the simplest and the most reliable. It
allows to reduce the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases by 8%, and fuel
consumption – by 15%. You can find it in Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Fiat, as well as in cars of
other brands. It requires a more powerful starter that can withstand multiple engines starts. The
system is controlled by the engine ECU. The operation is based on the readings of the following
sensing elements: vehicle speed sensor, clutch pedal and brake pedal position sensors,
crankshaft position sensor, battery charge sensor and others.
And other companies developed this system.
advantages and disadvantages of stop start system:v
advantages:
1. Enhanced Fuel Economy: A primary advantage of the start/stop system is its contribution
to fuel economy. By shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, the system
avoids unnecessary fuel usage.
Research indicates that this can lead to fuel economy improvements of up to 10%,
contingent on driving conditions and idle time.

2. Lower Emissions: Besides conserving fuel, the start/stop system also significantly
contributes to lowering vehicle emissions.
By halting the engine during idle periods, the system curtails the release of harmful
gases into our environment. This positions it as a valuable ally in combating climate
change and air pollution. (Can reduce CO₂ emissions by 3% to 8%)

3. Regenerative Braking: In hybrid vehicles, start-stop systems work alongside regenerative

braking, recovering energy during deceleration and improving overall efficiency.

4. Savings on Fuel Expenditure: The merits of the start/stop system go beyond

environmental considerations. For motorists, the system can translate into considerable
savings. Given the escalating cost of fuel, any technology that curbs consumption can
have a tangible impact on your budget. Over the vehicle’s lifetime, these savings can
accumulate into a noteworthy sum.

Disadvantages:
1. Increased Wear and Tear: Despite its merits, the start/stop system has its share of
criticisms. One issue is the potential for augmented wear and tear on the engine and
starter due to the recurrent stopping and starting.
However, manufacturers have introduced various countermeasures to alleviate these
effects, such as employing advanced starter motors and battery systems.

2. Impact on Comfort and Drivability: Another potential downside of the start/stop system
is its effect on comfort and drivability.
Some motorists find the incessant stopping and starting of the engine to be intrusive,
especially if the system’s operation is not seamless. There can also be concerns about
the efficacy of air conditioning systems when the engine is off. However, most
contemporary systems are engineered to maintain comfort features during stop phases.
 3. Possibility of System Failure: Like any technology, the start/stop system is not exempt
from failure. If the system malfunctions, it could lead to issues such as the engine failing
to restart. While these problems are relatively infrequent, they can be inconvenient and
potentially expensive to fix.

4. Wrap-up: In conclusion, the start/stop technology has a number of noteworthy benefits,

such as improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and potential fuel cost savings. It
could also have drawbacks like higher wear and tear, effects on comfort and drivability,
and the possibility of system failure also using dedicated battery chargers.

The start/stop system’s suitability for you will depend on your unique requirements and
circumstances, just like it does with any function. When choosing your next vehicle, it’s
critical to consider both the benefits and drawbacks.

future possible developments of stop start system:

Looking ahead, the future of Start-Stop technology appears promising. As automotive
manufacturers continue to innovate and refine this technology, we can expect to see even
greater fuel savings, emissions reductions, and overall performance improvements. Moreover,
the integration of Start-Stop systems with other advanced technologies, such as hybrid and
electric powertrains, will further enhance their effectiveness and appeal to a broader range of
consumers.vi

• Advanced Sensor Technology:

Future stop-start systems may incorporate more advanced sensor technology to improve
their ability to detect when the vehicle is stationary and when it is appropriate to shut
off the engine. This could involve the use of more precise sensors or even the integration
of artificial intelligence algorithms for better decision-making.

• Predictive Algorithms:
Stop-start systems could utilize predictive algorithms to anticipate when the vehicle will
come to a stop, based on factors such as traffic patterns, road conditions, and navigation
system data. By preemptively shutting off the engine before the vehicle comes to a
complete stop, these systems could further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
 • Integration with Hybrid and Electric Vehicles:
Stop-start technology may become more closely integrated with hybrid and electric
vehicle systems. In hybrid vehicles, the stop-start function could work in tandem with
the electric motor to provide seamless engine restarts and optimize overall powertrain
efficiency. In fully electric vehicles, stop-start systems could help conserve battery power
by shutting off non-essential systems when the vehicle is stationary.

• Expanded Functionality:
Future stop-start systems may offer expanded functionality beyond simply shutting off
the engine when the vehicle is stopped. For example, they could incorporate features
such as smart regenerative braking, which captures and stores energy during braking to
recharge the battery. Additionally, stop-start systems could be integrated with adaptive
cruise control and traffic jam assist technologies to further optimize fuel efficiency in
congested traffic conditions.

• Improved Durability and Reliability:

Manufacturers may focus on improving the durability and reliability of stop-start systems
to ensure they can withstand the increased number of engines starts and stops. This
could involve the use of more robust components, advanced lubrication systems, and
enhanced thermal management to minimize wear and extend the lifespan of critical
components like the starter motor and battery.

Overall, future developments in stop-start systems are likely to revolve around maximizing their
effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption and emissions while minimizing any potential
drawbacks, such as increased wear on engine components. By leveraging advances in sensor
technology, predictive algorithms, and integration with other vehicle systems, stop-start
technology has the potential to play an even more significant role in improving the efficiency of
modern vehicles.vii

References:

i
https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/save-fuel-start-stop.
ii
https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/stop-start-systems-pros-and-cons.
iii
https://www.valeo.com/en/auto-start-stop-systems/.
iv
https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/what-is-automatic-start-stop-and-how-does-it-work.
v
https://analizezakladionicu.wordpress.com/2023/06/25/99/.
vi
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/revolutionizing-automotive-industry-rise-start-stop-technology-white-
lpqrf?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card.
vii
https://www.underhoodservice.com/batteries-for-stop-start-systems/.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0253201.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Start-stop_system.