Electric Power Steering For The Future Steering a vehicle is no longer only about control and driver feedback; in a world of ever diminishing resources, it’s as much about conserving energy as it is about reducing fuel consumption - all of this without diminishing the driving experience. Using a system of electric motor(s), electronic control modules and torque sensors Electric Power Steering may just fulfill these requirements! Download the full article about EPS for the future here: http://bit.ly/eps_future

1. Electric Power Steering for the future
Brought to you by Automotive IQ
By: Peter Els
Steering a vehicle is no longer only about control and driver feedback; in a world of
ever diminishing resources, it’s as much about conserving energy and reducing fuel
consumption. All of this without diminishing the driving experience.
Using a system of electric motor(s), electronic control modules and torque sensors
Electric Power Steering may just fulfill these requirements!
Electric power assisted steering (EPS) uses an electric motor to provide directional
control for the driver, without any power-draining hydraulic systems, resulting in an
improvement in fuel economy of between 3 and 9 %.
Current EPS architecture
With EPS, sensors detect the motion and torque of the steering column and a
computer module applies assistive power via an electric motor coupled directly to
either the steering gear or steering column. Most modern EPS systems have
variable assist, which provides speed sensitive assistance to improve steering effort
and feel for the driver.
This functionality requires a delicate balance of power and control that has only
been available in recent years.
Besides electro-hydraulic steering, the most common EPS configurations are:
Column-assist: The electric motor is mounted on the steering column. The
advantage of this is that, because it’s not mounted in the engine
compartment, it’s not exposed to water and heat. However, noise (often as a
result of Cogging torque in the permanent magnet motor) can be a problem
as it’s in close proximity to the driver.
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