Young and mild

The upsurge in cars with hybrid drive systems continues: according to the ACEA manufacturers’ association they already come second in the new vehicle registration figures for Europe behind pure gasoline models. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) account for a large number of these, along with plug-in and full hybrid drives. And little wonder, as they help automakers to meet their climate goals and delight drivers with their efficiency, particularly in the compact segment. Consequently, vehicles with belt-driven starter-generators (BSG) and 48V batteries have long since ceased to be a rarity for workshop professionals. And as their popularity continues to spread, they are sure to become an increasingly familiar sight on the lifting platform. More than enough reason to take a closer look at this technology, as it places particular demands on the belt drive …
 
This is how the technology works
At the heart of the mild hybrid system is the belt-driven starter-generator (BSG), which assists the internal combustion engine when pulling away and accelerating, thereby producing extra torque (boost function). The electrical power needed for this comes from a 48V battery, which the BSG itself recharges during braking and on downhill stretches by converting kinetic energy in a process known as recuperation.
 
BSG units demand supreme performance from the belt
The task of transmitting power between BSG and ICE is handled by a multi V-belt. Pulling away, braking, automatic stopping and restarting, recuperating energy – the frequent changes of driving mode result in high peak loads, enormous tensile forces and dynamic changes of load direction in both torque directions. As a result of this, the belt in the BSG unit is subjected to extreme levels of strain. To make sure the burden doesn’t become too much, Continental offers specially designed belts for a wide range of different vehicle models.
 
Quality for the aftermarket
Continental is also very quick to make its original equipment expertise available on the independent aftermarket once vehicles have been launched. Here, the belts with special properties have the suffix EXTRA in their name. The most recent example is the 6PK1822 EXTRA K1 kit, which has been designed for numerous MHEV models from Dacia and Renault and is suitable for around 500,000 vehicles throughout Europe. Besides the multi V-belt itself, this handy kit also contains the necessary tensioner and deflection pulleys as well as the various bolts and small parts that are needed. The result is easier, more reliable belt fitting. Also new is the 6PK1179 EXTRA K1 kit for Ford models with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. There are around 270,000 such vehicles on Europe’s roads.
 
More than just belts
Not only can automotive mechanics rely on Continental’s wide product range and excellent quality, they are offered the additional benefit of attractive services, such as free fitting tips and instructions. Here’s a useful recommendation right now: the 48V mild-hybrid belt drive training course. In this course, our technical trainers explain how this innovative system works, which components are used and how the belts fitted in such systems differ from conventional multi V-belts. Further information can be found here.