Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems showcased its Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT) technology and electric air compressors during the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

GSAT is a modular control system for compressed air-operated braking systems that’s built to address evolving functionalities and regional environmental regulations while providing manufacturers with a high level of flexibility during installation, the company said.

Bendix said its electric air compressors deliver an efficient, quiet, and highly reliable air supply ideal for electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles.

“Regardless of what’s fueling your fleet, most commercial vehicles out there – including EVs – continue to rely on compressed air for a range of crucial functions, including braking and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS),” said Jason Kolecki, Bendix director, marketing and customer solutions – air supply and drivetrain. “GSAT and our eCompressors – motor and compressor – have key roles in supporting both safety and sustainability in the North American commercial vehicle industry.”

GSAT Controls Traditional and Electric Air Compressors

Based on 20 years of development and field experience in electronic air control, GSAT can control both traditional air compressors as well as those operated by electric motors. Its construction uses an aluminum plate, interior polymer components, and a steel plate to achieve the structural strength required to withstand the required air pressure levels.

GSAT’s intelligent functional controller drives closer integration of the air compressor and air dryer, and it delivers fuel savings by incorporating a more intelligent charging strategy and directing the compressor speed control for optimal charging efficiency.

GSAT Integrates Features of Electronic Parking Brake

GSAT also integrates the features of Bendix Intellipark Electronic Parking Brake System, which helps to potentially mitigate rollaways by applying the parking brakes if the driver forgets.

The electronic parking brake still allows actuation without electricity. Incorporating the parking brake also reduces the total weight of the air treatment system. Bendix said GSAT also enhances brake system features of today – such as anti-compounding and spring brake inversion – by making them electronically controlled.

The overall system also offers the latest technologies in functional safety and cybersecurity protections.

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

Suited for Electric Screw Module & Electric Vane Module

Bendix offers two models of electric compressors suited for different vehicle applications: the ESM Electric Screw Module and the EVM Electric Vane Module. Both provide an efficient, quiet, and highly reliable compressed air supply, Bendix said.

“Both eCompressor models are an ideal match for alternative-drive vehicles since they operate noticeably quieter than a comparable piston compressor,” Kolecki added.

Bendix eCompressors contain an electric motor with an integrated high-voltage DC/AC inverter. This feature enables smooth starts and stops and air delivery adjustments. The eCompressors are connected to the vehicle’s controller area network (CAN) and respond to the air system controller’s input based on changing air demand requirements.

Where they differ is in the application.

Both are used in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, but the ESM is better suited for high-air demand applications like transit buses and trucks, while the EVM optimizes air systems for low- and medium-air demand applications like long-haul vehicles.

With an evolving propulsion landscape for heavy vehicles, Bendix said its solutions remain flexible to integrate into traditional internal combustion engines or new zero-emission drivetrains.