Active Grille Air Shutter - Modern Solution for Car Efficiency

 

• Introduction
• How does it work?
• Parameters that are improved by the system of active blinds
• Weak and strong points
• History of origin
• Use by car manufacturers
• Video "Animation of active lattice blinds"
• A few more photos on the topic of Active Grille Air Shutter

 

 

Introduction

 

Active Grille Air Shutter , or an active grill with adjustable air shutters. This is an innovative system in the automotive industry that improves aerodynamics, engine temperature and fuel efficiency. It is designed to automatically regulate the airflow through the radiator, thus optimizing engine cooling and reducing air resistance.

 

 

How does it work?

 

The system consists of a series of movable blinds mounted in the front grill of the car. These shutters can automatically open or close depending on engine cooling needs and vehicle speed. At high speeds, the shutters close, reducing aerodynamic resistance, and at low speeds, they open for better cooling.

 

One of the options for the appearance of blinds:

 

Photo from www.valeo.com

 

 

Let's pay attention to the motor, which is part of the system of active radiator blinds. They are usually controlled by an engine control unit (ECM) using an electric motor with an electric position control system. This motor is a complex device that contains two main parts:

 

• The mechanical part contains a gearbox that works thanks to the electric motor.
• The electronic part is based on a microcontroller, which is responsible for controlling the operation of the blinds and notifying the car control unit of any abnormal situations.

 

In case of problems, the control unit displays an error message on the car's dashboard.

 

 

 

The photo shows one of the options for installing an electric motor on a blind:

 

 

 

Communication between the block and the lattice actuator is carried out using the LIN protocol.

 

 

Parameters that are improved by the system of active blinds

 

• Fuel efficiency: A reduction in aerodynamic drag leads to a reduction in fuel consumption.
• CO2 emissions: More efficient fuel burning reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
• Cooling optimization: Precise adjustment of the air flow ensures optimal engine cooling.
• Reduction of dirt in the radiator grills, relevant when using the car in dusty areas.
• a significant contribution to the aerodynamics of the car and, ultimately, to increasing the range of the electric car

 

 

Weak and strong points

 

Weaknesses include the potential vulnerability of the shutter mechanism to mechanical damage and additional maintenance costs.

 

 

History of origin

 

The concept of active grilles appeared as a response to the growing demands for fuel efficiency and environmental standards. Development began in the early 2000s, and since then the technology has found widespread use in the automotive industry.

 

 

Use by car manufacturers

 

Active Grille Air Shutter is used by many leading automakers including Ford, Chevrolet, Audi, BMW and others. This system has become standard on many models, especially in the segment of large and luxury cars.

The system has become an important element in modern cars, which allows you to achieve an additional balance between power, efficiency and environmental safety. This technology continues to evolve, offering new opportunities to improve automotive performance.

 

 

Video "Animation of active lattice blinds"

 

 

 

A few more photos on the topic of Active Grille Air Shutter :

 

 

• The electric motor is tested:

 

 

 

• Blinds on Audi Q5 2021: