03 Jul Proinsur and Andaltec develop an acoustic system for electric vehicles combining car horn and low-speed sound emitter
Andaltec Technological Centre and Martos-based company Proinsur have finalised a working prototype of their innovative acoustic system for electric vehicles within their joint R&D Avasound project. This initiative is funded by the Spanish Centre for the Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI) and it is focused on the creation of a completely novel device, since it will combine two functions: car horn to prevent and avoid pedestrian collisions, and an artificial sound emitter, sounding similar to combustion engines.
Once the Andaltec researchers, who rely on a comprehensive experience within the automotive area, have already completed a prototype which complies with this project’s complex requirements, they are focusing on product optimization so that it can reach the serial production stage. The Avasound project is the answer to the European Union regulation which, since 1st July 2021, requires all electric vehicles, whose engines are very silent, to emit a sound when they are going at low speeds in order to alert pedestrians about their presence.
This sound, which can’t exceed 65 decibels, must stop whenever the car goes faster than 20 kilometres per hour. The project features great complexity, since the emitted sound must change frequency as the motor accelerates. This issue entails the design and implementation of a management digital system to control this functionality. Similarly, the European regulation also requires electric vehicles to add a distinctive sound when travelling in reverse.
The device must be placed outside, in the front of the vehicle, so it has to pass strict durability tests required by both European regulations and automotive manufacturers. Thus, the Engineering, Projects, Lab and Electronics areas within Andaltec are involved in this initiative, so they are able to offer a comprehensive service in the project’s technical development.
This innovative acoustic system counts with several advantages, since it combines three functionalities in a single device: car horn, low-speed sound emitter and reverse acoustic warning. It also allows for the suppression of the traditional car horn, which implies savings for automotive manufacturers, achieving some weight reduction at the same time. Weight diminution is one of the top priorities for electric vehicles in order to reduce energy consumption and extend travel range. José María Navarro, Andaltec General Manager, points out that major advances are being achieved within a project that “has allowed us to exploit Andaltec’s huge experience in electronics for the automotive sector, since we have successfully developed a highly complex new system which is unique in the market”.
Proinsur
Procesos Industriales del Sur (Proinsur), which is a founding patron of Andaltec Foundation, is a company specialising in thermoplastics transformation intended to manufacture diverse parts for the automotive sector. The firm counts with two production plants: one located in Martos (Jaén, Spain) and another in Tangier’s customs-free zone, which altogether span over almost 25,000 square metres. Proinsur will be in charge of the manufacture and distribution of this ground-breaking device, which reflects the company’s determined commitment to R&D. Proinsur’s factories possess all the necessary equipment for plastic material injection, part assembly, as well as quality control for parts and final products.