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Kenworth Electronic Brake Safety Systems

Images at left  show J turn testing at 55kph with and without ESP activated.
 
Kenworth Australia has unveiled the latest advance in safety technology, Kenworth Electronic Brake Safety Systems (EBSS) and is at the forefront of development in advanced braking technology for Australian truck operating conditions.
 
Kenworth EBSS uses the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced platform anti lock brake system, but additionally now incorporates Electronic Stability Program (ESP) calibrated specifically for Australian models, road conditions and applications. The system is further enhanced with the development of an electric trailer brake actuation system for EBS equipped trailers, and additional ABS related functions.
 
These new technology systems provide both an important added safety margin and potential cost benefits. Whilst of special interest for hazardous goods haulers, there is also widespread application for both small and large fleet customers with agitators through to refrigerated road trains.
 
The Kenworth EBSS system can also be optioned with the innovative Bendix active cruise braking system that delivers warnings and proactive braking and power interventions to help drivers avoid collisions.
 
The features of Kenworth EBSS are;
 
Level One –includes antilock braking (ABS) and automatic traction control (ATC). As well, as part of the installed software that controls the truck’s Bendix ABS-6 Advanced braking system and drag torque control (DTC) are also included.
Level Two – includes all the features of level one, but adds electronic stability program (ESP) controls.
Level Three – includes the same features as levels one and two, adding the trailer response management (TRM) for customers with trailers fitted with EBS.
 
According to Andrew Hadjikakou, Director Sales and Marketing for PACCAR, “We needed to adjust the system to Australian conditions, in particular we calibrated the software for local applications, such as road trains and B-Doubles, and truck wheelbase options.”
“The validation program went smoothly, and we have easily met the timetable for the Kenworth EBSS introduction”, he added.
 
According to Andrew, Kenworth EBSS integrates with the current Kenworth braking system so there are only a few changes needed to incorporate the safety features. “This reduces the complexity of the installation and helps keeps the cost to the customer to a minimum,” he added. “Kenworth EBSS is a uniquely Australian solution, that’s not just developed for our needs and conditions – it also positions Kenworth customers at the leading edge of the technology revolution that will define road transport as we move into the new next decade.”
 
Kenworth EBSS was a development first seen on the 2008 Kenworth T608 Innovation Truck, which, as a concept truck, provided a unique test bed for several advanced road transport technologies from local and global suppliers.
 
Kenworth has been at the forefront of the development of truck and operator safety measures, and the introduction of EBSS follows on from the independent certification of Kenworth’s cab integrity and occupant safety. For this, Kenworth constructed the only test rig in Australia capable of testing to the internationally recognised cab strength standard, ECEr/c29, and have obtained independent certification to these standards across the whole range of Australian built Kenworths.
 
Kenworth has also initiated development of several innovative technologies to meet local requirements.  For example, all Kenworth models are available with factory-fitted Front Underrun Protection System (FUPS). As well, Kenworth’s optional SafeTScreen has been specifically designed to resist stone impacts on windscreen that are typical of many Australian roads and highways.
 
Alongside these active safety measures, Kenworth’s emphasis on driver safety has seen the company take the lead with a large number of locally developed passive safety measures – such as, deep, wide windscreen designs, a number of seat options, Bluetooth and hands-free phone, adjustable steering columns, unobstructed view of gauges and easy access to controls. Kenworth also leads the industry with a large variety of sleeper options to provide a good night’s rest for drivers away from home.
 
“Kenworth’s emphasis on application engineering means its trucks are manufactured to meet all local regulations and are designed for specific tasks and duties,” Mr Hadjikakou explained “We are developing new safety features all the time, and will introduce these following testing in Australian conditions to ensure they meet Kenworth’s high standards of reliability and durability.”
 
Truck operators can contact their local Kenworth dealer for further information on Kenworth’s advanced truck safety systems, including the latest on EBSS.
 
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Glossary - Kenworth Electronic Brake Safety Systems (EBSS)
 
  • ABS – Antilock Braking. Preventing wheel lockup when the vehicle is over braked. The ABS works to reduce braking distances, while helping the operator to retain direction and stability control in emergency situations. ABS can also help reduce the danger of jacknife.

  • DTC – Drag Torque Control. Prevents the driving wheel from compression locking on slippery surfaces by raising engine revs to assist with vehicle stability.

  • ATC – Automatic Traction Control. ATC prevents wheel spin under acceleration and is useful when engine torque exceeds the drive tyres ability to grip to the road.

  • ESP – Electronic Stability Program. Kenworth’s ESP is based on the proven Bendix ABS-6 Advanced stability control program and works with microsecond precision to restore vehicle stability in emergency situations. The ESP system intervenes by applying wheel brakes and reducing engine torque when required to restore vehicle stability – the Kenworth ESP is compatible with multi-trailer combinations.

  • TRM – Trailer Response Management. Electronic trailer brake actuation improves trailer braking response to help reduce stopping distances (for EBS compatible trailers only)

  • ACB – Active Cruise Braking. ACB is activated when cruise control is engaged and uses onboard computers and radar to continually assess surrounding traffic conditions. The Kenworth ACB system will warn and provide active interventions – reducing throttle, engaging the engine retarder, and, if necessary, automatically applying the brakes to help the driver maintain the intended following distance.  When cruise control is not engaged, drivers still get the benefit of following-distance alerts to let them know if they are getting too close to the traffic ahead.
 
 
Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to meet the world’s toughest applications. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Australia, is market leader in heavy duty trucks in Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, is a worldwide manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.
RELEASE ENDS
 
 
For further information:
Neil Willox
Marketing Manager
PACCAR Australia
Tel: (03) 9721 1500
neil.willox@paccar.com

Media Contact: Neil Willox (neil.willox@paccar.com)

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