Battery-less alternator and down-sized AC compressor reflect company’s tech capability
Lucas TVS is a home-grown pioneer and market leader in auto electricals involved in the design and manufacture of starters, alternators, wiping systems, blower motors, engine cooling fans, ignition products, compressor motors, brushless DC motors and compact special-purpose motors for all vehicle segments.
The company presented a string of highly-innovative and futuristic new products, including a battery-less alternator, a super down-sized AC compressor and cabin air filters at the recently held Auto Expo.
The new alternator comes with a capacity of 180 A and has been designed primarily for long-distance inter-city AC coaches where the AC power demand is quite high.
Mr. Sunil D. Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Lucas TVS, says: “The alternator has been designed to deliver high efficiency and is battery-less and practically maintenance free. The power needs are taken care of by a capacitor bank, thereby freeing up the battery space and saving on the battery cost. The product comes with the stamp of Lucas TVS quality that brings with it the warranty assurance and service support, making it the more reliable choice in the market.”
The other path-breaking new product that was showcased at the Lucas TVS area of the TVS pavilion was a significantly down-sized AC compressor, almost like a micro-compressor that can provide cooling for small cars and e-rickshaws. The product is yet to hit the market, but when it does, it is set to deliver a sound demonstration of Lucas TVS’ technology and frugal engineering capabilities.
“The compressor runs on 48 V and has a very high efficiency brushless DC motor. It could be a perfect choice for vehicles with stop-start option. With this technology, the AC unit will continue to run even when the vehicle stops (at a signal) which isn’t the case in most of the stop-start vehicles running today. We are gearing up towards energy saving, innovation, downsizing and weight reduction which we believe would be the future of the automotive industry. We are the only company making such a product in such a configuration and have filed for a patent. We are still in the development phase and hope to be able to introduce it in the next one year’s time”, explains Mr. Nair.
With the automotive market becoming increasingly conscious about air quality as reflected in the growing demand from passenger car users for good quality AC filters, Lucas TVS has started making a full range of cabin air filters for all classes of passenger vehicles. The company has been a fast-growing player in oil and air filters and is now looking to leverage on the rising demand for quality cabin air filters.