ZF OptiRide (ECAS) (formerly: WABCO ECAS) — Electronically Controlled Air Suspension – Fifth Generation.
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division, based in Wroclaw (PL), has started series production of the fifth generation of its electronically controlled OptiRide ECAS air suspension technology.
The ECAS system (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) comprises an air suspension system for raising and lowering the body and a load-dependent stability control system. The solenoid valve and pressure sensors are now combined in a single pneumatic actuator (Smart Pneumatic Actuator), which reduces the number of components. This also simplifies installation in trucks and buses. Fewer air lines are also required.
The system processes data from the ECAS actuator, while the software is integrated into an existing electronic control unit (ECU). This eliminates the need for a separate ECU for the suspension system.
With this system it is possible, for example, to set the ride height, to park a vehicle horizontally on a sloping surface, and to let a bus “kneel” at a stop on the boarding side.
OptiRide ECAS generation 5 is built into Hyundai buses and trucks, among other things.
