The importance of EBS Brakes

By the early 2000s, a new era of safety was sweeping truck design. Active electronic systems, including the Electronic Stability Program, were introduced to enhance the driver’s performance.

Volvo trucks introduced disc brakes with EBS to their FH model in 1999, ready for the new millennium. Mercedes-Benz introduced full EBS to their MP2 Actros in 2003, and Scania followed suit, releasing EBS in their R-series in 2004.

In a nutshell, EBS is a computer-controlled system that incorporates a series of sensors to detect the vehicle’s speed and the force applied by the driver to the brake pedal. The EBS system then applies the brakes accordingly. This system also controls other systems such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), engine retarder and more.

By combining them all, the EBS system can improve safety, reduce the risk of an accident and support the driver in difficult situations on the road.

The main task of the EBS system is to shorten the braking distance as much as possible. During local field testing, Knorr Bremse trailed a 53-meter quad road train fitted with conventional air brakes, using only pneumatic signal transmission, then compared its stopping distance to a similar quad road fitted with EBS using an electronic signal.

Surprisingly, on the old pneumatic-braked road train, only 75 per cent of the braking force was available after a 1.6-second delay following the application of the brake pedal. However, on the EBS unit, the electronic signal transmission significantly reduced the response time to less than a quarter of a second, delivering 100 per cent braking force. This, in turn, significantly reduced the stopping distance of the combination.

Tests carried out on a typical B-Double unit reveal that the stopping distance of the combination fitted EBS on the prime mover reduced by up to 2.5 metres compared to one without EBS.

Take, for instance, a B-Double hauling a 42-tonne payload. With such weight, reducing speed or stopping is a much harder task than for a passenger car or bus. Today, new trucks are equipped with many different sensors. Reading data from them, the system adjusts the braking force of individual brakes or initiates engine braking depending on speed, overloads, or traction to prevent the vehicle from skidding and shorten the braking distance.

Ensuring safety and shorter braking distances are just some of the main functions of EBS. In addition, it corrects the brake pressure in individual wheels, regulating the wear of the brake pads by reading their thickness, thanks to which, with uneven brake operation, they will wear evenly without affecting traction. The EBS system also shows the driver on the dashboard information about the incorrect operation of one of the elements of the braking system.

Scania’s electronic brake system (EBS) is managed in the vehicle’s CAN-bus system. Braking activation remains via air pressure (pneumatically), but thanks to the electronic signal from EBS, the activation of the braking system speed is greatly enhanced. However, Scania’s EBS advantages include allowing other electronic systems to use this electronic information so that more functions can be offered with the EBS system. For instance, all Scania vehicles with EBS have ABS and traction control.

Advanced emergency braking (AEB) is a system that uses a camera and radar to register what is happening in front of the vehicle.

The purpose of the system is to prevent a collision with the vehicle ahead and vulnerable road users as far as possible. It’s important to note that AEB is only an aid and does not adapt to driving conditions and weather.

Lane Departure Warning with Active Steering (LDWAS) assists the driver by constantly monitoring the road markings and keeping the vehicle within them. It employs active steering, essentially steering the vehicle back automatically, if necessary, to keep the vehicle within the road markings. The active steering is disengaged when the vehicle has returned to its lane.

EBS further improves the safety of vehicles with a trailer: When the vehicle and trailer are both equipped with EBS, the stopping distance is shorter than that of a vehicle combination with ABS alone.

One significant advancement in vehicle technology that enhances both efficiency and safety is the Wabco Electronic Braking System (EBS) with self-diagnostics. Wabco EBS self-diagnostics offer numerous benefits to transport operators, from ensuring vehicle safety and compliance to reducing maintenance costs and improving operational efficiency.

The self-diagnostic system continuously monitors the braking system’s performance and alerts the driver to potential issues in real-time. This immediate feedback allows for prompt corrective action, reducing the risk of brake failure and associated accidents.

Furthermore, Wabco EBS self-diagnostics facilitate proactive maintenance by providing detailed reports on the braking system’s condition. This predictive maintenance approach allows transport operators to address potential issues before they escalate into serious problems. By identifying and rectifying minor issues during scheduled maintenance, operators can prevent unexpected breakdowns, thereby reducing vehicle downtime.

Additionally, the system ensures that the braking performance remains within the required safety standards, thereby aiding in regulatory compliance and minimising the likelihood of fines and penalties for non-compliance.

The comprehensive data provided by Wabco EBS self-diagnostics extends beyond immediate fault detection. It includes detailed logs of system performance over time, which can be invaluable for in-depth analysis and long-term planning. Transport operators can use this data to identify recurring issues, understand wear-and-tear patterns, and make informed decisions about fleet upgrades and replacements. This strategic use of data helps optimise overall fleet management and ensure sustained operational excellence.

In an effort to enhance road safety and reduce the incidence of traffic accidents, the Australian Government has mandated the implementation of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in all new heavy vehicles as of November 1, 2023.

One of the primary motivations behind this mandate is the substantial body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of AEB and ESC in reducing road accidents and fatalities.

According to various studies, vehicles equipped with AEB can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 38 per cent. Meanwhile, ESC has been shown to decrease the risk of single-vehicle crashes by up to 50 per cent and rollovers by up to 80 per cent. By mandating these technologies, the Australian Government aims to lower the overall number of road incidents significantly.

Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) represent a significant advancement in the braking technology of heavy vehicles. By utilising electronic controls and integrating with various safety systems, EBS provides rapid and precise braking force distribution, which is crucial for shortening stopping distances.

The enhanced performance and safety offered by EBS are vital for heavy vehicles, ensuring they can stop efficiently and safely, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety. As technology continues to evolve, the role of EBS in heavy vehicles will likely become even more critical, paving the way for more innovative and safer transportation systems.