Undergraduate Project Appendices

PROJECT OUTLINE

BEng/BSc/MEng* Delete as appropriate

Name

Supervisor

Page limit: 10 pages excluding appendices

Performance study of a hydraulic vs hybrid vs electric

power steering
Date
 Undergraduate Project Appendices

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Project justification................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Project Aims and Objectives................................................................................................... 2
2. METHODOLOGY.......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Comprehensive Research...................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Hydraulic Power Steering System..................................................................................4
2.1.2 Electric Power Steering System.....................................................................................5
2.1.3 Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering System......................................................................7
2.2 Performance Analysis............................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1 Fuel Economy................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.2 Maintenance cost........................................................................................................... 8
2.2.3 Road handling................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.4 Weight constraints.......................................................................................................... 8
2.2.5 Adjustability.................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.6 Accuracy......................................................................................................................... 9
3. Future Work................................................................................................................................... 9
4. REFERENCES/bibliography........................................................................................................ 10
APPENDIX A: Gantt Chart................................................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX B: Project Resources Checklist.....................................................................................12
APPENDIX C: Project Risk, Ethics and Threat Assessment Checklist..........................................13
APPENDIX D: Use of Human Volunteers in Project Work..............................................................14
APPENDIX E: Industrial Projects........................................................................................................ 0
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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project justification

This project's goal is to evaluate the outcomes after studying the performance characteristics of the
three different types of power steering systems (hydraulic, hybrid (hydraulic-electric), and electric). A
lot of study has been done on hydraulic vs. hybrid power systems, but not much has been done on the
performance traits and comparison of all three power steering systems.

Power steering is a steering device that helps vehicles manoeuvre at low speeds and lessens the
driver's workload by requiring less effort to steer. Power steering is regarded as a blessing because it
changed the industry by decreasing the strain of the driver. A few years ago, steering of any system
was difficult because the driver had to put a great deal of effort into it. Modern vehicles also include
electric power steering, however most of them still have hydraulic power systems. This study will
inform us of the performance attributes of all three steering systems, and their comparison will assist
in determining which steering system is best for any car in terms of performance.

Figure 1.1 Steering Wheel

Manufacturers utilise three main types of steering systems (hydraulic, hybrid, and electric), all of which
have the same goal but differ in how they are carried out. Hydraulic systems function mechanically,
hybrid systems pressurise fluid with an electric motor, and electrical systems have both electric motors
and sensors. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, a thorough examination of each
steering system is required, and a comparison of them will aid in evaluating their effectiveness.
Additionally, the steering wheel serves as the driver's primary point of contact with the vehicle, so it is
crucial that the driver understands its functions.

1.2 Project Aims and Objectives

Aim:
Study the performance of the three types (hydraulic, hybrid (hydraulic-electric), electric) of
steering system and their comparison based on performance.
Objectives:
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1. A thorough investigation of each type of power steering (hydraulic, hybrid (hydraulic-

electric), and electric).
2. Surveys for comparison.
3. Identifying each system's benefits and drawbacks.
4. Performance evaluation.
5. Cost evaluation.
6. Drawing a conclusion from the research,

2. METHODOLOGY
The key methodology I will use for this project is organised as follows: first, I will conduct in-depth
research on the subject, which will involve reading several papers, journals, articles, books, and
reviews. After the first phase is over, we will go on to the performance analysis section to observe how
each power steering system performs. Surveys will then be undertaken to collect information for
comparison and findings.
The technique also includes self-experiments, which test several vehicles with various power steering
systems. The collected data is then compared in the following stage and the thesis is finalised.

Comprehesive
Research

Performance Analysis

Surveys

Self experiment

Comparing the results

Final report

Figure 2.2 Methodology

2.1 Comprehensive Research

Power Steering systems:
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Power steering systems use electrical or hydraulic components to drive the wheels of the vehicle by
using battery power or engine power. It calculates the direction in which wheel should turn by
multiplying the force applied by the drivers. The first power steering system was invented in 1926 by
French W Davis. There are generally three types of steering systems which are currently available in
the market for use. The names of power steering systems are
Hydraulic power steering system (HPS systems)
Electric power steering systems (EPS systems)
-Electric-hydraulic power steering systems (EHPS systems)

2.1.1 Hydraulic Power Steering System

The hydraulic steering system is closed loop system used to change the wheel angle depending on
steering angle by using pressurized hydraulic fluids. The invention of Hydraulic power steering system
was revolutionary in the automotive industry. The power steering rack made it easy to control and
steer a car. It made a very positive impact on people daily commute. The power steering technology
has become so widely spread that every car manufacturing company is using some type of power
steering in the 21st century. It works on hydro-mechanical servo mechanism. The major components
of hydraulic power steering system are

Oil reservoir
Steering gearbox
Valve
Hydraulic pump
Hydraulic piston.
Fluid lines

2.1.1.1 Working of Hydraulic Power Steering System

Hydraulic means ‘fluid or oil’ and power steering is pressurizing the fluids in smart way to generate
extra power. Hence, Hydraulic power steering pressurizes the fluid that in turn provides us extra
power to control or manoeuvre a car. When driver rotates the steering wheel of the car using HPS
systems, hydraulic power is produced. The power is produced to the t hydro-mechanical servo
mechanism. The highly compressed hydraulic fluid starts to be pumped through lines by pump which
is taking power from the engine. The hydraulic cylinder is entered by the hydraulic pressure of pump,
where it exerts pressure on the piston. The piston of high pressure begins to move from one end to
the other, pushing more fluid through the lines in the process. As a result of the piston's movement,
the driver's input force is amplified several times. The multiplied force is used to steer the wheels of
vehicle using a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism means joining the magnitude of the
force of driver which is amplified several times. From piston gear, the high coupled force is transmitted
further for wheel movement.
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Figure 3: Hydraulic Power Steering System

The front wheels start to steer after the coupling mechanism applies high force to the rack gear, which
then applies high force to the high-pressure fluid supplied by the hydraulic cylinder. Tie roads receive
the high force of turning and turn the wheel of the car in the same direction as commanded by the
driver with accuracy.

2.1.2 Electric Power Steering System

It is most recent power steering system which replaces hydraulic systems with electric motors and
sensors. To alter the steering wheel angle, a motor driven by the vehicle's battery is used. Electric
sensors regulate the motor's torque to precisely determine the steering column's location. As
compared to the traditional hydraulic power steering systems, electric power steering (EPS) is
becoming more common for highly automotive driving. EPS variants are available for small, mid-
range, sports cars to light weight commercial vehicles. EPS is also connected with vehicle control unit
that provides SAE 4 level security in case of an error. This electric interface enables highly-
automated, comfortable, and secure driving. With the help of this electric motor, the EPS controls and
assists vehicle steering and provides best steering experience. The major parts of electric power
steering system are
Electric motor
Torque sensor
Steering angle sensor
Cylinder

2.1.2.1 Working of Electric Power Steering System

EPS systems use electric motor to drive hardware instead of engine. The steering column-mounted
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electronic sensors receive information from the driver through the steering wheel and transfer it to the
electric control unit of the vehicle. The electronic control unit (ECU) is the main controller of electric
power steering systems. The pinion gear and the electric motor's gear are always meshing since they
are placed at the end of the steering column. The voltage signal is sent there once these inputs have
been analysed by the vehicle's ECU. The magnitude of the voltage signals received from the ECU
causes the motor, which is powered by the vehicle's battery, to turn on and deliver a particular amount
of torque. The greater the magnitude of voltage signals produced from the ECU; the higher torque is
produced. When the motor turns on, the gear that is constantly meshing with the pinion gear starts
supplying the pinion gear with the multiplied torque, and the pinion gear subsequently transmits the
multiplied torque to the rack through which it is linked. Sensors calculates the right turning angles for
the wheel depending on the driver’s input. When the pinion over the rack generates this torque, the
rack moves, steering the front.

Figure 4: Electric Power Steering System

2.1.2.2 Types of Electric power steering system

Electric power steering system has four different types which are available in market.
1. Column electric power steering system

2. Pinon electric power steering system

3. Dual pinion electric power steering system

4. Paraxial electric power steering system

2.1.2.2.1 Column electric power steering system

In this type of EPS system, motor is connected under the steering wheel on the steering column. All
other components such as sensors, electronic control unit (ECU) is also connected to the steering
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wheel of steering column.

Figure 5: Column electric power steering system

2.1.2.2.2 Pinion electric power steering system

In this type of EPS system, the motor, which is positioned above the steering box and beneath the
universal joint, directly controls the steering pinion shaft. It provides better steering feel, better
handling, and comfort.

Figure 6: Pinion electric power steering system

2.1.2.2.3 Dual pinion electric power steering system

In this type of EPS system, a steering rack-mounted electric motor that powers a second pinion gear.
It also provides better steering feel, better handling, and comfort. They have low inertia and friction
because the steering gear and assist unit are combined in a single box.

Figure 7: Dual pinion electric power steering system

2.1.2.2.4 Paraxial electric power steering system

In this type of EPS system, the electric motor is either a component of the steering rack or a separate
motor linked to the rack, and it drives the rack with a revolving ball gear or toothed belt. The system
has little friction and good efficiency. They can be used in mid-large size of vehicles because of little
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friction and high reduction gear ratios.

Figure 8: Paraxial electric power steering system

2.1.3 Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering System

The electro-hydraulic power steering system is upgraded variant of the HPS system in which an
electric motor-driven hydraulic pump is utilised in place of the rotational hydraulic pump present in the
engine-driven HPS system. The hybrid power steering system is another name for it. The major
components of electric-hydraulic power steering system are
Hydraulic pump
Hydraulic piston
Electric motor
Fluid reservoir

Figure 9: Electric-Hydraulic Power Steering System

2.1.3.1 Working of Electric-Hydraulic Power Steering System

An electric motor powers the pump in electro-hydraulic power steering, which is then adjusted in
accordance with the necessary aiding steering force. When moving slowly or standing still, the
hydraulic pump's output is boosted to produce a lot of steering power. Because assistance is not
required at high speeds, the pump's rotating speed is decreased. Improved comfort is a benefit of
electro-hydraulic power steering since it is easy to handle when manoeuvring. However, steering is
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firm when moving quickly. Because the power uptake adapts as needed, this improves overall fuel
economy.

2.2 Performance Analysis

Performance of all types of steering system is based on their components. The major performance
factors are
Fuel economy
Maintenance cost
Road handling
Weight Constraints
Adjustability
Accuracy
Response Time
Each performance factor is discussed below.

2.2.1 Fuel Economy

As in HPS systems, hydraulic pump takes more form the engine. Aa a result it consumes more fuel to
operate. Hence fuel consumption increases, and fuel economy of vehicle decreases. In hybrid
steering system, we use electric power from the battery and don’t take power from the engine. Hence
fuel consumption in EHPS systems is far good than HPS systems. In electric steering systems, we
also use electric power (from Battery) in place of engine for power requirements. So, fuel consumption
is high in HPS systems and less in EHPS and EPS systems.

2.2.2 Maintenance cost

In EPS systems, we don’t need any type of fluid because we are using electric components instead of
hydraulic. Also, EPS systems can be easily calibrated. So, they have low maintenance cost. In HPS
and EHPS systems, we must change fluid after certain period. These systems have fluid leakage,
broken belt and faulty pump problems which need to be fixed after certain period. So, maintenance
cost is high in EHPS and HPS steering systems.

2.2.3 Road handling

HPS and EHPS steering systems provide good road feedback to the driver. Drivers feel connected the
road when they are operating HPS or EHPS systems. EPS steering systems are not good for road
feedback. Driver feels disconnected from the road when they are operating EPS systems. So HPS
and EHPS systems are good than EPS systems for road feedback.

2.2.4 Weight constraints

The EHPS and HPS steering systems have high weights as compared to the EPS steering systems.
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High weight decreases the fuel economy and performance of vehicle. So, EPS provides better
response as compared to EHPS and HPS systems.

2.2.5 Adjustability
EPS Systems can be automatically adjustable and provide better handling and ease of use to driver.
The Electronic control unit can be modified by software to provide automatic adjustment. EHPS and
HPS systems are adjusted manually and provide less handling as compared to EPS systems because
they are using hydraulic components which cannot be controlled by a software. Also, EPS systems
have safety measures within the system. If ECU finds that there is a fault in a system or power is not
generated by the battery, it cuts the power from battery and attaches to other means of power. It also
indicates an indicator for the driver.

2.2.6 Accuracy
EPS system provides high accuracy for the wheel angle as compared to HPS and EHPS systems
because of torque and other sensors used in it. Accuracy is an important factor in vehicles because
false steering angle can create serious circumstances for the driver. HPS and EHPS use mechanical
systems and cannot provide high accuracy of steering angle.
Overall performance analysis for all types of steering systems is given below in the table.

2.2.7 Response time

EPS systems provide better response time as compared the HPS systems because they use electric
components and signals transmitted power faster. EHPS systems have moderate response time
because they are semi-electric.

Table 2-1: Performance analysis of power steering systems

Sr HPS system EHPS system EPS system

No.
1 It has low fuel efficiency as It has high fuel efficiency as It has high fuel efficiency as

pump takes power from engine pump is driven by electric pump is driven by electric

motor motor

2 It has high maintenance cost It has high maintenance cost It has low maintenance cost

due to fluid issues due to fluid issues due to electric systems

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3 It provides better road feedback It provides better road It provides less road

to the driver when vehicle is feedback to the driver when feedback to the driver when

operating on road vehicle is operating on road vehicle is operating on road

imperfections. imperfections. imperfections.

4 It has more weight and hence It has more weight and hence It has less weight and hence

reduce the performance of reduce the performance of enhances the performance of

vehicle. vehicle. vehicle.

5 It needs to be adjusted It needs to be adjusted It needs to be adjusted

manually. manually. automatically.

6 It has low wheel angle accuracy It has low wheel angle It provides high wheel angle

accuracy. accuracy due to sensors

used in it.

7 It has low response time It has moderate response It has very high response

time time

3. Future Work
I have completed the literature review and performance analysis of each power steering system.
The remaining phases of project that I need to work on them are
 Surveys
 Self-tests
 Comparison of results.
Next, I will start surveys for my project to gather information about these power steering types. Since it
is a challenging work and time consuming, I will save an extra week just in case. The larger the
survey, the more accurate the results which are important because research can be used in future.
After surveys, I will start self-test of these power steering types. After giving different cars two weeks
to test themselves, the results will then be compared based on performance, and two more weeks will
be given at the end to review and finalise the report. Additionally, since power steering is nearly
identical, self-testing may not be useful in reaching any conclusions. Every steering system may have
a different set of performance characteristics. As a result, we must weigh the pros and cons to decide
which steering is best. This is a highly dangerous task because it might be applied in the future.
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4. REFERENCES/bibliography

1. Power steering (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_steering#:~:text=Francis%20W.,first%20practical
%20power%20steering%20system. (Accessed: November 29, 2022).

2. Anon., 2022. What's the difference between electric and hydraulic power steering? Hydraulic
Vs. Electric Power Steering. [Online]
Available at: https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/electric-vs-
hydraulic-power-steering

3. Ansari, U., 2018. Hydraulic Power Steering vs Electric Power Steering, CarSpiritPK.. [Online]
Available at: https://carspiritpk.com/hydraulic-power-steering-vs-electric-power-steering

4. Horsch, J. D. P. K. R. &. V. D. C., 1982. Laboratory Study of Factors Influencing the

Performance of Energy Absorbing Steering Systems.. [Online]
Available at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/44724648

5. Lacivita, B., 2022. 3 types of power steering systems, Family Handyman.. [Online]
Available at: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/types-of-power-steering-systems
 Undergraduate Project Appendices

APPENDIX A: Gantt Chart

 Undergraduate Project Appendices

APPENDIX B: Project Resources Checklist

Please enter below your BEST ESTIMATES for the information requested. You will not
be penalised for small errors and later genuine changes - only for not bothering!

1 Will materials or components be ordered? Yes No

2 Will you be designing a PCB or drawing which will require manufacture Yes No
during the course of your project? (Note that this should only be
contemplated where absolutely necessary for the success of the
project!)

3 Will PCB or drawing assemblies already designed and manufactured Yes No

within the School be required? Please specify:

4 Will a PC be required for work other than for report writing? Yes No

5 If the answer to 4 is Yes, will you require any special hardware Yes No
installed/attached (f.e. PROM emulation, USB interface). Please specify:

6 Will you require specific software, other than word processing? (Please Yes No
specify):

7 Will your project require technical staff to make items requiring workshop Yes No
facilities?
8 If the answer to 7 is Yes, which of the following workshop activities will
be required (please circle):
Drilling Sheet metal forming Lathe work Milling Other (Please specify)

9 Are there other resources required, not covered above? (Please specify): Yes No
Library
 Undergraduate Project Appendices

APPENDIX C: Project Risk, Ethics and Threat Assessment Checklist

Please enter below your BEST ESTIMATES for the information requested.

Is your project likely to involve either deliberate, or possible

accidental use or contact with:
Voltages above 30V
1 High currents at low voltage (f.e. lead acid batteries) Yes No
Rotating machines
High temperatures
Hazardous fluids or gases

Will your project involve attaching electrodes to yourself or someone

2 Yes No
else In such a way as to produce low impedance contact?
If the answer to 2 is Yes, has an assessment of the risk in the
3 Yes No
planned procedure been carried out?
If the answer to 2 or 3 is Yes, does the analysis show an acceptable
4 Yes No
level of risk?
Are any substances classified as being 'Hazardous to Health' likely to
5 Yes No
be used in the course of your work?
Are any flammable substances likely to be used in the course of your
6 Yes No
work? (eg volatile cleaning agents, paint, etc.)
Are there any other aspects of your projected work which might
7 Yes No
impose a danger to yourself or to others? (Please specify):
 Notes: If the answer to any of these questions is YES, you must complete a School of
Physics, Engineering and Computer Science risk assessment. This should be approved and
signed by your supervisor prior to submission.

Ethical Issues
Will your work involve measurements on human subjects or their
8 Yes No
behaviour?
Will your work involve asking human subjects to answer questions of
9 Yes No
a personal nature?
Could any aspect of your work cause distress to human subjects
10 Yes No
participating in your work either knowingly or unknowingly?
 Notes: If the answers to any of questions 2, 8, 9, or 10 are YES, the proposed work must be
submitted for approval to the Ethics Committee before work proceeds. Please read
Appendix D and consult your Supervisor.
 Undergraduate Project Appendices

APPENDIX D: Use of Human Volunteers in Project Work

The following section has been taken from a memorandum issued by the University Ethics
Committee relating to the use of human volunteers in research and teaching. Bear in mind
this code of practice when it is applicable to your project work.
Code of practice for the use of human subjects in research projects & teaching
exercises in undergraduate & taught postgraduate courses:
 The remit of the University Ethics Committee is to consider and approve projects where
there are ethical issues arising from research projects or teaching exercises involving
human subjects. As part of its work, the Ethics Committee has produced the document
"Regulations and Guidelines for the use of Human Volunteers in Research Projects and
Practical Classes".
 These regulations are mandatory requirements of the University and all lecturers,
researchers and students using human volunteers in their work must comply with these.
 This Code of Practice is a summary of these regulations and is intended to assist when
setting up research projects in undergraduate and postgraduate courses where it is thought
that ethical issues may be involved. For example, such issues may concern the
administration of a substance, sampling of body fluids or assessing the fitness of a
participant during physical exertion. Concerning issues that are mainly psychological,
examples may include the amount of distress that might be caused by questions or
procedures, and the measures to cope with that distress should it occur. Thus, the prime
aim of this Code of Practice is to maintain ethical standards across the University and to
involve Supervisors and students in the ethical assessment of their own projects.
 The main points to consider are:
o Will the volunteers be recruited in a manner that allows them either to give consent or
refuse to participate? Particular care should be exercised when the researcher has
disciplinary or Supervisory control over the volunteer, or controls the academic progress of
the volunteer. The right of a volunteer to withdraw from the project at any time must be
respected.
o Does the volunteer have an appropriate knowledge of his/her involvement in the nature of
the study to the investigation (i.e. informed consent)? However, it should be noted that in
some cases too much knowledge can interfere with the investigation.
o Will the confidentiality of the volunteer be maintained at all times? If the viewing of case
notes is a necessary part of the study, will the confidentiality of the subject (and the
institution) be maintained?
o Has the volunteer's written or oral consent been obtained? If children are involved, has the
consent of a teacher or parent been obtained?
o Is distress (physical and/or emotional) likely to be caused by participating in this study?
Have adequate measures been taken to look after the volunteer should this occur?
 If the answers to the above suggest that the proposed research is unethical, it will be
necessary to amend the investigation. Where you are undecided, you may wish to talk this
through with a member of the University Ethics Committee before making a formal
submission for approval.
APPENDIX E: Industrial Projects
Industrially based project proposals may be submitted by industrialists, part-time
students and sandwich students returning from their year in industry. For these
projects, an industrial guarantor is required.
Industry based projects are particularly important for part-time students who do not
have official timetabled project sessions at the University and are therefore expected
to undertake the bulk of their project at their place of work. Part-time students in their
second year are encouraged to make early investigations into the possibility of
undertaking a project at their place of employment.
Industrial guarantor's agreement:
This form is relevant to those projects that are being undertaken in industry. For an
industrial project to run, this form must be completed and signed by the industrial
guarantor and the student.
The role of the industrial guarantor:
All final year students are required to undertake an engineering project as part of their
degree. Some students, particularly those undertaking a part-time course while
working in industry, choose to undertake projects in an industrial environment. For this
group of students, each will have an academic Supervisor at the University and an
industrial guarantor at the workplace.
The role of the industrial guarantor is to provide the student with technical support in
the workplace, and to guarantee that the student has undertaken the work as reported
and without undue assistance. The support will nominally require 10-15 hours per
week for the duration of the project for part time students.
Part-time students entering their final year who have not arranged a project and
guarantor must do so by the start of that academic session, at the latest.
Agreement:
Before completing this section of the agreement, the prospective industrial guarantor
should discuss the project with the student and broadly understand the terms of
reference of the project and the student's role in the project.
The letter on, company notepaper, should be posted to the School Project Tutor and
should contain the wording given below before the project work is started.

I (industrial guarantor’s name printed) ____________________________________

agree to my role as industrial guarantor for the (student's name printed)

_____________________________________________________________________.

Signed (guarantor): Date:

Contact address &

telephone number
of guarantor:

Signed (student): Date:

Contact address &

telephone number
of student: