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Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Electronic Stability Control (ESC),or Dynamic Dtability Control (DSC)
Understanding Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Electronic stability program (ESP), electronic stability control (ESC) or dynamic stability control (DSC) are the same; only the names are different given by different vehicle manufacturers. It is a computerised electronics technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction (skidding). When ESP detects a loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help steer the vehicle where the driver intends to go. Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually, such as the outer front wheel to counter oversteer or the inner rear wheel to counter understeer. Some ESP systems also reduce engine power until control is regained. ESP does not improve a vehicle's cornering performance; instead, it helps reduce the chance of the driver losing control of the car.
The electronic stability program in Europe has saved thousands of lives. ESP has been mandatory in new cars in the European Union since 2011, respectively Worldwide, 82 per cent of all new passenger cars feature the anti-skid system.
Regular Operation Of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
ESP intervenes only when it detects a probable loss of steering control, such as when the vehicle is not going where the driver is steering. This may happen, for example, when skidding during emergency evasive swerves, understeer or oversteer during poorly judged turns on slippery roads or hydroplaning. During high-performance driving, ESP can intervene when unwanted because steering input may not always indicate the direction of travel. ESP estimates the direction of the skid and then applies the brakes to individual wheels asymmetrically to create torque about the vehicle's vertical axis, opposing the skid and bringing the car back in line with the driver's commanded direction. Additionally, the system may reduce engine power or operate the transmission to slow the vehicle down.
ESP can function on any surface, from dry pavement to frozen lakes. It reacts to and corrects skidding much faster and more effectively than the typical human driver, often before the driver is even aware of any imminent loss of control. This has led to concern that ESP could allow drivers to become overconfident in their vehicle's handling and driving skills. For this reason, ESP systems typically alert the driver when they intercede so that the driver is aware that the vehicle's handling limits have been reached. Most activate a dashboard indicator light and alert tone; some intentionally allow the vehicle's corrected course to deviate very slightly from the driver-commanded direction, even if it is possible to match it more precisely.
All ESP manufacturers emphasise that the system is not a performance enhancement nor a replacement for safe driving practices but rather a safety technology to assist the driver in recovering from dangerous situations. ESP does not increase traction, so it does not enable faster cornering (although it can facilitate better-controlled cornering). More generally, ESP works within the limits of the vehicle's handling and available traction between the tyres and the road. A reckless manoeuvre can still exceed these limits, resulting in loss of control. For example, during hydroplaning, the wheels that ESP will use to avoid a skid may lose control of the road surface, reducing its effectiveness.
Because stability control can be incompatible with high-performance driving, many vehicles have an override control which allows the system to be partially or fully deactivated. In simple techniques, a single button may turn off all features, while more complicated setups may have a multi-position switch or may never be fully disengaged.
Further Research
As ESP was introduced in the anti-lock braking system (ABS), ESP is the foundation for new advances such as Roll Stability Control (RSC) or (ARP) active rollover protection that works in the vertical plane, like ESP in the horizontal plane. When the rollover mitigation system (RMS) or Roll Stability Control detects impending rollover (usually on transport trucks or SUVs), RSC applies brakes, reduces throttle, induces understeer, and slows down the vehicle.
The computing power of ESP provides through the CAN-Bus networking system for complete safety considering other causes of crashes. The sensors may detect when a vehicle is following too closely and slow down the car, or tighten seat belts, avoiding and preparing for a crash.
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