Electric Power-Assisted Steering: A Review

Abstract

For safe operation of a vehicle, the driver must be able to maintain absolute control of the vehicle’s serious operating dynamics. To achieve this, extensively power steering systems have been employed today. This has been as a result of the increase in the front axle loads of vehicles, making it require more power to turn its wheels. In addition, there is a need for vehicles with more responsive steering properties. As a result, the quest for higher efficiency of the system necessitates the need for a more flexible and efficacious system. Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) systems can serve as alternatives to hydraulic power-assisted steering systems. The EPAS system offered the desired flexibility, engine and space efficiency. In addition, no pollution is emitted to the environment because of the omission of all hydraulic components. However, it has issues with system inertia and vehicle stability. Therefore, the requirement for vehicle steering stability becomes strict. As such, the focus of this paper is to give an overview of the EPAS system, its different configurations and subsystems, in addition to prospects and challenges of adopting the technology in vehicles.