Multipurpose Oil Filter Systems for Innovative Drivetrains and e-Axles

Changing drivetrain architectures and designs such as highly integrated e-Axles and hybrid transmissions require different filtration solutions. Not only the requirements towards oil cleanliness and differential pressure of the lubrication and cooling circuit become more challenging, but also the dielectric and electric oil properties and the insulating function, for instance, come more and more into focus. To protect all system components starting from the oil pump MANN+HUMMEL developed a new generation of filters using their depth filter media MULTIGRADE eM-CO. The new concept increases the degrees of freedom for the development of the lubrication circuit significantly. Offering an ultra-compact and flexible installation space, lowest differential pressure or highest filtration efficiencies for system reliability. The new MANN+HUMMEL filter media portfolio MULTIGRADE eM-CO offers filter media with excellent properties and a gradient structure that provides a high dust holding capacity at a low differential pressure. Customized numerical development tools are supporting the media development by analyzing and optimizing the structure and the filtration performance. To multiply these advantages and to add further benefits for the customers a new generation of pleated suction-side filters has been developed. With up to 60% higher filter area the new concept uses the given installation space to the maximum. A 3D structured drainage grid keeps the media performance at a maximum level over the whole filter life. The latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis tools are used to optimize the differential pressure of the housing even in challenging installation spaces. Special oil drying units are applied to minimize water induced increase of conductivity. This allows the dielectric properties of the oils to be kept constant and even water sensitive oils can be used for the applications. With this knowledge and expertise, MANN+HUMMEL developed a sensor-supported oil management system with intelligent cooling function and integrated oil drying for highest oil quality over the entire life of the system.