MRCU: The evolution of a legend

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY. For more than 50 years, the Voith retarder has been helping to make commercial vehicles safer, more efficient and more sustainable. Thanks to an ongoing development process, the hydrodynamic retarder system allows up to 90 percent of all braking operations to be wear-free. With the launch of its Mechatronic Retarder Control Unit (MRCU), Voith Turbo is now taking the technology to a new level. In future, the MRCU will be part of the retarder’s standard equipment and will further improve its functionality.

One of the most striking benefits of the MRCU, which is designed as an all-in-one solution, is that the electronic control unit (ECU) responsible for the regulation, control and monitoring of the retarder is now integrated directly into the retarder. This saves space in the driver’s cab and simplifies the layout of the entire vehicle system. Another new feature is that damping plate, pressure sensor and valve technology are housed in a single compact unit directly connected to the retarder.

The developers also attached particular importance to easier handling. The MRCU connection thus uses a single plug and the compressed air connection, allowing OEMs therefore to quickly integrate the module in just a few steps.

Moreover, the MRCU improves the safety of the retarder in operation, as the technology continually monitors the operation of the system. If it detects a fault, the unit immediately re-establishes a safe state. This also happens in the case of systemic errors. Voith Turbo’s developers have also made provision for potential valve malfunctions – with a series