Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - DRL lights controller

arekkocowicz · 10-01-2012, 02:19 PM

Why did I build it?
My car wasn't factory fitted with day running lights. In my country it is legal obligation to always drive with day running lights or with low-beam lights on. I once calculated that low-beam lights which consume more that 110Wats increase fuel consumption by around 0.25 l/100km (approximately 1,5 mpg US). I can prove it using a pencil and a sheet of paper. LED DRL consumes about 10Wats. According to EU law DRL lights should be automatically switched on when engine is started and they also should by switched off when low-beam lights are switched on. This automation is usually done by a simple relay connected to low-beam light and a wire which is connected to +12V simultaneously with turning on ignition. Using relay, although it's simple, has got disadvantages. Typical relay-based controller unnecessary drains car battery when engine is starting, it also needs to be connected to wire which is connected to battery positive terminal simultaneously with ignition. In my car it is not so easy access such a wire. I noticed that cars battery is quite easy accessible and project has started

1) It actually is circuit which switches DRLs on and off, I bought LED DRL lamps but I decided to build circuit which will switch them exactly when I want it and with nice smooth dimming.
2) You are right - in case of alternator deletion circuit will be fulled and won't work. Circuit is designed for not-so-devoted-ecomodders

I was thinking a lot about deleting alternator and fitting solar panel instead but I haven't decided for that, yet. As a matter of fact I never heard about anybody who did that in my neighborhood.

Circuit was designed rather for skeptical car owners. Installing costs are not so high (all parts for controller cost about 7$, cheap LED DRL lights starts at 15$) and according to my calculation this self installed system will pay back in 10 000km ~ 6000mi). Low cost and relatively high gain should convince even regular and normal car drivers, it doesn't require special driving technique, it saves low-beam light-bulbs which I previously had to replace at least once a year.

10-01-2012, 02:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
arekkocowicz EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Polska Posts: 15 Corsi - '04 Opel Corsa 90 day: 45.32 mpg (US) Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Why did I build it? My car wasn't factory fitted with day running lights. In my country it is legal obligation to always drive with day running lights or with low-beam lights on. I once calculated that low-beam lights which consume more that 110Wats increase fuel consumption by around 0.25 l/100km (approximately 1,5 mpg US). I can prove it using a pencil and a sheet of paper. LED DRL consumes about 10Wats. According to EU law DRL lights should be automatically switched on when engine is started and they also should by switched off when low-beam lights are switched on. This automation is usually done by a simple relay connected to low-beam light and a wire which is connected to +12V simultaneously with turning on ignition. Using relay, although it's simple, has got disadvantages. Typical relay-based controller unnecessary drains car battery when engine is starting, it also needs to be connected to wire which is connected to battery positive terminal simultaneously with ignition. In my car it is not so easy access such a wire. I noticed that cars battery is quite easy accessible and project has started 1) It actually is circuit which switches DRLs on and off, I bought LED DRL lamps but I decided to build circuit which will switch them exactly when I want it and with nice smooth dimming. 2) You are right - in case of alternator deletion circuit will be fulled and won't work. Circuit is designed for not-so-devoted-ecomodders I was thinking a lot about deleting alternator and fitting solar panel instead but I haven't decided for that, yet. As a matter of fact I never heard about anybody who did that in my neighborhood. Circuit was designed rather for skeptical car owners. Installing costs are not so high (all parts for controller cost about 7$, cheap LED DRL lights starts at 15$) and according to my calculation this self installed system will pay back in 10 000km ~ 6000mi). Low cost and relatively high gain should convince even regular and normal car drivers, it doesn't require special driving technique, it saves low-beam light-bulbs which I previously had to replace at least once a year.