Electronic Systems and Computer Technology - Decreasing Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Emissions in Transportation - page 104

The continuous addition of electronic features to the car electronic supply
system is one of the possible factors that will lead to an increase in the system
voltage in cars from the current 12 V to 42 V level.
6.5.2 Electronic Technology in Airplanes
Electronic systems are important in airplanes due to the rapid movement of the
aircraft with changing weather and terrain. In contrast to road vehicle and ship
navigation technique, the flight takes place in a three-dimensional space with the
fourth dimension, time.
In flight pilots are faced with extremely demanding tasks to fly safely. There-
fore, on-board electronic systems are designed with the primary aim of alleviating
the pilot's workload and enhancing safety. Besides safety, a lot of electronic
subsystems ensure optimum and cost-efficient operation to keep airlines profitable
in the highly competitive air transport market.
Flight instruments give information to the pilot about the aircraft's speed,
direction, altitude, and orientation. Power plant instruments provide data to the
status of the aircraft's engines and the APUs. System instruments give an overview
of the aircraft's other systems, such as the fuel delivery, the electric system, and
the pressurization.
The continuous expansion of electronic systems on the aircraft has led to a higher
demand for energy on-board, similar to road and ship energy supply technology.
6.5.3 Electronic Technology in Ships
Electronic control systems provide an excellent way to measure the effectiveness
of a ship's operation, and present an independent, highly accurate means of
recording and comparing the data from different engines, transmission parts, and
exhaust gas after treatment modules. Electronic information systems aid in the
course planning, calculating of tides, and informing the captain of the hull's
condition and of the ship's speed and direction. Electronic control systems also
measure the consumption of fuel to improve the vessel's performance.
The electronic monitoring of the combustion process and the composition of
exhaust gases is increasingly important, not only for environmental protection, but also
for lowering the costs of maintenance and repair. The supply system of ships, similar to
other sectors of transportation, must provide more and more on-board power for the
increasing number and energy demand of electric and electronic equipment.
Electronic and computer technology has significantly changed in the last dec-
ades. Today, captains and crews need more and more training for electronic and
computer technology because of the generally increasing level of infrastructure
and technology, including monitoring, steering and regulating on-board.