The newest heat pump system is the first to implement a parallel heat source recovery technique. It harnesses waste heat from both the motor and battery alongside heat from the external air. This recovered heat is then utilized for heating and cooling purposes, as well as managing the battery’s temperature, greatly improving the driving range of electric vehicles.
Hanon Systems, a global provider of automotive thermal management solutions for electrified mobility, has unveiled the world’s first fourth-generation heat pump system, a critical component for thermal management in electric vehicles (EVs). This innovative system has been on the market since July.
Initially introduced in the Kia EV3 in South Korea, this heat pump system is set for expanded production in the U.S. and Europe. Yoon Ho Wang, Vice-President of the AP Innovation Center at Hanon Systems Research Institute, emphasized the proactive development achieved through close collaboration with their client, expressing satisfaction in enhancing the driving experience for electric vehicle users.
This groundbreaking heat pump system is the first to adopt a parallel heat source recovery method. It effectively utilizes waste heat from the vehicle’s motor and battery along with external air. The heat thus gathered is deployed for both heating and cooling purposes and for managing the battery’s temperature, considerably boosting the EV’s driving range.
Featuring numerous new attributes, some of which are either patented or pending patents, this modular heat pump system showcases Hanon Systems’ leadership in thermal management. It integrates the Refrigerant Control Module (RCM) and the Coolant Control Module (CCM) into a single control unit, enabling comprehensive management of the entire thermal system.
Subu Nagasubramony, co-CEO of Hanon Systems, articulated the company’s ongoing commitment to refining the design of their heat pump systems to enhance efficiency and lower power consumption, further extending the driving range of EVs. As the world’s second-largest thermal management firm, Hanon Systems is dedicated to continuous innovation aiming for ‘lightweight’ and ‘high-efficiency’ components.
Since pioneering mass production of heat pump systems with waste heat recovery in 2015, Hanon Systems launched its second-generation system in 2018, which incorporated battery thermal management functions, marking the first integrated thermal management system to boost EV driving range. The third generation rolled out in 2021, was specifically developed for Kia’s EV-focused platform and was notable for incorporating an 800V electric compressor, drastically cutting down EV charging times.
Moreover, Hanon Systems has recently introduced the Thin HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology, a global first. This innovation, aptly named Thin HVAC, reduces the overall size of the HVAC system by about 30%, decreasing the exposure of the HVAC system area beneath the cockpit (dashboard component module) and thus increasing legroom for passengers.
