The two leading European companies aim to simplify the system by adopting a single indirect unit, decreasing expenses, streamlining the manufacturing process, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Vitesco Technologies, a company that emerged from the German Tier-1 powerhouse Continental and is at the forefront of advanced drivetrain and electrification technologies, has formed an alliance with Sanden International (Europe), a prominent figure in the field of automotive thermal management systems. Together, they are embarking on the creation of an Integrated Thermal Management System specifically designed for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This innovative concept was unveiled to a specialized audience at the 45th International Vienna Motor Symposium.
In this forward-thinking pre-development initiative, Sanden is focusing on the creation of a compact refrigeration unit that utilizes propane (R290), a natural refrigerant, while Vitesco Technologies is concentrating on the development of a system for distributing heat energy, which is achieved through a coolant distribution unit that employs water/glycol. The foundational components of this coolant system include coolant pumps, Coolant Flow Control Valves (CFCV), and an array of sensors. The coolant valve’s design is versatile, offering anywhere from 5 to 13 ports that can be connected to various heat sources and sinks, depending on the specific requirements of the application.
The collaboration boasts that by amalgamating all the thermal management functionalities into a single indirect system, they will reap multiple benefits. These include the ability to adapt flexibly, a simplification of the overall system, a reduction in the labour involved in the vehicle’s manufacturing process, cost savings for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and adherence to regulatory standards, such as the impending ban on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. Moreover, this cutting-edge technology is expected to enhance the driving range of vehicles in colder climates, facilitate rapid charging capabilities, and ensure a comfortable thermal environment within the vehicle’s interior.
Gerd Rösel, the Head of Innovations Electrification Solutions at Vitesco Technologies, states that this new thermal management system will render the heating and cooling of BEVs more eco-friendly and contribute to the maximization of the vehicle’s range, particularly in cooler conditions. Concurrently, the aim is to realize substantial cost savings that will bolster the economic efficiency of thermal management systems.
For the vehicle OEMs, the Integrated Thermal Management System is anticipated to streamline the assembly process, as it integrates much of the existing complexity associated with heating and cooling systems into a single, preassembled module. Rösel emphasizes that a comprehensive approach to thermal management is a more sustainable strategy, which is why they are preparing an environmentally friendly technology in collaboration with Sanden. This system solution is being designed to accommodate the natural refrigerant propane, aligning with their commitment to green technology.
