Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) in Germany are making significant progress in the development of electrocaloric heat pumps that offer a promising alternative to compressor technology, with the goal of increasing efficiency and offering a more eco-friendly alternative to refrigerants. This type of heat pump utilises the unique properties … Continue reading Refrigerant-free heat pump
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed an innovative solution to tackle the persistent problem of potholes caused by freezing and thawing during the winter, which could significantly improve the state of major roads across Britain. Potholes are created by three main factors: First, road surface cracks develop due to traffic. Second, water enters … Continue reading Can heat pumps prevent potholes?
Daikin, the only company globally to manufacture both air-conditioning systems and refrigerants, has developed a low-GWP refrigerant designed for electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with heat pumps. R474A (D1V-140) has been developed as an alternative to R1234yf for improved heat pump performance in EVs, particularly in colder climates, where they can lose up to 20 per … Continue reading Daikin R474a (A2L) approved for EV heat pumps
“By somewhere between 2025 and 2028, there will be a new refrigerant on the market dedicated to EVs from the factory.” This was the bombshell dropped by Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) president Peter Coll at Wire & Gas 2022. Continue reading At least five new refrigerants under consideration for automotive applications
For an electric car to deliver the best capabilities and comfort, the temperature of its components and cabin must be managed effectively. Batteries and control units that get too hot during operation, for example, can cause degraded performance, charging and range issues. Ineffective cabin heating and cooling solutions, similarly, can result in excessive power draw … Continue reading All-electric Audi Q4 e-tron features two cooling loops, R744-charged heat pump
By Craig Van Batenburg (Article reproduced by permission of SAE International) The Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) that I founded over 20 years ago provides training and tech support to the world’s independent electric-vehicle (EV and hybrid) technicians, who will be asked to fix and maintain the systems as they age. Our facility in central … Continue reading Heat pump technology a game changer for widespread electric vehicle adoption
VASA has been saying it for some time, but now Denso sees thermal management as one of its most important focus areas. Denso CEO of thermal systems in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Marco Di Rao, predicts that heat pumps and thermal management will be“key enablers of the electrification of mobility”. “First of all, … Continue reading Denso zeroes in on heat pumps
Audi’s Q7 e-tron made headlines last year upon its unveiling at the Geneva motor show, billed as the world’s first TDI plug-in hybrid with quattro drive and the first plug-in hybrid with a diesel engine from the German prestige marque. With a 3.0-litre six-cylinder oil-burner and electric motor on-board, the big SUV emerged with 275kW … Continue reading Audi Q7 debuts cutting-edge heat pump tech
