Nanofilm membrane technology could significantly reduce the energy required for automotive window demisting if proven successful in commercial and residential air-conditioning and dehumidification systems. Evelyn Allen, co-founder and CEO of Evercloak, a Canadian spin-out company from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, says the firm’s nanofilms “disrupt traditional energy cooling systems by dehumidifying air more … Continue reading Innovation reduces AC energy consumption
Researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK are working on a patent-pending microwave-based thermochemical HVAC system that could enhance the battery range of electric vehicles by up to 70 per cent. Conceived by research lead Professor Yongliang Li in pursuit of zero-carbon technologies, the e-Thermal bank system combines a chemical heat pump with … Continue reading Uni claims microwave HVAC tech can boost EV range
Supercar manufacturer Ferrari appears to be working on a new HVAC control system that will keep the rarefied air of its vehicle cockpits at precise temperatures. A patent filed by Ferrari includes details of climate control sensors that measure the temperature of vehicle occupants, as well as taking into account the general cabin air temperatures … Continue reading Ferrari patents climate control innovation
Jaguar Land Rover is planning to install Panasonic’s virus-busting ‘nanoe X’ air-purification technology on future models. The nanoe X technology, already used in some Panasonic commercial air-conditioners, has been verified as an inhibitor of harmful bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19) by viral research specialists Texcell. Jaguar Land Rover has also commissioned an independent assessment of nanoe X … Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover to get virus-busting HVAC tech
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
Toyota’s fourth-generation Prius due to launch in Australia in March breaks new ground for the pioneering hybrid car in a number of areas, including a more energy-efficient automatic air-conditioning system from Denso. According to the Japanese parts supplier, the system in the new Prius uses a more efficient electric compressor and an ejector-integrated evaporator, which … Continue reading New Toyota Prius AC system is 18% more efficient
Big automotive presence at CES highlights need for IT skills The fact that car manufacturers and suppliers are now must-see exhibitors at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlights the huge, high-speed collision currently occurring between transportation and technology. Take a step back from the dazzling lights in Las Vegas and the 3600-plus companies clambering … Continue reading Computers on wheels in Vegas
The global automotive HVAC market is expected to be worth $US22.12 billion ($A32.23b) by 2022 – up from $US11.68 billion ($A17.02b) in 2014 – with the Asia-Pacific region providing the backbone for future growth, according to a new study by Californian-based Grand View Research. Ongoing vehicle sales growth in all-important developing markets such as China … Continue reading Strong automotive HVAC sector growth forecast
