The Van Buren Township auto supplier Visteon Corp. Thursday announced the development of a new internal heat exchanger that boosts cooling power in a vehicle up to 14 percent.
It uses an innovative coaxial tube design integrated in the refrigerant circuit for enhanced automotive air conditioning system performance and efficiency.
The new internal heat exchanger, which replaces a part of the suction and liquid refrigerant lines in a traditional R134a system, exchanges energy in a counter-flow arrangement. When combined with tuning of the expansion device settings, the IHX increases system cooling performance up to 14 percent and improve operating efficiency up to 12 percent -- depending on the base system and thermal expansion valve settings. Visteon will launch its first commercial applications during the first quarter of 2009.
As the automotive industry strives to increase cooling power and improve energy efficiency, Visteon's IHX supports the European Commission's plans for more efficient mobile air conditioning systems in order to reduce real-world fuel consumption and lower CO2 exhaust emissions.
Visteon's coaxial IHX features a unique design that allows compact dimensions and excellent packaging flexibility while maintaining a low pressure drop. This intelligent solution also uses a unique design for adapter blocks, eliminating the need to machine the tube ends, resulting in superior internal cleanliness and a simplified manufacturing process.
More at www.visteon.com.
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