Climate System promotes fuel economy in vehicles.
Press Release Summary:
Application-ready R744 climate system helps reduce overall fuel consumption of vehicles by ~0.3 L/100 km, leading to reduction of CO2 tailpipe emissions of up to 7g/km while operating the air-conditioning system. Designed to improve fuel economy in future vehicles, solution can be integrated in parallel to phaseout of existing R134a systems. Fitting technology, VisCO2nnect, assures required level of pressure while facilitating assembly and service.
Original Press Release:
Visteon Spearheads R744 (CO2) Climate Technology with Improved System Performance
Visteon's latest application-ready R744 climate system consumes up to 25 percent less fuel than conventional R134a systems and enables a reduction of CO2 tailpipe emissions of up to 7g/km while operating the air-conditioning system.
KERPEN, Germany, Sept. 7, 2007 -- As a recognized leader of R744 automotive thermal management solutions, Visteon Corporation (NYSE:VC) has demonstrated enhanced system performance through continuous improvements on both the system and component level. The global company has designed a system set to improve fuel economy in future vehicles.
Visteon's latest generation R744 system consumes up to 25 percent less incremental fuel compared to conventional R134a systems. The efficient operation helps to reduce the overall fuel consumption of the vehicle by approximately 0.3 liter per 100 km at the same cooling performance as traditional systems at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees C, leading to a reduction of CO2 tailpipe emission by 7g/km.
Pioneering the development of R744 systems, Visteon has delivered more than 30 prototype vehicles with R744 air conditioning systems across different platforms to more than 12 vehicle manufacturers. These vehicles and Visteon's own test fleet have been undergoing extensive trials in hot and cold climates.
"We have been developing R744 climate systems and components since 1999 and have achieved significant improvements in both system efficiency and cooling performance," explains Nurdal Kucukkaya, Visteon vice president. "Today we can offer a production-ready and complete R744 climate system, which not only meets upcoming European legislation on greenhouse gases, but also helps our customers improve fuel economy."
Visteon's in-depth system expertise and state-of-the-art development tools were applied to optimize the design of components and fully utilize the favorable thermodynamic properties of the natural refrigerant R744. By designing standardized and compact components, Visteon has developed a package and cost efficient system, which can be integrated in parallel to the phaseout of existing R134a systems.
As a part of the system, Visteon has designed a new and very robust fitting technology called VisCO2nnect. Unlike conventional metal seal fittings, VisCO2nnect has a patented design which assures the required level of pressure and supports easy assembly and serviceability.
"With our innovative fitting technology we have been able to demonstrate a high level of system competence," said Kucukkaya. "Our customers have confirmed that VisCO2nnect has redefined industry standards in R744 fluid transport development."
Visteon also has developed a range of compressors to support all vehicle classes from small and compact to luxury vehicles. All compressors have been through extensive component and vehicle testing.
In addition, Visteon is working on future R744 applications supporting hybrid vehicles. The key component is a compact designed electrical compressor, which allows for efficient package utilization and integration in parallel to conventional compressors. Visteon is actively working with various OEMs to develop a modular compressor, which can be easily adapted to mild and full hybrid applications.
Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 43,000 people.
