Electric and hybrid vehicles 40 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2024 With the development of its new Coolant Control Hub max (CCH max), supplier FORVIA HELLA is further advancing the centralisation of thermal management in EVs. The system is based on the Coolant Control Hub developed by FORVIA HELLA, which has already won orders valued in the low to mid three-digit-million euro range. As a highly integrated system for the thermal management of the drivetrain, battery and interior, CCH max relies on an innovative coolant distribution system using environmentally friendly refrigerants, reduces the complexity of thermal management and increases the performance of EVs. FORVIA HELLA’s MD for electronics, Jörg Weisgerber, said: “Longer ranges even at very low outside temperatures, shorter charging times and the affordability of electric cars are of central importance for the further market development of electromobility. A major key to this is not least the intelligent design of the thermal management system.” CCH max primarily utilises the water-glycol cooling circuit to optimise the temperature of the drivetrain, battery and vehicle interior, consistently reducing the number of components required. The refrigerant system is primarily used to cool and heat the water-glycol circuit and the use of refrigerants can therefore be reduced by more than 80%. This enables the safe and costefficient use of natural and environmentally friendly refrigerants such as propane or CO2, PFAS chemicals can be completely dispensed with. The decisive factor here is intelligent and needs-based distribution in the waterglycol circuit. CCH max uses a new type of individual cooling system that allows optimally adapted target temperatures for the vehicle interior and/or the battery in a joint water-glycol circuit, respectively. The system solves the need for efficient heating of the interior and battery with a flexible heat pump system that utilises all available heat sources such as the ambient air, the drivetrain and the refrigerant system itself. For this purpose, the refrigerant system is equipped with a self-heating function that enables it to generate sufficient heat internally as soon as other heat sources are not available to the required extent. Compared to conventional centralised thermal management systems, CCH max can reduce the weight of the overall system by around 20%. Batteries can energise workshop opportunities With government pressure on vehicle manufacturers to reach the UK’s ZEV mandate, requiring 22% of new cars sold this year to be zero emission, hybrid and electric vehicles remain a topical issue in the aftermarket. Alongside the advanced technologies on which these vehicles rely, Ecobat Battery, the UK’s largest battery distributor, is reminding workshops that a 12V battery is still a fundamental requirement for these vehicles, irrespective of their powertrain. Following this theme, Ecobat Battery is again highlighting an emerging opportunity, by bringing into focus three hybrid vehicles: the Toyota Auris and Prius and the Lexus CT200. As is often the way with hybrid vehicles, there can be a level of confusion as to the actual functions of batteries used. In the three vehicles referred to, the 12V battery is used only for their 12V systems — such as lighting, windows, central locking and alarms — and is either an 054 or 055 AGM auxiliary battery. As these vehicles age, the batteries reach the end of their life, increasing demand for replacements. There is more good news for workshops because the replacement process for these batteries is straightforward. The vehicles’ 12V systems simply need to receive a supply feed during removal of the old battery while the new one is installed. There is no need for any diagnostic intervention. Ecobat Battery offers a range of replacement options including Lucas LF054/LF055 or Numax 054/055. Visit https://www.ecobat battery.com/applications/ cars-vans/ for details. Innovations in thermal management for EVs
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