Hella has unleashed an innovative coolant hub solution that can revolutionize thermal management in electric vehicles (EVs).
Looking at the steady increase in the electrification of the automobiles and the importance of efficient thermal management in electric vehicles, HELLA has come out with a Coolant Control Hub, an innovative subsystem that it says can revolutionize thermal management in the vehicle.
The solution combines all the necessary functions for efficient thermal management for the first time in the form of a subsystem. An innovative 7-way valve ensures ideal temperature of battery, components and vehicle interior at any time of the year and enables efficient heat recovery. A modular approach allows components to be combined according to requirements.
HELLA highlighted the fact that there are still many challenges to tackle in the way of vehicle electrification. On the one hand, end users are demanding longer ranges as well as short and fast charging cycles. Manufacturers, on the other hand, need to minimize the impact on battery life through short charge cycles. At the same time, they are looking for ways to make the best possible use of the heat energy generated and to reduce the complexity in the coolant circuit.
Björn Twiehaus, Managing Director of HELLA’s global electronics business, said: “One key to successful electrification is efficient thermal management. With the Coolant Control Hub, we are therefore now launching an innovative subsystem that revolutionizes thermal management in the vehicle.”
Modular design approach
HELLA’s Coolant Control Hub (CCH) is based on a modular principle and, in its highest level of integration, connects three circuits with each other in the vehicle: the battery, interior electronics as well as the power electronics and electric motor circuit.
“What they all have in common is a significant reduction in components, which means that logistics and overall costs for installing the vehicle can be reduced – a major advantage for manufacturers,” says Twiehaus.
In addition, the centralization leads to an ideal distribution of thermal energy in the vehicle. The precise order of magnitude after optimization depends on the respective architecture and layout of the customer. “We configure a custom product for our customers according to the platform architecture of the vehicle,” Twiehaus explains.
For example, CCH combines multi-way valves, actuators, distribution systems, electronic circulation pumps, expansion tanks and heat exchangers as well as sensors in one product. “This allows for significant improvements in the structure and number of individual components such as actuators and water lines.”
The innovative 7-way valve, for which a patent is already pending, makes it possible to achieve ideal heat recovery and thus increase efficiency. In short, this helps distribute heating or cooling demand for the vehicle’s critical components as needed, resulting in improved thermal performance.
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