Eberspaecher, the German automotive supplier, is set to broaden its product portfolio with the introduction of the AC138 EVO rooftop air conditioner, designed primarily for hybrid and battery-electric buses. The cutting-edge unit harnesses Eberspaecher’s patented heat pump technology and boasts impressive attributes, including low system complexity and remarkable energy efficiency.
In a recent company announcement, Eberspaecher disclosed that the air conditioning system will be available in two size variants suitable for both city buses and coaches. These variants may differ in dimensions but share a common cooling capacity of 35 kW and a heating capacity of 24 kW, all within a lightweight package weighing 325 kilograms. Notably, the thermal management system exhibits compatibility with vehicles equipped with combustion engines as well.
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Delving into the technology behind the system, Eberspaecher emphasized that the complexity of the air conditioner is expertly managed by the software responsible for regulating air flaps. This design innovation contributes to a substantial weight reduction of up to 50 kg. Additionally, the system incorporates an integrated exhaust air function, enabling energy recovery from the outflowing air. Independent control of the air flaps ensures precise temperature control within the passenger compartment by blending ambient and interior air.
In terms of refrigerants, the AC138 EVO currently employs the eco-friendly refrigerant CO₂, R744. However, Eberspaecher is already planning to introduce other refrigerants, such as propane in direct evaporation, in the near future.
For system control, Eberspaecher employs its proprietary E-Control system, which offers flexibility through hardware and software customization, including adaptations and reprogramming to suit customer needs. An interface that connects the E-Control box with the customer’s system via CAN allows for comprehensive control of the bus’s entire air conditioning system.
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Eberspaecher has already secured its first order for the new air conditioning system. Starting in 2025, the AC138 EVO will be featured in series production for an undisclosed “leading international manufacturer’s” all-electric city bus—a significant milestone for the company based in Esslingen, situated in one of Germany’s prominent automotive manufacturing regions near Stuttgart.
This announcement comes on the heels of Eberspaecher’s recent declaration of plans to establish an electric vehicle heater factory in Bulgaria. Set to commence operations in early 2024, this facility will supply car manufacturers with electric vehicle heaters. In 2018, the company inaugurated a factory for electric vehicle heaters in China, with a primary focus on high-voltage heaters for electric and hybrid vehicles.
