A consortium led by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is focusing on thermal management in electric vehicles as part of the MINDED research project, with a particular emphasis on innovative infrared heating panels.
The MINDED project, an abbreviation for “Thermal and energy Management for INcreased Driving range of an Electric minibus including improved user-centric Design and thermal comfort,” involves eleven European partners aiming to develop an electric eDaily minibus with a 20% improved range at 0°C lifting temperature compared to current models. The key innovation lies in integrating highly efficient infrared heating panels controlled by an optimized thermal and energy operating strategy.
According to the Austrian Institute of Technology, the consortium leader, the project addresses the impact of extreme temperatures on electric vehicle range, as conventional heating and cooling systems can significantly affect energy consumption. Unlike traditional vehicles that utilize waste heat from the engine, electric cars must draw energy directly from the battery for heating, leading to potential range loss.
In contrast to the commonly used PTC heaters in electric vehicles, which draw substantial energy from the traction battery, MINDED seeks to introduce more energy-efficient infrared heating panels. These panels emit radiant heat, reducing the overall heating demand.
The project also aims to develop a new air conditioning system with a heat pump mode based on an oil-free compressor, as well as AI-based predictions of driving behavior and optimized insulation for the vehicle interior.
Project participants will validate their findings by measuring the eDaily minibus from Iveco on an air-conditioned roller test bench. Besides the AIT, the consortium includes Iveco, Rimac Technology, TU Darmstadt, the University of Zagreb, TU Vienna, IDIADA Automotive Technology, Villinger, Garrett Motion Czech Republic, Lead Tech, and TU Vienna Automotive Test Centre GmbH. The project is funded with approximately 5 million euros.
“Our goal is not only to increase energy efficiency but also to optimize comfort for drivers and passengers,” said Thomas Bäuml, an AIT expert and project manager of MINDED. “By integrating infrared heating panels and developing intelligent user interfaces, we are creating an innovative solution in the field of thermal management for electric vehicles. In this way, we want to make a decisive contribution to increasing the acceptance of electrically powered vehicles and thus ultimately contribute to environmentally friendly mobility in line with the European Green Deal.”
