Valeo, a prominent player in the automotive industry, has taken a significant stride in advancing its contributions to the electric mobility sector. The company has initiated the series production of its cutting-edge high-voltage heating unit known as ‘Thermo HV,’ tailored specifically for electric buses. This pioneering addition serves as a supplementary electric heater that seamlessly integrates with the heat pump system, activated during colder external temperatures that demand enhanced heating.
The ascent of eMobility has spurred a growing requirement for Valeo’s thermal systems. This comprehensive portfolio encompasses an array of solutions, including air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and battery cooling mechanisms. Notable collaborators within the passenger car domain include Stellantis and TotalEnergies. In a bid to cater to the burgeoning bus segment, Valeo has introduced the Thermo HV high-voltage heater, a welcome inclusion to its lineup. Another novel offering is the all-electric rooftop air conditioner, aptly named REVO-E HP R744.
A noteworthy hallmark of Valeo’s Thermo HV high-voltage heater is its innovation in the realm of control. The unit boasts seamless regulation facilitated by an integrated control module. This regulation can be achieved either by modulating the water outlet temperature or by imposing limits on the maximum heating power or power consumption. This pioneering feature enables active integration into the vehicle’s battery management system, enhancing overall system efficiency. The company conveyed this innovation in a statement, which we received via email.
Operating within a voltage range spanning from 600 to 875 volts, the Thermo HV heater generates an impressive heating output of 12 kW. Moreover, it demonstrates CAN capability, transmitting operational data to the vehicle system through an intelligent diagnostic function. Production of the Thermo HV commenced as planned in July, as confirmed by a Valeo spokesperson in response to our inquiry.
In tandem with this development, Valeo has extended its air conditioning portfolio with the introduction of the REVO-E HP R744 air conditioning system. This adaptable system is engineered to cool or heat the interiors of electric buses and leverages a compact heat pump, with the refrigerant R744 at its core. Valeo’s mastery over the properties of this refrigerant, coupled with a bespoke control system, enables its utilization across a temperature spectrum from -20°C to +58°C. The company underscores the integration of a holistic thermal management approach facilitated by a dedicated application software, ensuring optimal performance under varying conditions.
Valeo takes pride in the streamlined design of the REVO-E HP R744 system, highlighting its compatibility with analog interfaces to its REVO Classic counterpart. This ‘plug & play’ unit can be conveniently pre-filled upon customer request, underscoring its user-friendly nature.
As the electric bus sector continues to gain ground, the significance of adept vehicle development and efficient powertrain-related systems, including heating and air conditioning, becomes increasingly apparent. The imperative for innovative and effective HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) solutions to maximize the utilization of limited electrical energy from traction batteries is undeniable. Valeo, a vanguard in curbing CO2 emissions and a frontrunner in bus and coach air-conditioning systems, remains committed to pioneering advancements in this domain, according to a statement from the company’s headquarters.
