On the path to achieving clean transportation, the electric propulsion concept in public transportation plays a vital role. Adopting the right thermal management design is essential to extend the range of electric vehicles. According to foreign media reports, the German company Eberspaecher has introduced the new AC138 EVO platform, expanding its rooftop-mounted system product line. This series of products is especially suitable for hybrid and battery electric buses, achieving low complexity and high energy efficiency.
Thanks to Eberspaecher's patented heat pump technology, the AC138 EVO achieves low power consumption during both heating and cooling processes. Its working principle reverses the air circuit instead of utilizing the refrigerant circuit, greatly simplifying the latter. In this setup, the cooling system's components can be optimized for one function at a time, thus enhancing efficiency. By regulating the vent flaps through software, the overall weight can be reduced by 50 kilograms.
Additionally, an integrated exhaust function can recover energy from the outgoing air. By independently controlling the vent flaps to mix external and internal air, optimal temperature regulation can be achieved inside the cabin. Eberspaecher will first launch systems using the climate-friendly refrigerant CO2 R744. Compared to chemical alternatives, natural refrigerants are more environmentally friendly and safer. With a GWP (Global Warming Potential) value of 1, it's the product with the lowest greenhouse effect used in bus thermal management. Compared to other natural refrigerants, R744 is neither flammable nor toxic. As a next step, the company plans to utilize other refrigerants, such as directly evaporated propane.
