Visteon Debuts Its Compact Electric Air Conditioning Compressor for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
By Visteon Corporation, PRNESunday, November 7, 2010
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Michigan, November 8, 2010 - A new lightweight electric compressor from Visteon Corporation
(OTC: VSTO) contributes to the "green" profile of the recently launched BMW
ActiveHybrid 7, part of the BMW 7 Series. By utilizing its global expertise
with compressors and electronics, Visteon designed an integrated solution
that meets the demands of hybrid and electric vehicles while maintaining the
performance levels of traditional belt-driven compressors.
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO ) (Logo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )
Air conditioning compressors are used to pump refrigerant through the
climate system, cooling and dehumidifying the air for vehicle occupants. In
conventional vehicles, the compressor is driven by the engine with a belt;
therefore it can operate only when the engine is running. An electric
compressor in a hybrid vehicle can operate independently, thus enabling the
cabin to be cooled when the engine is off.
The electric compressor's compact design fits the traditional belt-driven
compressor package space, minimizing vehicle complexity in platforms that
also offer hybrid-electric model variants. Visteon's product includes the
compressor, electric motor and inverter in an integrated, compact set of
housings. This modular approach allows the same basic packaging dimensions
for the electric motor and power electronics to be designed for either 120V
DC or 288V DC applications.
"Visteon strives to provide 'green' products, and this new electric
compressor supports the brand profile and environmentally friendly objectives
of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7," said Nurdal Kuecuekkaya, Visteon's climate product
group lead for Europe. "This new compressor technology not only fulfills our
current customer requirements, but also positions us to support other
environmentally friendly climate systems like R134a and R1234yf."
Electric compressors also enhance passenger comfort. The cabin can be
pre-conditioned before passengers enter, and can be cooled faster because of
the independent operation from the combustion engine rpm. Also, cabin comfort
can be maintained when the engine is idling or off.
Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs,
engineers and manufactures innovative climate, electronic, interior and
lighting products for vehicle manufacturers. With corporate offices in Van
Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the
company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 26,500
people.
Europe: Jonna Christensen, +44-1245-395038, Jchris18 at visteon.com; North America: Jim Fisher, +1-734-710-5557, jfishe89 at visteon.com
Tags: Michigan, November 8, Van buren township, Visteon Corporation, Western Europe