The automotive industry is one of the most significant contributors to climate change and pollution. More manufacturers are looking for sustainability in personal vehicles through fuel efficiency, using less fossil fuels and fewer emissions. A car’s HVAC system is designed to make the vehicle more comfortable during long commutes and rides, but the AC and heater contribute to the problem. Order automotive HVAC parts that are more efficient and learn more about technologies that can make your vehicle more sustainable.
The Technologies in Refrigerant Flow
An AC system traditionally manipulates a refrigerant between its liquid and gaseous state. The refrigerant in most vehicles, R-134a, significantly contributes to global warming. The European Commission has banned R-134a starting in 2022. Car manufacturers are not only creating new refrigerants that emit less pollution but also developing new technologies in how AC systems work in cars. Current technologies in gas-powered vehicles utilize pumps, condensers, and dryers to push refrigerants into different states of matter. These elements use more energy and produce more pollution.
Thermal Energy Storage for Optimal Energy Utilization
Even in electric vehicles, which are a great option environmentally, the HVAC system in the car consumes a lot of energy—the more power used in comfort, the less the driving range of the EV. Researchers are looking for ways to store thermal energy over the entire drive to reduce emissions and use less fuel. Find replacement auto parts to update your car for more efficiency.
Hybrid AC Systems
Active AC systems in the car are powered by energy or work. These systems use a compressor or pump to cool the vehicle. Passive relies on thermal power, in the form of excess energy, to compress the refrigerants for cooler air in the vehicle. More cars use less fuel and fewer resources by choosing a hybrid method of active and passive systems. Instead of relying entirely on a dynamic AC system, a passive system runs off a DC battery source, using less gas and decreasing pollution.
Portable Car AC Systems
Replacing a car’s HVAC system can be expensive. Portable ACs are one option that reduces installation costs, whether you need to save up to get the original system replaced or to increase comfort without breaking your budget. Portable car AC systems aren’t ideal, but if you need more AC in the cab, this can be a better option than running the AC on the most fantastic setting. A portable AC can be installed in a small space while giving you more cooling than your car’s AC.
Climate Friendly Refrigerants
Innovation in car design is changing how vehicles use AC technology. Researchers are developing more climate-friendly refrigerants, but in giving up some benefits of older refrigerants, they must look for safety and new delivery methods. One coolant is more climate-friendly, but it’s also slightly flammable. Current AC systems run through the passenger cabin. Using this more recent coolant increases the risk of fire to the passengers. Engineers have had to figure out how to position the new system to run through the engine.
New technologies are changing the automotive industry. Shop for a 50 LED light bar and other accessories that help you get more fuel efficiency.
