IAA: Commercial vehicles, also turning “green”

Latest innovations currently presented at the IAA Commercial vehicles in Hannover, Germany, aim at cleaner trucks and buses. Several CO₂-based solutions are also on exhibit for the first time. (+ photo gallery)

Sustainability and safety are the main themes of the 62^th IAA Commercial Vehicles, taking place in Hannover from 25^th September to 2^nd October. Especially significant is the “green revolution”, that is expected to take place in this segment as well. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers are thus giving the highest visibility to new engines and components that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful gases, by offering cleaner technology and reducing fuel consumption.

Main CO₂ innovations

Although no current legislation is banning the use of conventional refrigerants for the commercial transport sector, the industry seems to be getting ready for a transition to the natural refrigerant CO₂ (see photo gallery). Showcases include:

Konvekta: Since the presentation of its first CO₂ transcritical system by the company at IAA Commercial Vehicles 1994, Konvekta has consolidated itself as a leader in developing solutions based on the natural refrigerant. The new model EMCO2S is a compact, flat-built unit, which enables a faster servicing thereby reducing service costs by up to 70% compared to conventional units. Furthermore, the R744 unit offers a high volumetric cooling capacity, approximately 15 to 20% higher than that of R-134a units. Next to the CO₂-based unit, Konvekta also presented its new ultralight roof-mounted model suitable for conventional refrigerants and R744, which is attracting a lot of attention at the fair.

Bock: Building on the experience with stationary applications, Bock presented a new CO₂ compressor. It is a semi-hermetic radial compressor for transcritical CO₂ applications of up to 130 bar, hence suitable to passenger buses. Featuring a smaller size than the current R-134a, the system is currently being optimized, and will undergo field testing in early 2009. Bock is cooperating with Konvekta to supply compressors to the CO₂ units for buses.

Bitzer: Based on the know-how gained with compressors for conventional refrigerants, Bitzer is presenting for the first time a hermetic R744 compressor, suitable to several transport applications. The new ECT201K, a result of a joint venture with the company Spheros, features high energy-efficiency and lightweight design. The compressor operates through variable speed drive, independently from the vehicle engine, which helps lower the system’s fuel consumption.

Spheros: Specialised in module air conditioning for buses, Spheros presented its new model Citysphere, based on CO₂. The innovative roof mounted unit uses Bitzer’s hermetic compressor, and it is a “premiere” by the company who has been developing it for the last few months. The system offers a revolutionary new air circulation system in the passenger compartment and significantly lower lifecycle costs. The compact system volume and freedom from maintenance enables CO₂ refrigerant to develop its highly efficient cooling capabilities in temperate climate zones.

Other exhibitors

Even though focused on commercial vehicles, Delphi stated during its press conference that it is working in parallel with several refrigerants to help their customers comply with the 2011 deadline to implement new MAC systems in light vehicles. Delphi confirmed they are ready to supply CO₂-based systems if it obtains a clear commitment from its customers to develop the units.

Other suppliers, including Behr, Bosch, Carrier or Thermo King offer several solutions to improve efficiency and safety of both passenger and goods transport. Furthermore, ixetic is presenting its range of hydraulic pumps suitable to commercial vehicles, Witzenmann its range of tubing solutions, and Modine thermal systems.

Regarding OEMs, there seems to be a big focus on green technologies, and several hybrid engine technologies are being introduced at the occasion of the IAA in Hannover. Daimler appears to be the most active one with up to 7 different Hybrid models presented.

Background

The Association of German Automotive Manufacturers (VDA) organizes the IAA Commercial Vehicles every two years in Hannover to allow leading industry players present its latest innovations. The 62^th edition, currently taking place, is the largest and most international exhibition to date. With over 2000 exhibitors from 48 different countries, the IAA Commercial Vehicles is one the world’s leading exhibitions in the sector.