Heat Management for Next Generation Automotive and Polyurethane Technology

Abstract

Synopsis

There are an increasing number of next generation vehicles such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle (EV) since the world’s first mass production hybrid vehicle appeared on the market in 1997. This trend seems to be continuing from a viewpoint of greenhouse gas reduction and air pollution prevention. In this trend, effective use of battery is received a lot of attention for longer cruising distance. One of the main causes of drain on battery is energy consumption of air conditioner. In recent years, ‘heat management’ is highlighted as a measure of energy consumption reduction. It is a concept to quickly control vehicle interior temperature and keep it with less energy. This review reports the required performance of automotive interior parts, the attractiveness of polyurethane material compared to metal and other resin, and the trial calculation result of drain on battery of EV in winter season. From the aspect of heat management, this paper shows polyurethane interior parts can save drain on battery and extend cruising distance of EV.