Innovative Temperierungstechnologien von Kia und Hyundai. Foto:
At the “Heat Tech Day” in Seoul, South Korea, Kia Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company presented three innovative temperature control technologies that can significantly increase both the comfort and energy efficiency of electric vehicles. A Nano Cooling Film, which can be applied to the vehicle windows, significantly reduces the interior temperature in hot weather. A radiant heating system raises the perceived temperature for the occupants quickly and efficiently in cold weather. And a Metal-Coated Heated Glass, the world’s first 48-volt system of its kind, transfers the heat from the electrically heated metal coating to the glass, eliminating frost and moisture in the shortest possible time. All three technologies are so advanced that they are suitable for series production.
Nano cooling film can reduce interior temperature by over 12 degrees
Kia and Hyundai tested the nano-cooling film, which they presented for the first time in July 2023 together with other highly developed nanomaterial technologies, on various vehicle models. In each case, the cooling film was applied to the windows of one vehicle, while a second, unchanged model was used for comparative measurements. While the interior temperature in the untreated vehicles rose to 48.5 degrees, a maximum of 36.0 degrees was measured in the vehicles fitted with the cooling film – a difference of 12.5 degrees.
The nano-cooling film not only blocks infrared radiation from the outside like conventional tinting films, but also allows heat to escape from inside the vehicle. It consists of three layers: Two of them reflect solar energy, while the third emits medium-wavelength infrared radiation. The film can be used together with existing tinting films without further impairing light transmission.
Radiant heating system warms occupants within minutes
The “Radiant Heating System” uses a heating element that emits radiant heat to the occupants’ legs, warming up the lower body area within three minutes in cold weather. However, the system not only helps to reach the desired temperature more quickly in conjunction with the vehicle’s regular heating system, but also saves up to 17 percent energy in the process. The radiant heating system is therefore expected to significantly increase the range of electric vehicles in winter in addition to comfort, as less electricity is required for air conditioning.
The system consists of a film-like high-temperature heating element and a combustion protection system. The heating element can reach a temperature of 110 degrees and is encased in a fabric that emits infrared rays and regulates the heat to a comfortable level. The burn protection system detects physical contact and immediately lowers the temperature to prevent the risk of burns. A Kia EV9* presented at the “Heat Tech Day”, which is equipped with the radiant heating system, has nine heating panels, which are located on the steering column, the driver’s door and the center console as well as on the front passenger door and under the glove compartment floor. Kia and Hyundai are planning to integrate the system into future models.
Metal-coated heated glass removes ice and moisture for better visibility
The new type of glass heater, which quickly removes frost and moisture from the windshield in winter, offers better visibility and increased safety compared to conventional heating elements with tungsten wire. The invisible 48-volt system can completely de-ice the glass surface within five minutes at minus 18 degrees. It therefore completes this task up to four times faster than conventional air conditioning systems and consumes around ten percent less energy. In addition, the metal coating can passively block at least 60 percent of solar energy on hot days, which reduces the cooling requirement in the interior and also significantly improves energy efficiency.
Kia and Hyundai have applied for patents for the metal-coated heated glass in Korea and major international markets and plan to use the technology in future vehicles.
