German automotive parts manufacturer MAHLE has introduced a bionic radial blower for automotive air conditioning systems designed to improve efficiency while reducing noise.

The bionic radial blower, which features a bionic cooling plate and bionic high-performance fan, is aimed at vehicles that have challenging installation spaces, especially EVs. It sits in front of the evaporator and enables a symmetrical and narrow air conditioner design. This creates more space for other components.

The design was guided by an example from nature—the aerodynamic shape of the fan blades was modeled after the fins of a penguin, which glide through water swiftly. The fan is 4 decibels (dB) or 60% quieter than similar components and around 15% more efficient as the optimized motor design uses less energy, according to the company. MAHLE has previously been inspired by nature to produce a bionic fan modeled on the wings of an owl and a battery cooling plate based on the shape of coral.

The bionic radial blower can be used in all passenger car classes as well as in light and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

“The application of artificial intelligence has been enormously useful in the optimization of the bionic radial blower. Our engineers guided the AI and provided it with data and information, enabling it to create more than 30 million virtual designs in a very short time,” explained Dr. Uli Christian Blessing, Vice President R&D Thermal and Fluid Systems at MAHLE. “Internally, we are referring to this as ‘superhuman engineering.’”

Source: MAHLE