The battery contact heat exchangers and battery chillers are designed to maintain temperatures within tight ranges specified by automakers, allowing optimal performance and extended cycle life.

With the LEAF’s heat-induced battery woes making headlines, thermal management is suddenly a hot topic at dinner tables all over the world. With impeccable timing, Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC), an international automotive supplier with offices in Michigan, China and the UK, has launched a couple of new battery thermal management products. The company’s battery contact heat exchangers and battery chillers are designed to maintain temperatures within tight ranges specified by automakers, allowing optimal performance and extending the life of battery packs.

Visteon’s battery contact heat exchanger is connected with a vehicle’s air conditioning system to reject heat from the battery into the coolant or refrigerant. When the battery needs to be cooled, the air conditioning system is used to decrease the temperature of the coolant. When battery heating is needed, heaters immersed in the coolant turn on.

“As vehicle manufacturers continue to pursue electric and hybrid alternatives, Visteon is accelerating this effort by developing products that are forward-thinking, efficient and cost-effective,” said company engineer Brigit Anthony. “With the automotive industry and government considering various regulations and guidelines pertaining to fuel economy and vehicle electrification, we believe it’s important to offer flexible solutions to meet our

Source: Visteon
Image: Juan Ramirez (flickr)