Innovation: Valeo Water Condensers
Valeo's water-cooled condenser for air conditioning works as part of a specific hot loop/cold loop thermal management architecture. The water-cooled condenser, in addition to the watercooled charge air cooler, links the engine cooling loop to the A/C system. This innovative condenser uses water instead of air to liquefy air-conditioning refrigerant vapor.
Valeo’s water-cooled condenser significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when compared with conventional condensers.
It also reduces pressure fluctuations in the air conditioning system. What’s more, the water-cooled condenser does not need to be located in front of the radiator, which:
- Frees up space for additional components in hybrid model
- Reduces the radiator fan's electricity use by making it easier for air to circulate.
The condenser is mass produced for the new BMW 3 Series.