A technology that integrates multiple cooling systems in hybrid vehicles to create greater energy efficiency is being developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Vehicle thermal management systems typically are designed to enable vehicles to operate at their highest efficiency and lowest cost while attempting to minimize additional weight. Hybrid and fuel cell vehicles operate with multiple cooling systems that include cooling the motor, internal combustion engine, batteries, fuel cells, transmission and power electronics. A floating loop integrated cooling system for advanced vehicle applications, developed by ORNL engineer John Hsu, integrates the existing passenger air conditioning system to provide cooling for the power electronics and electric motors that will be used in fuel cell and hybrid vehicles. The floating loop system eliminates the need for a separate piping system and heat exchanger, yet enables the air conditioning and traction cooling system to operate autonomously while extending the vehicle's lifetime. The program is funded by DOE's Office of FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies.
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