Thermal management module reduces CO₂ emissions by 4%

The new module is designed to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 4% for both internal combustion engines and hybrid electric components and batteries. It is also suitable for use on engines with start-stop functionality. The thermal management device combines numerous functions into a single integrated unit and is housed in a high-strength plastic enclosure. According to Schaeffler, it maintains the temperature of all drive train components according to requirements by electronically controlling cooling water distribution. This enables the engine to operate at the optimum temperature in response to changing engine load and driving conditions. Individual components can also be run at higher temperatures than is possible in a thermostat-controlled engine. Schaeffler says the sensor unit enables the speed of the electronic water pump to be increased or decreased depending on the driving conditions. At full speed, the temperature of the engine can be decreased by the control module so that the fuel mixture doesn't need enriching. Potential applications include alternators, hybrid modules and batteries.