– Marelli launches an integrated Thermal Management Module (iTMM) for electric vehicles, increasing efficiency, safety, and driving range by up to 20%.
– The iTMM modularizes water-cooled heat exchangers and uses a smart valve to connect three main energy-consuming systems: the e-powertrain thermal system, the battery thermal system, and the cabin thermal system.
Marelli has introduced a new integrated Thermal Management Module (iTMM) for electric vehicles. This module streamlines various thermal circuits into a single component, enhancing thermal management, thereby improving driving range, safety, and flexibility.
Thermal energy management is crucial in electric vehicles due to the high energy consumption required for cooling and heating components and passengers. The three systems that most affect energy usage are the e-powertrain thermal system, the battery thermal system, and the cabin thermal system.
Marelli’s iTMM modularizes water-cooled heat exchangers such as the chiller or water-cooled condenser with a smart valve. This valve manages up to six channel combinations. By connecting the three systems efficiently, it leverages their synergies and shares components for optimized energy management. This reduces overall system complexity while ensuring ideal cooling of the electric powertrain, high safety, ultra-fast battery charging, and optimal cabin thermal comfort.
The iTMM enhances efficiency in severe weather conditions and at low temperatures. When paired with a heat pump system in winter conditions, it can increase a vehicle’s driving range by up to 20%.
The module’s design reduces part count and size, making assembly simpler for carmakers. It also allows architecture flexibility within the vehicle and competitive system cost. The iTMM meets all recent market requirements such as ultra-fast charging with pre-conditioning and compliance with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) standards.
In addition to this technology, Marelli’s Thermal Solutions division develops a range of thermal systems to enhance vehicle durability and performance for both internal combustion engines and electric powertrains. They aim to maximize effectiveness through efficient control and balance of thermal energy.
This innovative thermal management system could have a significant impact on the electric vehicle industry by improving efficiency, safety, and range, thereby addressing some of the key challenges in EV adoption.
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