Visteon Exudes Cool: Vehicle Climate Control Innovation Earns Industry Recognition VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon has developed a better way to quickly cool hot vehicle passengers. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO ) Applying advanced computer-aided engineering tools and climate system expertise, Visteon and its affiliate, Halla Climate Control Canada, found a way to cool passengers faster by modifying a climate system component known as the accumulator -- the device that prevents too much liquid refrigerant from going to the compressor. The resulting Liner Air Conditioning (A/C) Accumulator improves "time-to-comfort" for passengers, increases overall air conditioning performance, simplifies manufacturing and assembly, and helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). This patented Liner A/C Accumulator is a precision-molded, all-plastic liner that replaces the all- metal internal component found in a traditional accumulator. In keeping with its strong legacy of innovation, Visteon's Liner A/C Accumulator was awarded Honorable Mention in the Automotive News 2005 PACE Awards. The Liner A/C Accumulator is one of 50 first-to-market products Visteon has introduced in the last four years. "We are truly honored to be recognized by PACE," said Wolfgang Schramm, Visteon's product line team director for climate control. "This award illustrates how Visteon is applying technology to benefit vehicle manufacturers while improving the in-vehicle experience for drivers and passengers." Steve Davis, director, climate product line team, will accept the award for Visteon at a ceremony on April 11 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. The all-plastic sub-components of Visteon's Liner A/C Accumulator include a liner body, deflector and a desiccating element. These polypropylene elements snap together for repeatable and easy assembly, eliminating the need for welding. The technology was designed to easily replace current systems in the existing package space and is adaptable to any inlet or outlet configuration. Also, this technology is suitable for use in both current R134a and future CO2 climate control systems. The improved "time-to-comfort" is due to the higher purity refrigerant gas-to-liquid mix directed to the compressor. The gas/liquid mix has a direct correlation to the compressor's ability to efficiently operate. By creating a higher purity gas mix, the refrigerant is able to consistently reach an optimum pressure and temperature, resulting in improved cooling of the passenger compartment. In addition, this technology was designed to eliminate a NVH quality issue known as A/C "thump" or "knock." This noise sometimes emanates from A/C refrigerant subsystems and sounds like a soft rubber mallet striking the undercarriage of the vehicle. This phenomenon stems from the rapid boiling of refrigerant in the accumulator that creates a pressure wave through the system; the intensity of the pressure wave determines how loud the "thump" sounds. The proprietary design of Visteon's plastic liner helps prevent excessive heating (super-heat) of the refrigerant and eliminates the cause of the "thump." The Visteon innovation originated in the Advanced Product Research and Development Department at Visteon/Halla Climate Control Canada Inc. It was first commercialized on the 2005 Ford F-Series Super Duty Truck Platform and the 2005 Ford Excursion SUV program. Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has about 70,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 200 technical, manufacturing, sales, and service facilities located in 25 countries. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO DATASOURCE: Visteon Corporation CONTACT: Melissa Andrade, +1-734-710-5546, , or Robin Pannecouk, +1-313-378-5966, , both of Visteon Corporation Web site: http://www.visteon.com/

Copyright