Valeo develops air conditioning solution during Valeo "Start-Stop" engine operation

Frankfurt, Germany, September 16 -- Valeo's new air conditioning system for cars with "start-stop" function uses an innovative concept to keep occupants cool when the engine turns itself off.

The new system called "Stop-Stay-Cool" is designed to keep air conditioning going in cars equipped with the latest generation of Valeo's starter-alternators which have a "Start-Stop" vehicle function. The cost effective, customer-oriented invention is a development of Valeo's Domain approach to innovation strategy, in which engineers from various competencies work together to develop new products.

The Stop-Stay-Cool system complements the Start-Stop function on Valeo's belt-driven starter- alternator which generates electricity when the engine is running and starts the engine when required, eliminating the need for a starter motor. The "Start-Stop" function of the Valeo Starter- Alternator automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete halt, for example at traffic lights, and restarts it when the driver engages a gear or in the case of an automatic transmission, moves his or her foot off the brake.

By reducing fuel consumption about 10 per cent in urban traffic conditions, the Start-Stop function makes an important contribution to the environment and meets consumer and legislative demands for improved fuel consumption and lower emissions. Additionally, there is zero noise pollution at standstill, which can be up to 30 per cent of urban travel time. In normal operation, cool air is available while waiting for the average European red light. In Paris, for example, an average red light is timed at 45 seconds.

The Stop-Stay-Cool innovation complements Start-Stop by providing cool air to the ventilation system, even when the engine is stopped, without requiring additional battery power. The system works like a fan passing air over a block of ice. Engineers at the Climate Control Branch have developed the use of a cost effective material which has ideal thermal characteristics for automotive evaporators. This allows the new evaporator to store cold energy during normal engine operation and to release it to the ventilation system when the AC compressor is cut off at engine standstill.

"The adoption of our new starter-alternator technology by carmakers raised a related technical challenge," said Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. "Our transversal approach to research and development engineering strategy effectively eliminated this issue and provided a competitive advantage through the combined efforts at Valeo Electrical Systems and Valeo Climate Control. Our engineers and technicians drew upon expertise from across the Valeo Group to quickly develop the Stop-Stay-Cool solution."

Valeo engineers exchange ideas and challenges regularly to uncover solutions within the company, because developing solutions simultaneously with the product saves time and costs.

In the case of Stop-Stay-Cool, Domains have given Valeo an advantage over competitors who might work with outside companies to solve problems that cross technical boundaries. For Stop- Stay-Cool, engineers from the Climate Control Branch worked closely with their colleagues from the Electrical Systems Branch. Thanks to these developments at Valeo, vehicle occupants can look forward to relaxing in climate controlled comfort while enjoying the considerable environmental benefits of the Valeo "Start-Stop" function.

Valeo is exhibiting at the 60th IAA International Motor Show on stand D02 in hall 8.

Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 130 plants, 54 R&D centres, 9 distribution centres and employs 69,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.