Delphi Automotive’s seat-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is designed to simplify the cab design process and minimize equipment assembly while efficiently keeping passengers comfortable. The system is part of the E3 HVAC Seat, which combines Delphi’s Diavia HVAC application capability with the Cobo Group’s steering column, seat, lighting, electric and electronic devices. The E3-HVAC seat is available through Cobo’s global sales network.
Designed for a medium-size vehicle or equipment cabins or small rooms, the E3 HVAC has a cooling capacity of 6.2 kW and a heating capacity of 5.8 kW. It can provide climate control for the cab only or for the cab and seat cushion by channeling airflow from the vents. By adjusting the vents, the operator can select the most comfortable cab temperature and keep the seat dry.
Air is cooled through an evaporator provided with an expansion valve and using the cooling gas from the AC system. Air is warmed using a heater containing the fluid coming from the endothermic motor. The air is circulated using an electric fan, and the airflow is managed by an electronic voltage regulator PWM (pulse width modulator) allowing a linear voltage adjustment at the ends of the fan.
Delphi says that since the seat and HVAC unit are integrated, plug and play installation is simple, and design and assembly time are reduced. Additionally, all climate control functions are incorporated into the electronic control board via an interface designed for industrial vehicle cabins. The control unit is located inside the seat arm.
