KIT Scientists Develop New Operation Strategies for
Efficient Air Conditioning of Vehicles. New Test Rig Saves Time and Costs
Truck drivers are at the wheel for up to ten hours a day. A
comfortable climate in the driver’s cab is of decisive importance to the
driver’s performance and driving safety. However, air conditioning systems may
increase fuel consumption by up to ten percent depending on the type of
vehicle, the type of air conditioning system, and the operation conditions.
Scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) therefore develop more
efficient operation strategies. To test these strategies under realistic
conditions with a reasonable time and cost expenditure, they designed a new
test rig.