Valeo is dedicated to the design, the manufacture and the sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and heavy lorries. 3 Fields of Innovation for surer, cleaner and more comfortable vehicles.

An atmosphere of comfort and well-being

This Product Family offers intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that enhance individual comfort for vehicle occupants, in all circumstances, while limiting energy consumption.

A few figures

1 436 million euro sales*
15 plants and 6 R&D centers in 12 countries*
 

*December 31, 2007

Global presence

See the contact details of all Valeo Climate Control sites

Products

• R744 air conditioning systems: protecting the environment and compliant with the European regulations coming into force in 2011. These systems will generalise the use of refrigerants that respect the environment. With a much lower impact on global warming than systems using R134a, the new solutions represent a significant technological advance;

• management of the Air Conditioning Low Consumption (ACLC): the optimisation of the air conditioning loop and the use of lighter, innovative parts, coupled with the use of electronic control algorithms, promote maximum efficiency and significant energy savings;

• hybrid engine system: Valeo is contributing to the development of the drivetrain with standstill air conditioning systems for the “Stop-Start” function, which includes a “Stop Stay Cool” evaporator which keeps the air cool when the engine shuts off for the StARS system, helping to save fuel without compromising comfort;

• solutions for regulating the temperature of the battery;

• a range of air quality products for the OEM and the aftermarket, aimed at protecting passengers from ultrafine diesel particles, and improving their well-being with, for example, the anti-allergen filter, the vitamin C filter and products to eliminate bad odors associated with air conditioning. Valeo has also developed cabin purification modules based on ionization technology.

• air conditioning systems and modules (aircon loop and airconmodules, including evaporators and heater cores);

• decentralized interior comfort modules (rear air conditioning, booster, Thermeo thermo-electric module);

• air quality products (filters (for particles, gas and odors), scent diffusers, ionizers);

• adapted products for the aftermarket.

Expertise

Valeo has developed a research laboratory - Human Machine Interface Laboratory – equipped with an eye/hand tracking system and a driver attention simulator.
This laboratory is used to test the ergonomics of the human machine interface (i.e. control panels, displays, etc.). The great challenge is to improve comfort without compromising driving safety. Valeo therefore evaluates the comfort of HMI ergonomics in order to supply both the customer and end user with solutions that satisfy the most rigorous functionality and safety requirements.

• The eye/hand tracking system allows Valeo to measure driver gaze and hand behavior. The driver wears a helmet composed of a scene/environment camera, an eye camera, an infra red illumination beam and a magnetic head tracking sensor as well as a glove with a magnetic hand tracking sensor. The system can be installed either in a real vehicle while driving or in the driver attention simulator.
• The driver attention simulator consists of half a vehicle front, with the functional center console (audio, climate control, telephone) and cockpit together with the steering wheel, pedals and gear lever and front seats forming the vehicle interior. An interactive driving environment projected onto a screen in front of the vehicle simulates the journey to which the driver must react while simultaneously using various comfort functions in the vehicle.

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Valeo has developed a comfort laboratory providing resources and facilities to assess end user comfort.

• Comfort laboratory establish standardized test procedures and specifications, to avoid validation and expertise thanks to Manage tests and calculations processes, as well as Benchmarking (Unit, system and vehicle).
• Thanks to an interdisciplinary approach, to specialized test benches and to tools and advanced methods, Valeo’s customers can benefit of the synergy of a R&D worldwide network as well as an optimum quality in term of acoustic solutions and air purification in the cabin.

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Aero-thermodynamic test benches for air conditioning systems:  this laboratory provides a testing of the air conditioning systems under normal and extreme conditions. Thanks to powerful tools of test, validation and acquisition development specifically for Valeo, the laboratory ensures:

• Advance development of complete R134a and R744 loop mock-ups
• Assessment of components and system interaction through simulation of real-life Conditions
• Repeatability of standardized tests
• Worldwide coordination for the development and maintenance of the aero-thermodynamic testing

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Climatic Wind Tunnel: Valeo has created many climatic wind tunnels, a key tool which simulates different climate conditions: wind, sun, temperature, humidity... to meet all customer test specifications.

Wind tunnel performances at La Verrière (78 – France)

• Vehicle speed: 200 km/h (125 mi/h)
• Wind speed: 200 km/h (125 mi/h)
• Temperature: -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F)
• Humidity: 5% to 95%
• Sun load: 1 000 W/m2

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