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

• 1,349 million euros in sales*
• 16 plants, 4 Research centers and 6 Development centers in 14 countries

* at December 31, 2008

Global presence

> See the contact details of all Valeo Climate Control sites

Products

Valeo Climate Control offers

• multi-zone HVAC units for personalized cabin comfort;
• a complete range of electric radiators for instant cabin heating;
• a new generation of heat exchangers, such as evaporators and accumulators using new cooling fluids that are more environmentally friendly;
• air quality products, with air filtration and purification systems such as:

- the combined filter, which filters particles and provides protection against polluting gases and odors, using a layer of activated charcoal. This filter, combined with a pollution sensor and rapid electric actuator, almost entirely blocks the entry of polluted outside air;

- the anti-allergen function, which disables airborne allergens with a natural surface treatment;

- the air purifier, a self-contained module that filters out particles, gases and odors. It cleans the air by reducing the quantity of bacteria in the cabin;

- the Vitamin C filter which, in addition to its filtration function, diffuses vitamin C, thereby helping to moisturize the skin;

- an adjustable fragrance diffuser, adding a personal touch to the cabin.

Valeo Climate Control has four product lines:

• air-conditioning systems and modules (air-conditioning loop and modules, 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).
• derivative products for the aftermarket.

This Product Family has also developed a lithium-ion battery cooling system. The main feature of this system is that it keeps the battery at its ideal working temperature. The cooling system can be direct, using air or water.

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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