A Successful Conclusion | The 2nd New Energy Vehicle Thermal Management Forum 2024
On 25 June 2024, the ‘2nd New Energy Vehicle Thermal Management Forum 2024’, organised by Gasgoo, concluded successfully in Shanghai.
With the rapid expansion of the new energy vehicle market and the leap forward in intelligent technologies, automotive thermal management systems are undergoing significant transformation. This transformation encompasses not only traditional cooling and air-conditioning systems, but also extends to key areas such as cabin temperature control, smart electronics and battery thermal management.
Specifically, cabin thermal management is not only a core element concerning passenger comfort but also integrates air-conditioning systems, PTC heaters and a range of innovative energy-saving technologies—such as heated steering wheels, heated seats and contact-heated seat belts—aimed at achieving more efficient energy utilisation and an enhanced passenger experience. With the widespread adoption of smart electronics in vehicles, such as AR-HUDs and electronic wing mirrors, the demands on temperature control are also increasing.
Against this backdrop, the 2nd New Energy Vehicle Thermal Management Forum 2024 focused on areas such as cabin thermal comfort, smart electronics and thermal management of the ‘three electrical systems’. Attending experts jointly explored the latest technological trends and market developments in thermal management for new energy vehicles, with the aim of driving industrial innovation, enhancing user experience and jointly shaping a green and smart future for mobility.
Opening Remarks by the Organisers
Gu Xiaoying, Senior Vice President of Gasgoo, stated that the Chinese passenger car market has experienced rapid growth from scratch and has now entered a phase of intense competition in the existing market, with technology evolving from import and accumulation to export. The robust growth of new energy vehicles has become a new driving force for the automotive market, with penetration rates rising year on year; these are projected to exceed 70 per cent by 2030. Meanwhile, overseas markets have emerged as a second growth curve for the Chinese automotive sector, though they face challenges such as trade barriers.
Gu Xiaoying also highlighted the pressure that price wars are placing on the supply chain, calling on the industry to maintain a sustainable, long-term perspective and adhere to ethical standards. She predicted that the industry would undergo accelerated consolidation, with brand integration emerging as a trend. As an industry observer, Gasgoo is committed to identifying outstanding companies, promoting cutting-edge technologies and empowering automotive professionals. Through its five core business segments, it aims to empower enterprises and drive the healthy and orderly development of the industry. Furthermore, Gasgoo is actively promoting overseas markets and has organised numerous international projects to assist companies in identifying their ‘second growth curve’.
Gu Xiaoying | Senior Vice President, Gasgoo Auto
Outlook for China’s New Energy Vehicle Thermal Management Market and Technology
Feng Sheng, a data analyst at the Gasgoo Auto Research Institute, pointed out that thermal management in new energy vehicles is crucial for ensuring vehicle safety, energy efficiency and power output. With the growing popularity of new energy vehicles, the thermal management market is expected to exceed the 100 billion mark by 2025. Currently, industry participants mainly include international giants, domestic system and component suppliers, and traditional household appliance manufacturers, with competition becoming increasingly fierce.
Feng Sheng emphasised the differences in thermal management between new energy vehicles and traditional fuel-powered vehicles, noting that the value per vehicle for thermal management in new energy vehicles has risen significantly. In terms of thermal management technology, liquid cooling currently dominates, whilst emerging silent cooling technology is expected to resolve battery cooling issues during high-power fast charging. Furthermore, integrated waste-heat heat pumps and thermal comfort-oriented cabin thermal management are set to become key areas of development in the future.
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Feng Sheng | Data Analyst, Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute
DeepBlue Automotive’s Path to Advanced Thermal Management
Su Linke, Deputy General Manager of the Vehicle Development Department at DeepBlue Motors, outlined the company’s brand mission and positioning, emphasising its determination to build a world-class electric vehicle brand. He identified five key challenges facing DeepBlue Motors in thermal management: architectural complexity, insufficient intelligence, high costs, high energy consumption and lengthy development cycles, and proposed corresponding solutions. Through measures such as extreme coupling, structural integration and intelligent upgrades, DeepBlue Motors is driving the simplification, cost-effectiveness and intelligentisation of its thermal management systems.
Su Linke also highlighted DeepBlue Auto’s latest model, the G318, emphasising its intelligent range-extender system and advanced thermal management system. He stated that DeepBlue Auto remains committed to innovation in thermal management technology to meet user needs and enhance vehicle performance and user experience.
Su Linke | General Manager, Vehicle Development Department, Deep Blue Automotive
Innovations and Trends in Smart In-Car Fridges
With the widespread adoption of new energy vehicles, in-car refrigerators – as key cabin equipment – are evolving towards greater intelligence and scenario-specific functionality. Wang Jinkun, Deputy General Manager of Gates Electronics, provided a detailed overview of the thermal management systems for in-car refrigerators, including compressor-based and semiconductor cooling technologies. He emphasised that smart in-car refrigerators not only offer traditional cooling and heating functions but also integrate AI technologies such as big data and machine learning algorithms to provide users with more personalised services.
Wang Jinkun noted that, as factory-fitted components, in-car fridges must be closely integrated with the vehicle’s overall design, whilst also taking into account user interaction and adaptability to different scenarios. Future smart in-car fridges will place greater emphasis on user experience and needs, delivering further innovations in smart functionality and scenario-based applications.
Wang Jinkun | Deputy General Manager, Gates Electronics
Thermal Comfort in Electric Vehicles and Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning Technologies
With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle market, thermal management technology has become one of the key challenges. Zeng Changming, Chief Engineer for Thermal Flow Management at the Vehicle Performance Centre of the BAIC Research Institute, stated that trends in electric vehicle thermal management technology include integrated heat pump systems, the application of new refrigerants, and innovations in intelligent thermal management algorithms. He emphasised that these technologies are designed to address issues relating to range and passenger comfort in electric vehicles under extreme temperature conditions.
Furthermore, Zeng Changming analysed the challenges currently faced by electric vehicles in terms of thermal management, such as complex thermal management architectures and the impact of batteries on air-conditioning performance, and proposed corresponding strategies. He highlighted the importance of enhancing perceived thermal comfort and shared case studies on the application of microclimate circulation technology to improve thermal comfort.
曾昌明 | 北汽研究总院整车性能中心，热流管理专业总师
VALEO 智能热泵与双层流HVAC
法雷奥高级专家、产品设计经理鲍韬提出，随着新能源汽车对节能技术的需求日益增强，智能热泵系统因其高效、简单化和智能化的特点，成为提升整车热管理性能的关键。法雷奥的智能热泵技术通过集成多个系统，不仅优化了整车热管理的效率和可靠性，还降低了整车能耗。
此外，鲍韬坦言，双层流空调技术在极端低温环境下对于提升车内舒适性和能效具有显著作用。双层流空调设计巧妙地将空调分为上下两层，实现了在保证车内不起雾的同时，有效回收和利用车内热量，从而大幅提升了电动车在低温条件下的采暖效率和节能性能。
Bao Tao | Senior Specialist/Product Design Manager, Valeo
Freyia Hella Thermal Management Solutions:
Integrated Secondary Circuit Cooling Control Centre
Chen Liqing, Head of Actuator R&D at the Electronics Division of Freya Hella China, introduced an innovative technology—the integrated secondary-loop cooling control centre—designed to address the challenges of thermal management in electric vehicles. With restrictions on refrigerant use and the increasing complexity of electric vehicle systems, traditional thermal management solutions are no longer sufficient to meet market demands. The new control centre design minimises refrigerant-side functions whilst maximising water-side functions, thereby reducing system complexity and enhancing energy efficiency.
By integrating the coolant system, this control centre enables multifunctional cooling control for the motor’s electronic control unit, the battery and the passenger compartment. Chen Liqing stated that this solution not only optimises the integration of the heat pump system but also enhances the efficiency and reliability of thermal management through intelligent control. Furthermore, this technology effectively reduces system costs and minimises the number of components, offering a new solution for thermal management in electric vehicles.
Chen Liqing | Head of Actuator R&D, Electronics Division, Freya Hella China
Trillium Technology and Its Application in Heat Exchange for New Energy Vehicles
Ma Weizeng, Senior R&D Engineer at Grangis Aluminium (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., stated that as the automotive industry’s demands for low-carbon and environmentally friendly solutions increase, highly efficient and eco-friendly heat exchange technologies have become crucial. By incorporating flux directly into the brazing alloy layer, Trillium technology effectively eliminates the cumbersome steps of flux application and drying involved in traditional brazing processes, significantly improving production efficiency whilst reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Ma Weizeng also highlighted the advantages of Trillium technology in minimising flux residue, offering a new solution for efficient thermal management in new energy vehicles. The introduction of this innovative technology demonstrates Grangis Aluminium’s profound expertise and spirit of continuous exploration and innovation in the field of heat exchange for new energy vehicles. With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle market, Trillium technology is expected to see wider application in the future.
Ma Weizeng | Glencis Aluminium (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.,
Senior R&D Engineer
Intelligent Thermal Management Systems Enhance Passenger Comfort
Jin Xinliang, a thermal management system integration specialist at Geely Auto Research Institute, stated that with the widespread adoption of new energy vehicles, the importance of in-car climate control for passenger comfort is becoming increasingly apparent. The automotive industry is currently facing multiple challenges in enhancing cabin comfort, reducing energy consumption and ensuring air quality.
Jin Xinliang presented an innovative solution for an intelligent thermal management system. By integrating temperature and humidity sensors with advanced control algorithms, the system achieves precise control over airflow and temperature within the vehicle. This innovative solution not only enhances the comfort experience for occupants but also effectively reduces energy consumption, whilst ensuring fresh air and improving the healthiness of the in-car environment.
Jin Xinliang | Thermal Management System Integration Specialist, Geely Auto Research Institute
Solutions to Support the Mass Production of PTC and Thick-Film Heaters
Li Jie, Engineering Director at KuaiKe Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd., stated that with the rapid development of the new energy vehicle market, the demand for efficient and reliable heaters is becoming increasingly urgent. Leveraging its extensive experience in the field of precision equipment, KuaiKe Intelligent has successfully developed a flexible manufacturing system tailored to market needs, achieving modularised and standardised designs for heater assembly and testing.
Li Jie provided a detailed overview of the innovative solutions designed to facilitate the mass production of PTC and thick-film heaters. Key technologies and advantages include digitalised and intelligent production via the production line’s MES management platform, as well as an analysis of the technical nuances involved in the assembly process for water-heated heaters. He noted that this solution has not only significantly shortened delivery lead times and improved equipment stability but has also effectively controlled procurement costs.
Li Jie | Engineering Director, Quick Smart Equipment Co., Ltd.
Design and Development of Integrated Thermal Management Systems for Electric Vehicles
Shi Rui, an expert at Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s R&D Headquarters and Passenger Vehicle Platform Centre, stated that, in line with national regulations and policies and to promote the development of new energy vehicles, Dongfeng is committed to addressing challenges encountered during the widespread adoption of new energy vehicles—such as range degradation at high and low temperatures—which has in turn driven the research and development of integrated thermal management systems.
Shi Rui explained that the system primarily covers thermal management for three key components: the passenger compartment, the battery and the electric drive system. Through physical integration and the optimisation of energy flow, it enhances the efficiency and performance of thermal management. In the future, Dongfeng will continue to focus on the intelligent and integrated development of thermal management technology to achieve greater range at low temperatures and higher integration rates, thereby contributing to the green development of new energy vehicles.
Shi Rui | Dongfeng Motor Corporation R&D Headquarters
Passenger Vehicle Platform Centre, Dongfeng Motor Corporation Expert
Pressure and Temperature Sensors
Applications in Thermal Management Systems for New Energy Vehicles
Li Zhangchun, Marketing and Product Manager at Sensata Technologies, stated that with the rapid development of the new energy vehicle market, thermal management systems are crucial for ensuring vehicle safety, energy efficiency and power output.
Li Zhangchun noted that Sensata Technologies specialises in providing efficient and reliable integrated pressure and temperature sensors, with its products being widely used in various fields such as thermal management systems for new energy vehicles, energy storage temperature control systems and hydrogen fuel cells. As technology continues to advance, Sensata Technologies will remain committed to providing innovative solutions to address the challenges in the field of thermal management for new energy vehicles, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the sector.
Li Zhangchun | Marketing and Product Manager, Sensata Technologies
Technologies and Solutions for Battery System Thermal Safety
With the rapid development of the electric vehicle market, battery thermal management has become a key factor in ensuring vehicle safety and performance. Ji Yingliang, Head of Battery Development at the Pan Asia Automotive Technology Centre, outlined various scenarios that can trigger battery thermal runaway and proposed a multi-tiered protection strategy spanning from cells to packs and modules.
Ji Yingliang explained in detail how rigorous testing, design and production controls, coupled with full lifecycle management, can effectively reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Furthermore, he outlined the innovative practices of the Auton Smart Battery Platform in enhancing battery safety performance, emphasising the importance of continuous innovation in the field of thermal management for new energy vehicles.
Ji Yingliang | Pan-Asia Automotive Technology Centre
Head of Battery Development, Auton Smart Electric Platform
This brings the conference programme to a successful close. We have heard unique insights and innovative practices regarding thermal management in new energy vehicles from experts across various fields. From intelligent heat pump systems and dual-flow air conditioning technology to the innovative application of in-vehicle refrigerators, each technology demonstrates the industry’s unwavering commitment to energy conservation, emissions reduction and enhancing the user experience. The promotion and application of these technologies will undoubtedly inject new momentum into the sustained and healthy development of the new energy vehicle market.
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