CAF conducts a cooling study during the development phase of each project, in order to optimize the vehicle energy efficiency, ensure that the systems function correctly and guarantee passenger comfort.
During the design stage, CAF calculates the size of the cooling systems required for some of the equipment (transformers, braking resistors, inverters, etc.). The most suitable cooling technology is selected on the basis of the environmental conditions and the cooling requirements of each particular system.
Parallel to this, a study is made of the vehicle air conditioning in order to ensure good thermal comfort in the passenger saloons and driver's cab. This involves sizing the HVAC (heating, ventilation air conditioning) equipment and optimising the ventilation ductwork.
To perform the above-mentioned activities, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations are performed, directed at optimising the vehicle energy efficiency. CAF adopts strategies such as the recycling of cooling fluids and the adjustment of the cooling system performance to the needs at any given time.
Finally, the studies and calculations made are accompanied by the corresponding tests in the validation stage.