Optimized temperature management with Elrotherm™

The challenge facing the automobile industry

Temperature management is becoming an increasingly complex issue in modern vehicle engineering. Due to the restricted space available for component installation, together with the trend towards engine encapsulation, the reduced flow of cooling air as well as the deployment of catalytic converter technology and turbochargers, the engine compartment, vehicle underbody and exhaust system are being exposed to ever increasing temperatures. At the same time, vehicles are being fitted with a growing number of highly temperature-sensitive components that have to be protected against heat.

The solution

ElringKlinger is acknowledged as one of the few global automotive companies capable of supplying all-embracing shielding packages for vehicles. We develop customized Elrotherm™ heat and acoustic shielding solutions in a range of designs. The material used is of great importance in this context. Using multilayer composite materials, ElringKlinger was able to make significant progress with regard to the performance of its shielding components, as well as achieving a further reduction in weight. The following trends can be identified:

New products

Heat shields for generators (left)
Turbocharger shielding components (right)

Combined systems

The main focus of development work within the area of shielding technology is on combined systems capable of providing protection against extreme temperatures as well as absorbing vibrational noise. Working in collaboration with a European automobile manufacturer, we have designed a multifunctional shielding component featuring an integrated exhaust manifold gasket for thermal and acoustic shielding. By reducing thermal losses, it facilitates faster catalytic activation, which in turn provides tangible benefits in terms of HC and NOx exhaust emissions. In helping the engine reach its optimum operating temperature much faster, the shielding system makes a noticeable contribution when it comes to reducing fuel consumption.

Improved thermal management in the engine compartment

Increasingly, vehicle manufacturers are devoting more development resources to improving thermal management in the engine compartment. The idea behind this approach is to encapsulate the engine in such a way as to reduce the scale at which the engine cools down when a vehicle is stationary or parking. Targeted thermal storage helps to improve emission and fuel consumption levels, particularly with regard to cold starts and initial acceleration. Within this area, the Shielding Technology division has been working on solutions aimed at thermal encapsulation and shielding of the engine compartment.