Stay cool and save fuel

摘要

An intelligent air-conditioning system for hybrid cars could save drivers up to nine per cent of fuel in the summer months, according to its developers.rnThe system was developed through the Sentience project -a research collaboration led by Ricardo, the UK-based automotive technology and engineering consultancy.rnThe enhanced air-conditioning (EAC) control strategy was demonstrated in a Ford Escape Hybrid test vehicle at Ricardo Midlands Technical Centre's climatically controlled test facilities.rnIn the vehicle, the air-conditioning compressor is driven by the engine so that when the vehicle is stationary, as it would be at a red light, the hybrid powertrain operates in electric-only mode and the air-conditioning system shuts off.