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For further details about the conference and registration visit www.imeche.org/vtms.
Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with vehicle thermal management
David Bridge (DB): I am a Chief Engineer at Horiba-Mira with over 30 years experience in the automotive industry. I oversee all aspects of thermal systems activity in the company, from concept definition, 1D and 3D simulation, control development and both system and full vehicle testing.
What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?
DB: Development of heat pump systems for electric vehicles that balance efficiency and passenger comfort against complexity, the latter inferring cost, packaging and dealer challenges.
How would you say your industry has evolved over the past five years?
DB: There has been a massive evolution as electric powertrain architectures are now progressing into the van and truck industries. For truck applications smaller batteries coupled with fuel cells are in some ways a viable solution so this adds another layer of complexity to the thermal solution for the vehicle. Additionally, the expectation for larger capacity batteries but with shorter and thus more extreme charging scenarios is an ever increasing challenge for the thermal system to meet.
What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on the development of future thermal management systems and wider powertrain efficiencies
DB: There is considerable industry wide activity in developing new refrigerants that are tailor made for heat pump applications over a wider temperature range but with high capacity and efficiencies compared with existing chemicals.
Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?
DB: VTMS offers a unique opportunity within the UK for thermal engineers to come together to learn from peers how technology is evolving in our industry. From the presentation aspect, papers can address both the incremental advancements that engineers are always striving for, to the potential solutions to wider challenges that the industry faces. Additionally, as with all such events, the ability to network with industry colleagues is invaluable in forming professional relationships that can sometimes last a career.
VTMS16: Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference and Exhibition 2024 will take place on 5-6 June 2024 at the British Motor Museum in Warwick.
VTMS16 is dedicated to discussing the latest international developments in Vehicle Thermal Management Systems: view full details and registration at www.imeche.org/vtms.
This year's conference will explore the necessity and complexity of battery analysis through differing simulation techniques and offer a system engineering approach to balancing duration, durability, and immersive coolant technologies. Through the presentation of topic areas ranging from off highway and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, through to the analysis of a battery pack for a 2026 Formula 1 race car, this conference will allow delegates valuable insight into the expanding world of sustainable thermal management methods and products alongside their cost and life cycle impact.