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We asked him about the issues and opportunities facing engineers operating in this specialised area of vehicle engineering and to find out what key areas he is looking to discuss at this year’s conference.
Q: Please can you kindly explain your role and involvement with these technologies.
Cedric Rouaud (CR): I am global technical expert for Ricardo supporting thermal management activities in Ricardo technical centres around the world. Ricardo has started developed engine encapsulation more than 20 years ago for first direct injection dDiesel engine due to noise level – as many OEMs and suppliers did. But the solution did not go onto market. More recently, with increase in vehicle electrification with PHEV and REEV, the powertrain encapsulation is now applied on the market. Its development requires a mix of thermal analysis and tests together with NVH analysis and tests in order to get an optimised solution in efficiency and cost.
Q: What is the number one challenge for engineers working on vehicle thermal management systems, in your opinion?
CR: Engineers working on VTMS need to have a broad view of all technologies on the vehicle as heat transfer has no “barrier” inside the vehicle. I recommend them to use holistic approach when trying to optimise systems. Thermal engineers have also to develop their skills into advanced thermal control systems thanks Connected and Autonomous Vehicles development. Hardware and Software development need to be reviewed by thermal engineers.
Q: What is the most important development in this field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general?
CR: Vehicle electrification with electric components such as electric motor, power electronics and battery development lead to a lot of activities from advanced research up to production projects. Thanks to this new era, some thermal solutions that were known since 15-20+ years are now being developed for production applications.
Q: Where do you see the future of these technologies going in the next 5 – 10 years?
CR: Thermal management of electric component will lead to better packaging and cost of the systems; there will be a high level of integration in the vehicle and the chassis offering more freedom for vehicle style innovation. Advanced control systems will help to optimise the energy consumption of the electric ancillaries used to cool or heat electric components and the cabin. The possibility to plan what will happen next on the road – thanks to EcoHorizon development and connected vehicles – will help to minimise impact of electric ancillaries on vehicle range.
Q: What can attendees expect from your presentation at this year’s conference?
CR: Attendees will learn the development process – test based in this presentation – of an engine encapsulation optimised solution which present a good cost/benefit ratio.
Q: What other topics are you looking forward to hearing about and discussing at the upcoming conference?
CR: Electric component thermal management development
Q: Why do you feel it is important for all engineers to attend the VTMS conference
CR: VTMS is the conference where you can discuss with OEMs, suppliers, consultants and Universities on a broad range of thermal topics, not only for production applications but also for innovative and disruptive technologies.
Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference and Exhibition - VTMS14 takes place on 5-6 June 2019, Twickenham Stadium, London.
This event will showcase the latest research and technological advances in heat transfer, energy management, thermal comfort and the efficient integration and control of all thermal systems within the vehicle.
Speaking organisations for 2019 include:
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Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India
- Tata Motors Ltd
- Magna Powertrain
- Toyota Europe SA
- MAHLE Powertrain Ltd
- Williams Advanced Engineering
- Alers
- Shaefller and more.
For further information and to book your place, please visit the event website www.imeche.org/vtms.