ECM includes a group of heat exchangers and other products which have increasingly been integrated into modules in recent years
to facilitate packaging and performance requirements.
Key components are: Radiators (high & low temperature), Condenser, Fan unit, Charge air coolers, Front-frame carrier. These components are specified by OEMs according to vehicle design concepts, purchase philosophy, production practices, and logistics strategy.
As well as weight and packaging benefits, DENSO has improved the efficiency of the heat exchangers by optimizing the entire front-end thermal component zone.
Main components function: The radiator function is to transfer excess heat from the hot coolant that flows through it, to the air. This airflow comes from the vehicle’s forward movement during driving, but can be supplemented by a Fan unit when necessary.
The condenser (also integrated with air-conditioning system) is used to change the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to a liquid state. Air flowing through the condenser removes heat from the refrigerant, changing it to a liquid state. It is usually mounted ahead of the engine’s radiator, and it appears very similar to a radiator with parallel tubing and small cooling fins. The filter dryer is an embedded part of condenser. It removes contaminants and humidity from the liquid refrigerant.
This ensures system effectiveness and protects the components from damage caused by contaminants. The Charge air cooler shall be used to decrease the temperature of air intake to the engine providing a denser intake air charge and allows more air and fuel to be combusted per engine cycle, increasing the output of the engine; higher power, lower fuel consumption and emissions, and less thermal stress on the engine.
ECM heat exchangers have different air requirements because of their operating mode, and that has to be reflected in Fan unit design and performance.
