The new bus Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric equipped with a Konvekta CO2 heat pump
Air-con - 23/10/2020

On October 20, 2020 the online premiere of Solaris’ newest model – the Urbino 15 LE electric took place – for the first time as an pure online event, de to the current travel restrictions around the world.

The newly released model features an air conditioning system with a heat pump function, which uses heat drawn in from outside to reach the right vehicle temperature.

This solution allows to raise the energy efficiency of the vehicle, which translates directly to a widened driving range. The device uses carbon dioxide as the working fluid.

The first two Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric were made with Scandinavian operators in mind. That is also why the presented bus will feature special solutions in compliance with Busnordic norms and the so-called Scandinavian package.

Bearing in mind the tough climate conditions, the designers made sure that both thermal and travel comfort are ensured during rides.

Vehicles of this type may contain other components that facilitate their operation in difficult conditions – for instance additional high beams, a sandspreader or a cache for snow chains.


E-articulated buses – a new challenge for climate management 

Due to its length of more than 18 meters the electric articulated bus needs more than one thermal management system which have to be networked optimally. 

Furthermore, the demands on air conditioning systems have changed. Classical applications comprise the air conditioning of the bus interior (driver´s place and passenger compartment). Today´s demands have been increasing.

Thus, for example the temperature control of the batteries has to be integrated in the thermal management system because batteries need an optimal operation temperature frame to reach the maximum range and lifetime.


The first Konvekta CO2 heat pump for e-articulated buses

Since the beginning of this year the worldwide first e-articulated bus equipped with a Konvekta CO2 heat pump has been in scheduled service on routes in Germany. 

A great recognition for the Konvekta product which is also increasingly involved in the sector of air conditioning systems for agricultural and off-road machines.

The central part of the Konvekta CO2 heat pump management system are the two UltraLight 500 CO2 heat pumps 2.0 on the front and rear section, including the 2 energy carrier modules for hot and cold water. Both systems run on the refrigerant CO2.

The heat pump system is the most intelligent and effective heating technology in the field of electromobility because a great part of the provided heating energy is sourced from the ambient air and not from fuel or electricity.

To obtain 100 % heat the Konvekta CO2 heat pump needs at best only 25 % operating power (current) from the battery. The rest of the needed energy is gained free of charge via the thermo-dynamic cycle from the ambient. 

Depending on the vehicle type, the CO2 heat pump consumes for example at -10 °C approximately 45 kWh electric energy per 100 km in contrast to conventional electric heating components that consume more than 100 kWh for the same distance.


A Konvekta CO2 heat pump saves the operator money and the environment CO2 emissions

There are significant financial advantages by using the CO2 heat pump system compared to conventional heating and cooling of e-articulated buses. 

The public transport company of Munich for example saves 53 % of the annual costs of temperature control in the e-articulated buses that are equipped with a Konvekta CO2 heat pump.

That means that a CO2 heat pump system saves 1.700 € of the annual energy costs compared to an air conditioning unit with electrical auxiliary heaters. Additionally, up to 5.500 kg of the annual CO2 emissions are avoided.

It is worth considering the lower energy consumption in the procurement of new e-buses. Depending on the area of application battery capacity worth 66.000 € can be saved and the vehicle range extended up to 30%. A CO2 heat pump system is the only option to temper an e-bus with regard to range optimization and sustainability.

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