Chrysler 2008 Annual Report Download - page 30

Report on Operations Research and Innovation 29
Low environmental impact air conditioning systems. The
Energy Saving control developed by C.R.F. for air conditioning
system compressors was introduced on Fiat Group
subcompacts, while applications on other Group vehicles are
currently under study. By regulating the compressor activation
threshold, the control algorithm cuts the amount of fuel
consumed by air conditioning around 30%.
Also during 2008, C.R.F. demonstrated the feasibility of
innovative ways of reducing the impact that air conditioning
systems’ refrigerant emissions have on greenhouse gases by
developing three Fiat Panda prototypes featuring high
efficiency air conditioning systems using low global warming
potential refrigerants that comply with the European Union’s
new F-Gas Regulation, which calls for phasing out fluorinated
gases such as today’s R-134a refrigerant.
PERFECTS software. In the first half of 2008, C.R.F. developed
a new proprietary fuel consumption simulation tool based on
existing software and earlier experience by C.R.F., FPT
Powertrain Technologies, Fiat Group Automobiles and Iveco.
Energy efficiency technologies for CNH vehicles. During 2008,
C.R.F. worked together with CNH on auxiliary systems and,
more generally, on ways to recover and manage the electrical,
thermal and hydraulic energy produced or used by the vehicle.
In the short term, this work will help increase the efficiency of
vehicles currently in production, while over the next few years,
medium- to long-term development will contribute to achieving
the energy savings which will be required under new European
regulations and reducing operating costs.
Vehicles and advanced manufacturing and materials
The principal objectives in this area are to develop innovative
body and interior architectures for vehicle systems that
increase performance and product distinctiveness while
meeting cost criteria and the need for effective, technologically
advanced solutions.
Major accomplishments in 2008 included:
Stralis Engage Concept center console. C.R.F. helped Iveco
develop an innovative center console for the Stralis instrument
panel which was presented on a concept vehicle at the 2008
IAA International Motor Show in Hannover.
With the console’s cutting-edge ergonomics and flexible
approach to man-machine interaction, Iveco’s heavy range will
be able to satisfy the growing demand for cabs that meet the
individual driver’s requirements.
For HVAC system control, the conventional buttons and knobs
are replaced by an innovative black backlit touchscreen that
provides fingertip control for all functions.
Environmentally friendly and recycled plastics. During
2008, C.R.F. continued to study the use of environmentally
friendly plastics for vehicle interior components. These
plastics are reinforced with vegetable fibres rather then
mineral fibres, providing environmental benefits over the
entire product life cycle: the fibres come from plants that
absorb CO2as they grow, while the methods used to process
and mold vegetable fibre are more environmentally and
energy efficient. These benefits continue in the end-of-life
vehicle dismantling – an increasingly critical stage – where
plastics with vegetable fibers offer higher potential for
energy recovery.
Ecofactory: energy efficiency in production. On this front,
C.R.F. has begun to work together with several Fiat Group
Sectors, providing know-how and practical support in
optimizing energy consumption at manufacturing facilities.
In 2008, there was a focus on improving energy efficiency at
the Iveco plant in Suzzara and Fiat Group Automobiles’
Mirafiori plant, with energy audits being conducted to
determine measures that can be introduced in the plant’s
systems, processes and buildings to achieve savings.
This program will be extended and improved in the coming
years, when the Ecofactory model’s energy-savings criteria and
low environmental impact technologies will be applied to
system, process and facility design, construction and
refurbishment.
Elasis
Established in 1988 to provide the Group an R&D presence in
Southern Italy, Elasis has grown into a highly specialized