Overview

In response to concerns about the emissions of man-made greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, the mobile air conditioning industry has been investigating ways to reduce GHG emissions. As part of this international activity, SAE, through the Cooperative Research Alternate Refrigerant Program, is now completing the industry supported laboratory study of alternate refrigerant systems. In an effort to provide industry focus on this issue, SAE is convening this fourth industry summer meeting and is asking you and your company to participate.

With the advent of vehicle 42-volt electrical systems and hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles; mobile air conditioning systems require new concepts to provide passenger compartment heating and cooling. The use of hermetic refrigerant cooling systems, heat pumps and electric systems for heating and defrosting provide new challenges for the industry. Since vehicle air conditioning systems must provide total vehicle occupant comfort and safety, the 2002 Symposium will include the discussion of heating and cooling technology needed to meet these vehicle requirements.

Other features of the conference will include:

• Updates on the new SAE standards covering system design, service equipment and technician service procedures for mobile air conditioning systems.

• A limited ride program to evaluate the cooling capability of production vehicles including hybrids and experimental vehicles with alternative air conditioning systems. (Interested companies with experimental air conditioning systems or heating cooling system concepts are encouraged to provide demonstration vehicles for the ride evolutions.)

• Sponsorship opportunities for this Symposium exist to profile companies and enhance networking functions. SAE is inviting all interested parties to take advantage of two available sponsorship opportunities: Platinum and Bronze. Advantages to sponsorship include the following: complimentary registration, promotion of company products and services at tabletop displays on-site, appear in the symposium program, signage, SAE website and other promotion for the event, and recognition in printed proceedings available for purchase after the event.