Automotive A/C engineering isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
It may seem like an easy task to build an air conditioning system for a vehicle. You would expect fitting an air conditioner in a vehicle to be as simple as installing seats, given its history dating back to 1933.
Air-conditioning units must be as specific as seats. This is what Bugatti has done. Julie Lemke, Julie Lemke’s air-conditioning system designer at the automaker, hopes to clarify these issues.
Lemke has worked in the automotive industry since 2013, and was with Bugatti four years ago.
Lemke explained that installing A/C for Bugatti cars is a challenge because each person has a different optimal temperature. Lemke ensures that the A/C runs smoothly and is quiet. It is important that the A/C works quietly so that the occupants don’t notice it.
Speed is another important factor. The A/C system works differently than other systems because Bugatti cars, particularly the Chiron, Divo and Pur Sport, can reach amazing speeds. The cabin accepts only outside air at speeds of 250 km/h (155 miles/h) and higher.
Bugatti windscreens, which have only 21.5 degrees of inclines, are flatter than the 30 degrees that compact cars typically have. This allows for more solar heat to enter the cabin.
Lemke explained that Bugatti air conditioners can cool down to 10 kilowatts (13 HP). Bugatti claims that this is enough to cool an entire European apartment measuring 80 square metres (861 square feet).
Lemke has provided additional details on Bugatti’s air conditioner, which can be found in the press release section.