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In last 10 years or so, a number of OEMs are designing vehicles with start-stop function to save energy and to reduce pollution. For these systems, the situations in which air-conditioning systems are used have been changing with a significant increase in adoption of idle-time reduction systems (no idling-system). Blower fan remains operating at idle condition while compressor stops in most cases for these systems. In this case, the air temperature at the vent outlets increases. The increase in the air temperature under range of thermal boundary conditions around the evaporator causes a concern of odor to occur. This paper describes and explains experimental studies on changes in heat and humidity at the air outlets according to the switching operation of compressor and root cause analyses of odor coming from air-conditioning system for vehicles with start-stop function.

Aluminum alloy heat exchangers use chromium (VI) compound for their surface treatment to prevent white rust. The use of chromium (VI) compound is restricted and will be banned worldwide in view of environmental concerns. Therefore, we need a timely change to the non-chromate type treatment. Considering this trend, we have developed and released non-chromate type heat exchangers. In addition to high corrosion resistance, these heat exchangers feature a good hydrophilic ability, antibacterial activity, and smell preventing property. With simultaneous development activities at the development and design divisions, as well as making good use of the quality function deployment (QFD) method into the total process from design work to production we have completed the project in a short time.