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Improvement of vehicular systems targeting fuel consumption has been a major concern in automotive industry and lower levels can be achieved improving combustion condition, increasing engine efficiency, or controlling overall energy losses. The aim of this paper is to present the application of several components and technologies that contribute to fuel saving - and, as consequence, also lower emissions - evaluating the benefits of each component individually and in crossed-applications. Focus is given on energy losses reduction - such as thermal, idling, mechanical and kinetics. A case study was done applying some products with selected technologies performing a low fuel consumption system in a demo car, and comparing the results in specific testing cycles - such as FTP75 - to a baseline without these changes. Alternatively, comparative measurements performed in an intense urban traffic testing cycle were done.

The increasing rate of vehicles with air-conditioning and the greenhouse potential of the standard working fluids (for example R134a) used in such installations requires revision of the system. CO2 air-conditioning (R744) provides an environmental-friendly and economical solution which, under certain climate conditions, use up to 20% less energy. The use of R744 arises some technological challenges as the pressures in a CO2 circuit (that can be six times higher than in a conventional circuit), CO2 leakage issues in the cabin, critical pressure relieve in expansion valve and redefined parameters and functionalities for control. Components of the system must be designed to these conditions. This paper purpose is to evaluate comparatively the differences in the requirements and its impacts in the constructive forms against components for systems based in conventional working fluids and CO2.