AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR COMPONENTS PCM technology offers substantial benefits in applications involving the thermal management of an automotive interior. Optimal locations for the application of PCM are the seats, the headliner, and the dashboard/instrument panel of the vehicle, due to the high heat they are all subject to. By utilizing the thermal control feature of the PCM, the vehicle’s current air-conditioning system can be downsized, which will save energy and energy costs, will reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption and, thus, will substantially reduce CO2 emissions. This PCM thermal management solution is maintenance free and does not require the use of any external energy supply. The PCM application in the automotive interior can improve thermal comfort substantially, especially on very hot days. The thermal comfort effects in the automotive interior are lasting, both during individual rides of many hours and during the average life of the vehicle. By creating a more even temperature distribution inside the vehicle, the PCM also delays the aging process of all interior covering materials considerably. Moreover, the PCM carrier envelope significantly insulates the interior against noise, thus making for a quieter ride.
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