ESSLINGEN/RENNINGEN, Germany — Bus air-conditioning manufacturer Eberspaecher Suetrak has developed E-Control, a platform designed to provide centralized control of all the thermal management components aboard a bus.

E-Control features a compact design for quick and easy installation, and it can be retrofitted at any time, according to the company.

At the heart of the system is the control unit, the E-Control box. The modular system structure enables centralized control of all air-conditioning components, including the roof-mounted and driver's seat air conditioners, the compressor, convector, heater, and aisle heating. Telemetry and vehicle data (diagnostics) can be integrated and read out via the CAN bus interface. Settings for the various drive types can be defined based on the control strategy. This permits customer-specific pre-programming of temperature settings. The power demand of electric buses can also be optimized in this way.

E-Control is available for 12 VDC and 24 VDC vehicle electric systems.

Additionally, the E-Control box can be used with customers' existing operating units. Retrofitted thermal management components can also be connected to the control platform.

The platform is operated via the E-Control interface. Large, clearly labeled buttons enable the driver to quickly and intuitively control all the key functions. A click of the AUTO button automatically adapts the temperature presetting and blower speed to the vehicle's climatic requirements. To maintain an optimal climate in the passenger compartment and at the driver's seat, bus drivers can use the direct-select button to select frequently used functions such as the dryer. The SMOG button can be used — among other functions — to close the fresh air vents to prevent outside air from penetrating the vehicle's interior.