Cooling line valves and connectors

Cooling systems in hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly complex due to multiple lines, the length of those lines and more components requiring thermal management. Unlike conventional internal combustion vehicles, the cooling circuits of hybrid and electric vehicles may be in use while the vehicle is at rest, for thermal management during charging or prior to starting. Duty cycles are, therefore, extended by thousands of hours over the life of the vehicle. The connectors for these cooling lines are required to perform over a wide range of temperatures (–30°C to above 100°C). Strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures and dimensional stability are critical to avoid fluid leakage. The connectors will be in contact with hot water or glycol mixtures, making hydrolysis resistance and the maintaining of mechanical properties over time an important consideration. They also require resistance to a variety of automotive chemicals from other systems in the vehicle.

Ascend's Vydyne® R530H and R530HR glass-filled products are ideal for cooling-line connectors. They possess a combination of high strength, stiffness and HDT to support the connection, even after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. All Vydyne PA66 grades are designed with processability in mind, with R530H and R530HR exhibiting high flow that helps reduce warpage during molding and frequently provides faster cycle times versus the competition. Outstanding PA66 chemical and hydrolysis resistance is also a characteristic of both grades.