InnoTrans 2024: Passenger comfort & sustainability a top priority in Thermo King transport HVAC solutions

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, will showcase its latest innovations in passenger comfort at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, Germany, from 24 to 27 September 2024. Focused on meeting the evolving needs of both bus and rail manufacturers and operators, Thermo King will present a range of advanced solutions designed to enhance passenger comfort, ensure operational efficiency, and support the industry’s transition to more sustainable practices.

“Thermo King delivers solutions that help accelerate the decarbonisation of public transportation by enabling electrification and reducing environmental footprint, all while creating comfortable environments for the passengers and drivers of bus and rail transport,” said Claudio Zanframundo, president Thermo King EMEA Truck, Trailer, Bus and Global Marine, Rail, Air.” We are accelerating the industry’s transition to more sustainable and efficient bus and rail heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, helping our customers meet today’s operational challenges while preparing for the demands of tomorrow. By integrating ultra-low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, energy recovery technology, scalable designs, and advanced digital monitoring tools, we ensure that our solutions not only comply with current environmental regulations but are also future-ready, supporting the decarbonisation of our roads and cities.”

Advancing Electrification and Comfort in Buses

"As the bus industry undergoes a significant shift towards electrification, with over two-thirds of new city and intercity buses now electric, Thermo King is well positioned to play a crucial role in supporting this move,” said Urszula von Kreijfelt, commercial director for the Thermo King Bus business in EMEA “Our advanced HVAC systems are engineered not only to maintain optimal temperatures for passenger comfort but also to extend the life of bus batteries by effectively managing their temperature. Additionally, as the industry is transitioning to ultra-low GWP refrigerants, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, we work closely with manufacturers, operators and service providers to deliver turnkey and customised solutions that help them meet their operational, application and environmental goals.”

At InnoTrans 2024, Thermo King will highlight the Thermo King Athenia™ ENVI Heat Pump with R-744 (CO2), a highly customised rooftop unit that utilises an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP of 1) and a non-flammable refrigerant. This system is optimised for year-round comfort with heating, cooling and fresh-air control, operating efficiently from -25°C to +50°C. The unit is also protecting driveline batteries, ensuring they remain within optimal temperature ranges during charging and discharging to maximise performance and longevity.

The integrated Battery Thermal Management System optimises overall energy use, ensuring high coefficient of performance (COP) levels of the system and reducing lifecycle costs. The “all-in-one” unit can also utilise rejected heat from other sources in the vehicle to further optimise energy usage and contribute to passenger comfort.

Also displayed at the stand will be the Thermo King S-30—e Heat Pump, a compact, ultra-low profile rooftop unit designed specifically for mini and midi buses under 12 metres. This unit offers rapid temperature control, high efficiency, and low noise operation, catering to the needs of smaller vehicles in both urban and intercity transport.

Bringing Clean, Efficient Passenger Comfort to Trains, Light Rail, Tramways and Metros

In the passenger rail sector, Thermo King is also responding to the growing customer demand for greener and more efficient HVAC solutions.

“The industry is increasingly adopting ultra-low GWP and greener refrigerants, and Thermo King is partnering with the tramway, light rail, metro, locomotives and high-speed rail OEMs and operators, to test and develop solutions that balance operational benefits with passenger and driver comfort and safety,” said Mathieu Audureau, global sales and service director for Thermo King Rail. “Our InnoTrans 2024 showcase will demonstrate our rail HVAC systems’ adaptability to diverse climatic and regulatory environments across the globe.”

The rail industry’s focus on predictive maintenance technologies is another critical trend reflected at Thermo King’s InnoTrans 2024 exhibition. Visitors will learn how Thermo King enhances the reliability and operational efficiency of the HVAC units by using data analytics to predict and address potential issues before they occur. By identifying and addressing potential issues early, rail operators can maintain a higher level of service availability, ensuring passenger satisfaction and operational success.

For more information about the Thermo King solutions, please visit www.europe.thermoking.com.