An EU-funded project is developing an innovative air quality management system for a healthy, comfortable and safe in-vehicle environment.
While a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the adverse effects of outdoor pollution, interior air pollution – from the outdoor environment, interior materials, human activities and air-conditioning systems – remains a major element affecting drivers and passengers.
According to Frédéric Ladrech of French automotive supplier Valeo, the ‘CLEANRCAB’ project is developing a system based on the destruction of gaseous pollutants and the removal of fine aerosol particles. “A compact air-conditioning prototype for vehicles will be equipped with an advanced air monitoring system and enhanced driver/vehicle interfaces,” he says.
The CLEANRCAB consortium includes eight multidisciplinary partners, comprising industrial groups, SMEs, universities and research centres. Specialisations include automotive manufacturing, air climate control, high-tech sensor technologies, environmental ergonomics and human hygiene.
Partners have undertaken a number of specific tasks: