I want this on my Dak right now...
Valeo Steering Integrated Hydraulic Fan System Boosts Overall Vehicle Performance
Valeo, a supplier of automotive motors and actuators, has introduced a new steering system-integrated,
hydraulically driven engine cooling fan system (HDFS) that improves fuel economy, air conditioning
performance and towing capacities, while reducing engine compartment operating temperatures. The industry
has long known that hydraulic systems can meet all cooling fan needs. However, these systems were
previously too costly and heavy for practical application. By integrating the HDFS with the power steering
pump, the Valeo design eliminates the cost, weight and parasitic losses of a separate hydraulic circuit with its
own pump. In the Valeo design, a common pump powers both the fan and the hydraulic assist to the power
steering system. A dual displacement motor drives the fan and efficiently transfers power levels greater than
10 horsepower from the pump. The maximum air moving power is 20 to 30 times higher than is typically
available from electrically driven fans. This gives the engine cooling system a cushion of safety for long, heavy
towing. HDFS also allows much better heat dissipation for the air conditioning condenser. This results in
improved air conditioning performance in comparison to traditional engine-driven fan systems. HDFS also
temporarily reduces fan power draw during rapid vehicle acceleration. The system is currently being used in
the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Source: Valeo Company Press Release
-- "Education is that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding." --Ambrose Bierce
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:01:31 EDT