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VDL Bus & Coach equips their hybrid buses with tailored-made Thermo King air-conditioning units

Posted: 8 October 2014 | Thermo King | No comments yet

VDL Bus & Coach chose custom air-conditioning systems from Thermo King for 120 of its hybrid buses to be used in Flanders, Belgium…

VDL Citea Hybrid

The VDL Citea SLF-120 Hybrid is a next-generation serial hybrid bus, for which VDL has improved the available techniques and employed new technologies

VDL Bus & Coach, one of the largest bus producers in Europe, chose custom air-conditioning systems from Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, for 120 of its hybrid buses to be used in Flanders, Belgium.

As an international developer and manufacturer of buses and coaches, VDL knows that today, transit authorities want sustainable solutions that are fuel-efficient but also reduce noise and exhaust emissions.

VDL Citea Hybrid

The VDL Citea SLF-120 Hybrid is a next-generation serial hybrid bus, for which VDL has improved the available techniques and employed new technologies

VDL asked Thermo King to provide an efficient, reliable and sustainable heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to allow for optimum passenger comfort.

Thermo King answered this request by developing a custom air-conditioning unit specifically for VDL. This state-of the-art electric system stemmed from the Thermo King Athenia™E main rooftop unit in combination with a driver air-conditioning (AC) module and an electric compressor module.

“The need for sustainable transport and passenger mobility is accelerating the adoption of more efficient technologies,” said Peter Wouters, director at VDL Bus Roeselare. “Thermo King has long-term, international experience with electric air-conditioning systems in bus and rail applications, therefore, had the expertise to develop this solution for us. Thermo King has been our main AC supplier for many years, and we are glad that they have once again proven the ability to meet the most challenging customer needs.”

“We are proud to once again work with VDL to offer an efficient HVAC system solution which allows utilization of renewable energy source without compromising passenger and driver comfort,” said Gulsah Metinoz, portfolio manager for the Thermo King bus division. “Our solutions adopt the most efficient technologies and have been designed to align with the latest sustainability trends and comply with regulatory directives.”

The VDL Citea SLF-120 Hybrid is a next-generation serial hybrid bus, for which VDL has improved the available techniques and employed new technologies. The air-conditioning modules used in the new VDL buses feature the technology of the Thermo King Athenia E air-conditioning systems.

The family of Thermo King Athenia E units has become the preferred product choice for various hybrid bus platforms worldwide since introduced in 2006. High airflow resulting in enhanced passenger experience as well as relatively shorter unit design allows for bus design flexibility, have become the differentiating features.

The choice of micro-channel condensers within the system minimizes refrigerant charge as well as the risk of leakage. This contributes positively to the sustainability goals all throughout the value chain.

The delivery of the VDL buses with Thermo King Athenia E air-conditioning systems is scheduled to commence in 2015. The vehicles will be put in service in various cities in Flanders, Belgium.

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