Sustainable Biz #8 - Magazine - Page 21
based materials. Exterior standouts feature
illuminated paint segments along the sides,
headlight-integrated speakers, and the
MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear.
Innovative cooling with Central Coolant
Hub (CCH) and passive cooling plate in the
underbody
Powerful cooling is essential to delivering
the sustained power of the CONCEPT AMG
GT XX. At its core is the innovative direct
liquid cooling of the high-performance
battery. However, the demand-based cooling
of the Electric Drive Units (EDUs) on the
front and rear axles and the OneBox –
which integrates the power electronics for
the 12-volt onboard system and the onboard
charger – were also crucial.
Different systems require different
temperature ranges. For example, the EDUs
operate in a different temperature range
than the battery. The Central Coolant Hub
(CCH) precisely supplies all components.
This highly integrated component is the
"mastermind" of the cooling system in
the CONCEPT AMG GT XX. It is located
compactly between the front EDU and
the left front longitudinal member of the
chassis.
In the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, the Central
Coolant Hub combines numerous subcomponents in a single compact housing:
High-performance cooling
pumpsTemperature sensors4-way/5-way
valvesIts integrated design requires fewer
hoses, brackets, clamps, and pumps than
conventional solutions – saving both weight
and installation space.
The CCH not only connects all components
requiring cooling but also links to the main
radiator and the two wheel-arch radiators
(one on each front side). Newly developed
valves allow partial cooling circuits to be
switched on or off as needed.
The Central Cooling Hub is designed for
different scenarios. It can, for instance,
deliver maximum cooling to all components
during high-load driving and at elevated
ambient temperatures, as was regularly
required during the demanding endurance
test in Nardò. However, targeted and
efficient cooling of individual components is
also possible.
The major advantage of this cooling system
lies in its ability, in combination with the
axial-flux motors and directly cooled battery,
to deliver full performance in virtually any
situation – whether driving or charging. For
example, after high-speed driving in hot
conditions, the system allows immediate
access to maximum charging power.
Conversely, following a high-speed charging
session, exceptional driving performance
is instantly available. Unlike conventional
EVs, which typically need to reduce output
to reach optimal component temperatures
(so-called de-rating), the CONCEPT AMG
GT XX delivers full power at all times.
Another integral element of the CONCEPT
AMG GT XX’s cooling concept is the
“The CONCEPT
AMG GT XX covered
40,075 kilometers on
the legendary Nardò
test track in less than
eight days – setting 25
long-distance records.”
passive underbody cooling plate at the front.
This development from Mercedes-AMG
High Performance Powertrains in England
has already been tested in the VISION
EQXX. The permanently flowed underbody
cooling plate helps to relieve the main
radiator so much that the air control system
can remain closed over long periods (see
below). This improves energy efficiency and
reduces aerodynamic drag.
Aerodynamics support cooling
function Aerodynamics also contribute to
the high cooling performance. To achieve
this, the AIRPANEL air control system –
already known from the AMG GT – was
further developed. The system ensures
an optimal balance between cooling and
low drag, operating with movable louvers
positioned behind the radiator grille.
For the first time, the wheel-arch coolers
(including fans) are integrated into this
system. In normal operation, the louvers
remain closed, reducing drag and directing
airflow purposefully towards the underbody.
Only when additional cooling is required
do the louvers open, providing the heat
exchangers with cooling air on demand.
Aerodynamics: A Key Lever for High
Performance, Especially at High Speeds At
300 km/h, roughly 83 percent of the drive
energy is needed to overcome aerodynamic
drag. Efficient aerodynamics are therefore
particularly crucial in the high-performance
segment, especially as the CONCEPT
AMG GT XX completed the majority of its
extreme endurance test in Nardò at precisely
this speed.
Therefore, the vehicle is aerodynamically
optimised for high speeds. Its athletic body
is defined by a low-slung bonnet and a
slender greenhouse. Complementing this
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