ContiTech’s surface-integrated vehicle heating system shortlisted for innovation award

ContiTech’s material innovation for future vehicle heating has made it into the top five for the Hermes Award, an internationally renowned technology award. The company was recognised for its innovation at the opening event of the Hannover Messe 2015.

"We are pleased that our surface-integrated vehicle heating system has been recognized as one of the best innovations, which we consider confirmation of our successful work and impetus to continue in this direction," said Dr. Dirk Leiß, chairman of the Executive Board of the Benecke-Kaliko Group, a business unit of ContiTech AG.

The award-winning new development comprises a patented conductive material that can generate heat without even a millimetre of heating wire being fitted. The conductive and spreadable polymer compound can be very easily integrated in automotive surface materials by means of screen printing. When applied to seats, steering wheels, armrests, door trims, or floor mats, electricity is conducted by the paste and converted directly into heat. Energy consumption is extremely low and the heating paste generates heat in a matter of seconds. It is suitable for every conceivable geometry and can be integrated into every standardised manufacturing process:

This new mode of heating consumes minimal power, making it an ideal solution for electric cars, which have to warm up without heat from the engine. Drivers of diesel- or petrol-powered engines benefit from the surface-integrated heating system, particularly on short journeys. "The up-and-coming electromobility market demands a pioneering spirit, technical knowledge, and materials expertise. The new technology can also be used in trucks, agricultural and construction vehicles, trains, and planes, offering enormous potential and contributing toward comfort and climate protection," says Leiß.

"Our challenge was to find a material that is electrically conductive and consumes minimum power, yet is flexible enough not to break," explained Dr. Alexander Jockisch, head of Business Development and Marketing at Benecke-Kaliko. Seeing as the printed polymer compound is part of the cover material, there is no need for an additional application step. Conventional technical means are used to cable the surface-integrated heating system. It is connected to the on-board power supply via a standard connector.

"The benefits for automotive manufacturers are clear: they get a feature that contributes toward the energy efficiency of electric vehicles and satisfies passengers' individual needs in terms of comfort and relaxation," said Jockisch. Experts at Benecke-Kaliko are already researching other promising possibilities that make good use of the product's special properties.