Hankook & Company Group's global automotive thermal energy management solution corporations Hanon Systems said on the 1st that it has first applied a new "highly integrated compact refrigerant (HICE) module" to BMW's midsize electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) "iX3."
The HICE module developed by Hanon Systems is a thermal management system that integrates various core refrigerant thermal management functions into a single ultra-compact module. By replacing the conventional distributed refrigerant architecture, it reduces system complexity while securing both energy efficiency and packaging competitiveness.
Despite its lightweight 16 kg design, it rapidly and precisely controls refrigerant flow and temperature to deliver optimal thermal management performance even under fast charging or high-performance driving conditions. This boosts electric-vehicle energy efficiency and helps extend driving range. It also uses a dedicated sound cover that blocks noise and vibration, further strengthening interior noise and vibration (NVH) control performance.
The HICE module integrates key refrigerant thermal management components—including the electric compressor, electronic expansion valve, water-cooled condenser, internal heat exchanger, and chiller—into a single high-performance unit. Its slim design, which consolidates parts into one, lowers system complexity and simplifies the assembly process for automakers, improving assemblability. It also secures packaging space and reduces material costs.
Vice Chairman and CEO Lee Su-il said, "The HICE module is a paradigm shift in thermal management that goes beyond simple parts optimization to redesign the entire system," adding, "Based on unrivaled NVH control technology and system integration expertise, we will set a new standard in the global electric-vehicle market."