NOVI, Mich. The new Audi TT doesn’t have a conventionally designed climate control system. Rather, the Audi design takes a leap forward with controls that have been directly integrated into the air vents, with climate controls inserted into each of the five round air vents in the TT cockpit. Depending on the configuration, either a black panel design or conventionally painted and lasered surface is used. Not only are the controls created at Preh, but also the corresponding control electronics and software. The optimal climate comfort system has been designed under extreme heat and cold trials, as well as in wind tunnel tests.
Jochen Ehrenberg, executive vice president of product development at Preh, says, “As a specialist in climate control systems, Preh has integrated controls into the air vents in the new TT for the first time. The realization of a high-quality feel, including the integration of individual displays in the limited space was a special challenge. In the end, the successful implementation of the design specifications was made possible from that which had already been considered in the early stages of development and all subsequent manufacturing steps in the joint project team of Preh, Audi and the corresponding departments.”
For Preh, a particularly interesting aspect of the project was that its own partner Joyson has development and manufacturing skills for air vents.
“Although the air vents in the Audi TT are not supplied by Joyson, we have gained important experience through this project for future integrated systems with air vents and climate functions,” concluded Ehrenberg.
