How Do Clime Controlled Car Seats Work? A Definitive Guide
The advent of climate-controlled seating has transformed driver and passenger comfort, particularly in extreme temperatures. However, significant confusion exists regarding how these systems operate, especially between "air-conditioned" and "ventilated" seats. This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of the technology, clarifies common misconceptions, and outlines options for upgrading your vehicle.
True Air-Conditioned (Thermoelectric) Seats: The Peltier Effect
Contrary to early myths involving complex tubing connected to a vehicle's main A/C system, true air-conditioned seats operate on a distinct and sophisticated principle: the Peltier Effect. This phenomenon is harnessed within a small, solid-state component called a Thermoelectric Device (TED), also known as a Peltier unit.
A TED is a semiconductor-based device that functions as a heat pump. When a direct current (DC) voltage is applied across its junctions, a temperature difference is created. One side of the device becomes cold, while the opposite side becomes hot. By simply reversing the polarity of the current, the hot and cold sides switch. This elegant design allows a single unit to provide both active cooling and heating without any moving parts or chemical refrigerants.
How the Cooled and Heated Seat System Works
The TED is the core of the system, which is integrated with several other components to deliver temperature-controlled air to the occupant.
- Air Intake: A fan, typically located beneath the seat cushion, draws in ambient air from the vehicle's cabin.
-
Thermoelectric Action: The air is forced across the TED.
- In Cooling Mode: The air passes over the cold side of the Peltier unit, rapidly chilling it. The heat extracted from the air is transferred to the hot side of the unit, which is then dissipated as exhaust, usually vented harmlessly under the seat.
- In Heating Mode: The electrical polarity to the TED is reversed. The air now passes over the hot side of the unit, becoming warm before being sent into the seat.
- Air Distribution: The conditioned (cooled or heated) air is channeled into a special distribution layer within the seat cushion and backrest. This layer is made of Reticulated Foam, a highly porous material that allows air to flow through it evenly.
- Delivery to Occupant: Finally, the air passes through the perforations in the seat's leather or fabric upholstery, creating a comfortable microclimate for the occupant.
The entire operation is managed by a dedicated control module or the vehicle's main computer (ECU). This system regulates fan speed and the intensity of the Peltier effect while monitoring temperature sensors to ensure safety and prevent overheating.
How A Ventilated Seat System Works
In recent years, the term "ventilated seats" has become prevalent. It is crucial to understand that this is not the same as an air-conditioned or cooled seat.
- Air Intake: A fan (or multiple fans) is typically located beneath the seat cushion. This fan, depending on manufacturer, can either blow fresh air at the occupant or pull the stale air through the seat. This intake is from underneath the seat which typically has a nearby HVAC vent.
- Air Distribution: The air is channeled into a special distribution layer within the seat cushion and backrest. This layer is made of Reticulated Foam, a highly porous material that allows air to flow through it evenly.
- Delivery to Occupant: The air passes through the perforations in the seat's leather or fabric upholstery, creating fresh cool feeling for the occupant.
How to Add Climate-Controlled Seats to Your Vehicle
If your vehicle was not equipped with this feature from the factory, there are several pathways to upgrade.
1. OEM Seat Retrofit
For many vehicles, manufacturers offer cooled seats as an option on higher trim levels. The most direct upgrade path is often to source a complete set of used OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seats that already have the system built-in. The primary challenge then becomes wiring the seats into your vehicle. Specialized standalone installation kits are available that can power the seats' climate functions without complex integration into the car's central computer.
Get New Seats is proud to offer a Cooled Seat Retrofit Kit that includes not only the wiring, but replacement peltier units!
2. Aftermarket Systems
High-quality aftermarket solutions can be professionally installed to add true air conditioning to your existing seats. Systems like the Katzkin Degreez™ system integrate Peltier technology into your factory seats, typically during a custom re-upholstery process. This option can cost between $600 and $1,000 per seat but provides a factory-level experience.
Glossary of Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Peltier Effect | A thermoelectric phenomenon where a temperature difference is created across the junction of two different electrical conductors when a voltage is applied. This effect is the basis for modern cooled and heated seats. |
| Thermoelectric Device (TED) | A solid-state device that utilizes the Peltier effect to function as a heat pump, capable of both cooling and heating by reversing the electrical current's polarity. |
| Air-Conditioned / Cooled Seat | A vehicle seat that uses a Thermoelectric Device (TED) to actively chill ambient cabin air before blowing it through the perforated seat surface. |
| Ventilated Seat | A vehicle seat that uses only a fan to circulate ambient cabin air through the perforated seat surface. It does not actively cool the air. |
| Reticulated Foam | A very porous, open-cell foam used inside a climate-controlled seat as a distribution pad, allowing conditioned air to flow evenly to the surface. |
| Polarity | The direction of an electrical current, typically denoted as positive (+) and negative (-). Reversing the polarity on a TED switches it between heating and cooling modes. |
| OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) | Refers to parts and components that are produced by the vehicle's original manufacturer. |
0 comments