A Brand-new AC Component Expands Nissens’ Product Range

Nissens Automotive, the automotive system components provider, expands their range of parts in the AC (climate comfort) system. The thermal expansion valve, along with the AC compressor, condenser, receiver-dryer, and evaporator, belongs with the system’s key components, and it is now being launched among leading spare parts distributors.

Adding the expansion valve to the already wide variety of the climate system components is part of Nissens’ strategy to be a one-stop-shop within the AC system. At the same time, the company aims to strengthen their leading position as the acknowledged system specialist by offering their commercial partners a complete package with the major system components, and thus increase their competitiveness in the spare parts distribution sector. The IAM experts i.e. garages specialized in the AC system services and technicians will also become beneficiaries of the expanded Nissens AC range.

Jonas Evald Kristensen, Product Manager, Climate Comfort System at Nissens explains:

Our development approach behind the Expansion Valves launch was, among others, determined by two important measures. Both are for the clear benefit of the aftermarket on all its levels. First, by the aim of offering the widest range of different components in the system, hence making it possible for distributors to benefit from an extensive spare parts program available from one supplier. Along with the maximal carpark coverage of the offered assortment, we help our customers to enhance their competitiveness, so they can provide an even more suitable and comprehensive solution to fulfill the market’s needs. The second measure applied by the development was addressed to experts and relates to the ease of the correct AC service. The proper fitting procedure of other costly system components such as the AC compressor, can now more easily be observed, as the valve replacement is one of the key steps in the process. Additionally, Nissens’ valve is a First-Fit product and is equipped with all necessary installation parts so a technician does not have to spend extra time to find o-rings or mounting bolts needed for the replacement.

The expansion valve is one of the key components in the AC system. Despite its small size, the valve plays a crucial role in securing the system’s proper working parameters. The valve’s operational characteristics influences not only the system’s overall performance, but also proper operation of other important system components. The refrigerant’s flow and working parameters, among others, are controlled in the system by the valve. These have an important influence on the AC compressor workloads, that can affect its lifespan and provoke premature failures. It is therefore important that the valve operates accurately in a specific way, as determined by the particular system design. It is also recommended that the valve should always be replaced during a new compressor installation.

Christos Saka, Quality Engineer at Nissens Automotive and responsible for the part quality assurance, explains:

When developing the thermal expansion valve at Nissens, we placed a great emphasis on ensuring its proper work performance. It must correspond to the parameters of the vehicles’ AC system. As an OE replacement, the valve should operate, i.e., regulate the flow and pressure of the refrigerant, in exactly the same way as the part installed at the factory. Therefore, we ensure that the valve’s function, and all its key components are rigorously tested. The valve’s inner components are made of high-grade materials and with attention to the smallest detail. The most critical part, the power (and sensing) element in Nissens’ valves, is made with the appropriate charge technology. This ensures the part’s proper performance at various temperatures and pressures occurring in its working cycle.

The valve itself also undergoes numerous quality tests including function, performance, fitting, durability, and tightness validation. All this to ensure a perfect match with the characteristics of the OE valve, and thus the optimal working parameters of the air-conditioning system. Our technology center in Germany was a great contributor to this process. Combined with the extensive efforts of the entire engineering team involved in the project, we could design and utilize advanced test stands for the valve and its components’ examination. Applying genuine Nissens quality standards, we have developed a top-notch spare part for reliable AC system performance and safe, trouble-free operation of the AC compressor.

The initial release of the Nissens valves includes +60 reference numbers and covers the most popular car, van and truck models and above 275 OE numbers. All Nissens Thermal Expansion Valves are marked as First Fit products, thus are delivered with necessary installation parts, i.e., O-rings and mounting bolts whenever applicable.

Since November, the full product line is available for orders by leading spare parts distributors across Europe, and the product will be available in the market for AC professionals in February 2021.