Heat Exchanger

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2009 Volvo S60, 2008 Volvo S60, 2007 Volvo S60, 2006 Volvo S60, and 2005 Volvo S60. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Heat Exchanger

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

In order to heat the air in the passenger compartment, the heating system uses the heat that is generated by the engine. The heat exchanger is connected to the cooling system for the engine. The outlet connection for the heat exchanger is located directly on the engine at the point where the pressure and temperature of the coolant are highest. The coolant flows through the cooling ducts for the engine block and on into the heat exchanger. The return flow is connected to the return pipe on the suction side of the water pump.

The heat exchanger comprises a pipe loop through which the engine coolant flows. The pipe has flanges that provide heat to the airflow.

Engine coolant constantly flows through the heat exchanger. There is no valve to regulate the flow. The selected temperature is achieved using dampers for the right and left-hand sides of the car installed upstream of the heater element. These control the amount of air to be warmed. There is also a damper after the heater element which guides air out into the passenger compartment through the various vents.

Fig 2: Electric Pump

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

Vehicles with engine B8444S have an electric pump in the coolant circuit to ensure a comfortable level of heating is supplied to the passenger compartment. The electric pump increases the amount of coolant the flows through the heat exchanger. The pump is located in the engine compartment within the front fender in front of the front left wheel housing.