POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT (PTC) HEATER
id071100701500
Purpose
• The PTC heater is a heat exchanger which operates by the electrical power from the HV battery and warms the air passing through the A/C unit.
Function
• The PTC heater energizes the PTC element and uses it as a heat source. In addition, it utilizes the PTC characteristic of controlling the electric current when it reaches a certain temperature to prevent excessive heating of air and heat damage to the surrounding parts.
Structure/construction
• The PTC heater consists of the PTC heater controller, heater element (PTC element), and heat radiation fins, and it generates heat by passing electric current to the heater element (PTC element).
• The electrical resistance of the PTC heater has a tendency to increase in proportion to the heat generation of the heater element (PTC element).
Operation
1. When the PTC heater controller receives a PTC heater operation signal from the PCM, it energizes the heater element (PTC element) and the heater element (PTC element) generates heat.
2. The heat radiation fins radiate heat generated by the heater element (PTC element) into the air.
