Engine thermal management system

Smart Cooling: How Connected Car Tech is Revolutionizing Thermal Management

Lena Voss in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Automotive engineers are using intelligent systems to optimize engine temperatures, reduce emissions, and boost fuel efficiency. Discover how these innovations are shaping the future of driving."

In modern vehicles, the task of cooling the engine has evolved far beyond simply preventing overheating. Today's complex thermal management systems (TMS) are integral to the entire powertrain, influencing everything from fuel efficiency to cabin comfort. Automakers are increasingly turning to sophisticated technologies to meet these demands.

Since 2011, companies like Schaeffler have pioneered thermal management modules (TMMs) that precisely control temperature throughout the vehicle. These systems mark a significant step towards demand-driven temperature regulation, impacting both the engine and the passenger experience. The future of automotive thermal management lies in intelligent, connected solutions.

This article explores the cutting-edge innovations in thermal management, highlighting how comprehensive simulation and connected intelligence are optimizing engine performance, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall vehicle efficiency. You'll discover how these advancements are paving the way for a new era of automotive engineering.

Why Smarter Cooling is Essential for Modern Engines

The push for more efficient, lower-emission internal combustion engines has led to numerous advancements, including downsizing, turbocharging, and hybrid systems. While these innovations boost performance and reduce CO2 emissions, they also place greater demands on the cooling system. Dissipating increased energy and managing concentrated heat become critical challenges.

Moreover, global engine designs must accommodate country-specific characteristics, further complicating cooling strategies. With less energy available for engine warm-up and the need to cool additional electric drive components, intelligent energy management is paramount. Greater temperature flexibility, precise control, and effective use of heating capacities are now essential.

Quicker engine warm-up by deactivating cooling circuits.
Strategic switching of cooling circuits for engine oil, transmission oil, and cabin climate control.
Cooling activation during acceleration to maintain optimal temperature windows.
Engine temperature adjustments to minimize fuel injection for cooling and reduce knocking.

Thermal management can significantly influence the heat generated within an internal combustion engine. Advanced systems are crucial for optimizing performance and efficiency in modern vehicles.

The Future of Thermal Management: Decentralization and Smart Valves

Next-generation TMMs will feature architectures that represent a leap forward in development, addressing the trends in modern internal combustion engines and hybrid drives. These advanced systems will manage a growing number of components, each with unique cooling requirements.

However, as multi-functional TMMs become more complex, integrating them into vehicle packages poses a challenge. Schaeffler envisions a future with connected systems featuring decentralized, small actuator units. These smart valves offer a straightforward design and compact dimensions.

These valves can be strategically placed at critical points and controlled via a central unit using LIN communication. Automakers can leverage Schaeffler's expertise in simulation, positioning, and control, receiving a complete system layout and key components from a single source. This approach allows for seamless integration of electrically driven water pumps, heat exchangers, and heat pumps into a smart thermal management system.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s38313-017-0091-0, Alternate LINK

Title: Comprehensive Simulation And Connected Intelligence In Thermal Management Systems

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: MTZ worldwide

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Michael Weiss, Vedat Tuncay, Stefan Richter, Jochen Broz

Published: 2017-08-17

Everything You Need To Know

What is the idea of Smart Cooling?

The concept of Smart Cooling refers to the utilization of intelligent systems to optimize engine temperatures in vehicles. This approach is crucial for enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and improving overall engine performance. Connected car technologies and advanced thermal management systems are at the heart of Smart Cooling, allowing for precise control and adjustments based on real-time data and operational needs.

Why are Thermal Management Systems (TMS) so important?

Thermal Management Systems (TMS) are important because they have evolved beyond simply preventing overheating. Modern TMS are integral to the entire powertrain, impacting fuel efficiency and cabin comfort. Companies like Schaeffler have developed Thermal Management Modules (TMMs) that precisely control temperatures. The implications of using TMS are optimized engine performance, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced driving experience. TMS ensures that engines operate within optimal temperature windows, leading to improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

What does a Thermal Management Module (TMM) do?

Thermal Management Modules (TMMs) are designed to precisely control temperature throughout a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and cabin. Schaeffler pioneered TMMs that allow for demand-driven temperature regulation. These modules incorporate features such as quicker engine warm-up by deactivating cooling circuits, strategic switching of cooling circuits, and cooling activation during acceleration. The implications of TMMs include better fuel economy, lower emissions, and improved overall vehicle efficiency.

Why is smarter cooling essential for modern engines?

The push for more efficient, lower-emission internal combustion engines has led to the use of advanced systems. These advancements have increased demands on cooling systems, including downsizing, turbocharging, and hybrid systems. With less energy available for engine warm-up and the need to cool additional electric drive components, intelligent energy management is paramount. The implications include greater temperature flexibility, precise control, and effective use of heating capacities, which directly impact the engine's efficiency and performance, ultimately reducing emissions.

What is the future of thermal management?

Decentralization and smart valves are part of the future of Thermal Management. Next-generation Thermal Management Modules (TMMs) will feature architectures that represent a leap forward in development. These advanced systems will manage a growing number of components, each with unique cooling requirements. The implications are a more responsive and efficient system that can adapt to various driving conditions and engine demands, leading to better performance and reduced environmental impact.