CIAAR 2026

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

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Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

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Frequently asked

Glossary

1

MAC (Mobile Air Conditioning)

The air conditioning system fitted to a vehicle cabin. In this sector MAC covers the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, refrigerant lines and controls, plus the service equipment used to charge and recover refrigerant.

2

Refrigerant R-1234yf

A low global warming potential refrigerant widely adopted for passenger car MAC systems as a replacement for R-134a. Supplier stands at the show typically quote components as R-1234yf compatible or convertible.

3

R744 / CO2 refrigerant

Carbon dioxide used as a refrigerant in high-pressure heat pump and air conditioning circuits, common in EV thermal systems because it works well at low ambient temperatures. Components must be rated for much higher system pressures than R-134a circuits.

4

Heat pump system

An air conditioning circuit run in reverse to heat the cabin using waste heat from the drivetrain and battery, instead of a resistive heater. It is a core efficiency feature on electric vehicles and a major exhibit category at thermal management fairs.

5

Electric compressor

A compressor driven by its own electric motor rather than a belt from the engine, used in EVs, hybrids and parking air conditioners. Selection depends on displacement, speed range, voltage platform and refrigerant type.

6

Battery thermal management

The cooling and heating hardware that keeps a traction battery pack inside its safe temperature window, typically cooling plates, a chiller, coolant pump, expansion tank, hoses and control valves.

7

Chiller (battery cooler)

A refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger that transfers heat from the battery coolant loop to the air conditioning circuit. Often shares the vehicle refrigerant loop with cabin cooling.

8

Parking air conditioner

A battery-powered or engine-independent cooling unit fitted to trucks, buses or machinery so the cab can be cooled while the main engine is off, reducing idling fuel use and emissions.

9

Transport refrigeration unit (TRU)

A refrigeration system mounted on a van, trailer or container to hold a controlled temperature for food, pharmaceutical or other cold-chain cargo.

10

Thermal expansion valve (TXV)

The metering device that controls refrigerant flow into the evaporator to keep superheat stable and protect the compressor. TXV sizing and calibration is a common sourcing topic for system builders.

11

Receiver-drier and accumulator

Components that store refrigerant and remove moisture and debris from the circuit. The receiver-drier is used on expansion valve systems, the accumulator on orifice tube systems.

12

Refrigerant recovery and recycling

Service practice and equipment for capturing refrigerant during repair rather than venting it, then cleaning and reusing it. Recovery machines, vacuum pumps and charging stations are typical service-equipment exhibits.

13

GWP (Global Warming Potential)

A measure of how much a refrigerant contributes to warming compared with CO2. Regulation pushing MAC systems toward low-GWP refrigerants is a main driver of component redesign in this sector.

14

Leak-tightness / SAE standards

Test and fitting standards used to limit refrigerant loss from MAC systems, covering hose permeation, joint performance and service procedures. Compliance levels are a frequent question when qualifying suppliers.