The Role of the Automotive and Chemical Industry in the Expansion of Electronic Expansion Valves Industry

The increased demand for vehicles is causing the need for electronic expansion valves (EEVs) in the automotive industry. EEVs are responsible for regulating refrigerant flow in AC units which gives maximum cooling performance. Number of conceivable HVAC demands keeps growing as world production of vehicles increases. The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) reported that global vehicle production in 2023 reached 95.11 million units, thus a direct impetus in the manufacturing of EEVs. The user prefers them due to their precision, energy efficiency, and better vehicle performance. The demand continues to rise, benefiting both the automotive and HVAC industries. Thus, the rising automotive demand is expected to boost the demand for the global electronic expansion valves market. 

The rising demand in the chemical industry is fueling the need for electronic expansion valves (EEVs) since they play an important role in controlling the flow of refrigerants and ensuring optimum temperature regulation in industrial processes. As indicated by the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, in 2022, the worldwide chemical industry came out to US$ 4.7 trillion; and as per the International Council of Chemical Associations, this sector adds up to more than US$ 5.8 trillion to the global GDP. Consequently, the rising need for high-temperature control also brings with it an increasing necessity for EEVs as it promotes efficiency in the cooling systems. Such valves are often utilized in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries where temperature has to be controlled strictly.
Electronic Expansion Valves Market Report

How Is the Growing Demand of the Pharmaceutical and AC Market Driving the Demand for Electronic Expansion Valves?

With a growing pharmaceutical market at above 1.2 trillion dollars in 2023, there is an increasing need for electronic expansion valves. The use of these valves has been pivotal in regulating temperature and pressure in HVAC and refrigeration systems that are so vital in storing and transporting delicate medicines. Expanding pharmaceuticals requires higher levels of climate control in the maintenance of quality products. As such, there is a boost in demand for EEVs. This serves to ensure optimal storage conditions of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, vaccines among them, reduces waste, and ensures safety. With the rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry, EEVs play a major role in aiding efficient, reliable cold chain management systems.

With increasing air conditioner (AC) demand, the requirement for EEVs will continue to grow. The International Energy Agency states that the demand for ACs across the world is expected to go up to 5.6 billion units by 2050, and within the next 30 years, 10 ACs are likely to be sold every second. This will escalate the demand for efficient temperature-control systems, like EEVs, which control the flow of refrigerant within cooling systems. Moreover, according to estimates, energy consumption worldwide from ACs is expected to triple by 2050 and will require newer, more advanced, and more energy-efficient parts. North America is a most relevant market as there is a large number of residential and commercial installations where ACs are used, hence becoming a prime target for the demand of EEV.

Recent Trends in the Electronic Expansion Valves Industry

  • The trend of reducing refrigerant charge through optimized expansion valve functionality.
  • Customization of valves for specific refrigeration and HVAC system requirements.
  • Focus on durable and corrosion-resistant materials for longer product life cycles.
  • Advancement of sensor technologies for improved valve performance and accuracy.
  • Growing demand for electronic valves in cold chain logistics and food preservation.
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High Costs, Installation Requirements, and Electrical Issues Challenges EEV Market

Electronic expansion valves (EEVs) generally cost more than conventional mechanical valves because they incorporate sophisticated technology, such as sensors, motors, and electronic controls, which increases production expenses. Moreover, EEVs necessitate specific tools and skills for their setup, which increases the total expenses. In contrast to mechanical valves, EEVs depend on a power source, which typically requires extra wiring and electrical configurations, increasing both complexity and cost. Though EEVs provide energy-efficient benefits, these advantages may not warrant the elevated upfront expense and complex installation requirements, especially for businesses or systems with limited budgets. Consequently, the financial consequences may surpass the possible long-term savings in specific circumstances. 

EEVs are much more sophisticated as compared to ordinary valves since they utilize electronic components such as a motor and controller. Such parts need to be calibrated carefully so that they can properly perform their functions. This therefore calls for special training from qualified technicians before installing, operating, and maintaining EEVs in proper ways. Unlike the manual adjustment found in mechanical valves, EEVs depend on digital signals to control the flow of refrigerants-a second layer of complexity. Moreover, when the problem is isolated at the valve, solving it might be more difficult since a person has to know about the electronics and software involved. That makes working with EEVs more time-consuming, especially for people who do not have appropriate training.

Electronic Expansion Valves use electrical parts, such as sensors and controllers, to manage the flow of refrigerant. The likelihood of electrical issues is, therefore, greater than that for mechanical valves. For instance, temperature or pressure sensors could fail and cause the readings to be wrong. Wiring issues may cause the valve to cease or malfunction and may affect the whole system. Power surges or electrical interference can also damage the electronic parts, making the valve unreliable. In case any of these occur, the valve may not control the flow of refrigerant appropriately, and thus the cooling or heating system may fail to perform well or completely break down.

Innovative Electronic Expansion Valve Solutions from CAREL, Danfoss, and Sanhua

In August 2024, CAREL announced that its electronic expansion valve, E5V-C, received UL certification for capacities ranging from 100 kW to 600 kW. The certification is applied on its use in control applications for transcritical CO2 high-pressure and gas bypass. The E5V-C valve was designed with the very keen interest of minimizing environmental impact but maximizing energy savings. It was CAREL's high cooling capacity solution capable of up to 600 kW. It comes in four sizes, 85, 95, A0, and A2. This valve features a bipolar motor. The product can be used with transcritical as well as subcritical CO2 circuits. The adaptability of the valve has allowed it to become the ideal product for those applications requiring efficient and environment-friendly cooling.

In October 2023, SANHUA introduced the SEC HD - Electric Expansion Valve Controller Heavy Duty Series, a groundbreaking advancement in refrigeration technology. This new controller is built upon the capabilities of the SEC6x family, offering significant improvements. The SEC HD enabled up to 30% faster pull-down times and delivered a 15% reduction in energy consumption. It was designed for exceptional superheat control performance and could be installed directly inside cold storage rooms, making it an ideal solution for those in the refrigeration industry seeking enhanced efficiency and control. With high water resistance, low-temperature durability, and precise superheat regulation, the SEC HD was the perfect choice for those looking to optimize system performance and efficiency.

In March 2022, Danfoss introduced a new electric expansion valve to enhance efficiency in heat pumps and IT cooling systems. The company announced further additions to its ETS range of electric expansion valves for heat pumps, close controls, and process chillers. The ETS 8M enabled OEMs and end users to benefit from greater efficiency and reliability with low applied costs. The new ETS 8M series aimed to strengthen and expand options available to OEMs in the lower capacity end of Danfoss' EEV portfolio. Available in four sizes from 12 to 40 HP (62 to 114 kW) with high bi-flow MOPD, the application costs were greatly reduced through the use of a single valve in both flow directions.
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EEV Market Growth Driven by Vehicle Production in Asia Pacific and Pharmaceutical Demand in North America

The Asia Pacific region provides massive opportunities for the electronic expansion valves market because of the upsurge in vehicle production. The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers states that a total of 48.9 million vehicles were produced in the region, accounting for 53% of total worldwide vehicle production. China provides 30 million units, Japan supplies 8.9 million, and India and South Korea contribute 5.8 million and 4.2 million units respectively. The vehicle market in these countries is thus taking the top slot in Asia Pacific. There will be a constant requirement for vehicle parts, thereby generating a potentially profitable market in the electronic expansion valve line.

The rising pharmaceutical market in North America is predicted to drive EEV demand. Pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage require temperature control. It is vital in the production process of drugs for high-quality products as well as the safety of a product. The pharmaceutical sales in North America stood above 52.3% globally in 2023. For large pharmaceutical companies, improving efficiency as well as effectiveness in refrigeration becomes ever more important, leading to the demand for EEVs. North America, due to its massive pharmaceutical industry, advanced technology acceptance, and regulatory policy that demands stringent environmental control within the processes of manufacture of drugs, is a very lucrative market.
The report provides a detailed overview of the electronic expansion valves market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for the electronic expansion valves market has been offered for all regional market share, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region, to provide a detailed view of the electronic expansion valves market. These Y-o-Y projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic and business environment outlook, which are anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the electronic expansion valves market. Some key country and region included in the electronic expansion valves market report are as follows:
North America United States, Canada
Latin America Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Rest of Latin America
Europe Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Ethiopia, Algeria, Israel, Iran, Kenya, Rest of MEA

Electronic Expansion Valves Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:

  • Electronic expansion valves market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
  • Electronic expansion valves market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in electronic expansion valves industry)
  • Current, historical, and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of electronic expansion valves market size (US$ Mn), volume (Units), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
  • Electronic expansion valves market demand analysis
  • Electronic expansion valves market pricing analysis over the forecast period (by key segment and by region)
  • Electronic expansion valves market regional insights with a region-wise market breakdown
  • Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
  • Latest developments and innovations in the electronic expansion valves market
  • Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
  • Supply chain and value chain analysis in the electronic expansion valves market
  • Electronic expansion valves market sales and distribution strategies
  • A comprehensive overview of the parent market
  • A detailed viewpoint on the electronic expansion valves market forecast by countries
  • Mergers and acquisitions in the electronic expansion valves market
  • Essential information to enhance market position
  • Robust research methodology

- Frequently Asked Questions -

What are the primary factors driving the demand for electronic expansion valves in various industries?

The demand for electronic expansion valves is driven by their ability to optimize energy efficiency and improve system control in HVAC, refrigeration, and industrial automation systems.

What industries are expected to witness the highest growth in the electronic expansion valves market?

Industries such as HVAC, refrigeration, automotive, and industrial automation are expected to experience significant growth, as these sectors increasingly rely on electronic expansion valves for enhanced efficiency and precision.

What are the challenges in adopting electronic expansion valves in industrial systems?

The primary challenges include high initial costs, integration complexity with existing systems, and the need for skilled personnel to operate and maintain these advanced components.