Car Ventilated Seats Gaining Attention Amid Heatwave... Which Technology Feels Cooler? [Tech Report]

Hyundai Transys Wins IR52 Jang Young-sil Award for New Technology
36% Performance Improvement with Simultaneous Top and Bottom Pair Operation
Direct Cool Airflow to Driver's Body via Blower System

"With the new perforation technology, the performance of ventilated seats has improved by 36%. This means that drivers feel a greater sense of coolness. Moreover, the production speed has increased by 50%." (Song Junho, Head of Seat Material Research Team, Hyundai Transys)

Hyundai Transys, which supplies seats to Hyundai Motor Company and Kia, won the IR52 Jang Young-sil Award last year for its 'Eco-friendly Multi-design Continuous Perforation System' technology. The perforation technology, which creates tiny holes in car seats, is a key factor affecting the performance of ventilated seats. Seat perforation requires advanced technology beyond simply making holes with needles. In the past, the perforation system pierced holes one by one as needles moved up and down through the seat material. During this process, leather often stretched or the hole shapes became distorted.

Car Ventilated Seats Gaining Attention Amid Heatwave... Which Technology Feels Cooler? [Tech Report]

Hyundai Transys adopted a blower-type ventilated seat structure that blows air through holes in the seat.
[Photo by Hyundai Transys]

The 'Eco-friendly Multi-design Continuous Perforation System' developed by Hyundai Transys uses over 500 needles paired up vertically to pierce holes all at once. As the hole shapes became uniform, air inflow improved, and various perforation designs such as diamond and triangle shapes became possible. Not only was production time reduced, but debris generated from perforation also decreased.

Team Leader Song said, "The size, shape, and spacing of seat holes determine the breathability of the seat," adding, "With the introduction of a new ultra-precision press method, the variation in shapes above and below the holes has decreased, improving both the appearance quality and ventilation performance."

Blowing Air with a Fan System, Enhanced Sensory Effect

Seat cover applying Hyundai Transys' multi-design continuous perforation technology
[Photo by Hyundai Transys]

The operating principle of Hyundai Transys ventilated seats is similar to a fan that blows air directly onto the driver's body. A large fan located under the seat draws in cabin air and blows it out through the small holes perforated in the seat. Because it blows cool air directly onto the driver's body through a fan system, an immediate cooling sensation can be felt.

Especially in Korea, where the four seasons are distinct, consumers have a particularly strong preference for ventilated seat options. Many imported cars, which bring in overseas specifications as is, often do not offer this option even in premium models. Since domestic consumers respond sensitively, Korean car brands are investing and focusing on the development of ventilated seats.

Yang Taehyung, Head of Seat Function Design Team at Hyundai Transys, said, "Suction-type systems do not blow air directly onto the skin, so their sensory effect is lower compared to fan-type systems," adding, "We are dedicated to developing durable, low-noise blower fans and ducts (air channels) that minimize airflow and temperature loss."

Conversely, there are suction-type ventilated seats that absorb air through seat holes to remove heat and moisture. While this method can eliminate moisture and sweat odors from the driver's body, it takes some time before a cooling sensation is felt. Most imported car manufacturers adopt suction-type ventilated seats.

Using Air Conditioning Enhances Ventilated Seat Effect

Seat experts advise that to use ventilated seats effectively, they should be used together with air conditioning and that regular maintenance of the seat and fan is necessary.

Ventilated seats operate by drawing in cabin air and blowing it out through seat holes. If the air drawn in is not cool to begin with, the sensory effect diminishes. Therefore, using the seats together with air conditioning is effective. Also, since the air intake is located under the seat, setting the air conditioning airflow direction downward allows for cooler use.

The seat holes where air flows out from the ventilated seat must be kept clean. When dust or foreign substances accumulate, wiping with cleaning towels may push debris inside. Instead, lightly tapping the seat with your hand or using adhesive tape is recommended.

If liquid is spilled on the seat, not only the ventilation function but also the seat's electrical components may malfunction. In this case, turn off the ventilated seat power, wipe off the liquid, and allow it to dry completely. Finally, if the ventilation holes are not blocked but performance declines, the fan may be faulty. Visit a professional service center to remove the seat and perform repair or cleaning.