The Highly Integrated Cooling Entity streamlines refrigerant management by housing an electric compressor, electronic expansion valve, chiller, and combined condenser into a single 16kg unit. By replacing traditional, fragmented refrigerant layouts, the module minimizes complexity and assembly time for automakers. Its implementation in the BMW iX3 demonstrates the practical application of this technology, which utilizes a specialized sound cover to improve Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) metrics.

This nomination marks the ninth time Hanon Systems has been named a finalist for the industry accolade, which evaluates engineering excellence alongside commercial viability. Since receiving its first award in 2007 for fan technology, the company has secured three PACE trophies, including a 2025 win for air disinfection systems. Soo Il Lee, Vice Chairman and CEO, described the current module as a reflection of the firm's focus on system integration for next-generation electric vehicles. An independent panel of judges will select the final winners during a ceremony in Detroit this November.