The lubricant expert Castrol and the technology company Lion Smart are working together on the further development of battery cooling systems for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The aim of the cooperation is to optimize the thermal management of batteries through the use of direct cooling.
Direct battery cooling
In the center is a new battery module in which the cells are directly immersed in a
light, dielectric fluid. This so-called direct battery cooling is intended to enable a more uniform temperature distribution and to reduce the temperature difference within the cells. LION Smart brings its experience in battery technology and system development, while Castrol contributes its know-how in the field of thermal management and its 'Castrol ON EV Fluids' for heat dissipation.
The modular battery design is intended to keep the
active cooling area as large as possible. An integrated single-cell safety feature is intended to reduce the risk of thermal propagation in the event of an internal short circuit. According to the companies, the system can increase the efficiency of plug-in hybrids through improved energy recovery and higher performance while simultaneously reducing system costs. Michael Geppert, Head of Engineering at LION Smart, comments on the partnership
as follows:
"The architecture of our battery system is designed to push the boundaries of electrical performance in high-power applications, with Castrol's expertise in direct battery cooling ideally suited to this."
The partnership is part of Castrol's strategic direction toward technologies for direct battery cooling. The joint project was presented at Battery Show Europe, where both companies showcased the technology and its application possibilities. (Source: Castrol)
