EV Battery Cooling– 4 Smart Ways to Do It

Posted on: Jun 15, 2022 | 3 Min | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

EV Battery Cooling– 4 Smart Ways to Do It

There is no denying that electric vehiclesare the future, thanks to their smart technology, eco-friendliness, and zero dependence on expensive fuels. However, many instances of battery fire in EVs have been observed, so much so that it has drawn the attention of the Indian government.As a result, electric vehicle manufacturing companies have been asked to do a thorough investigation on why electric vehicle batteries are catching fire. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has revealed that the batteries are catching fire because of poor cooling and battery management system. Essentially, EV batteries are catching fire because they are unable to withstand the searing high temperatures in India. The ambient temperature as well as heat generated by the routine operation of the battery contribute to the fire.Hence, if you own an EV or are planning to buy one, it is important for you to know about the different cooling methods for EV batteries. Also, keep a comprehensive car insurance policy handy, so that in case of an accident, calamity or theft, you get financial compensation.

1. Air cooling systems for EV batteries in India:

This is the most basic and simplest method of cooling batteries in electric vehicles. Basically, you do nothing more than let air pass over the battery to keep it cool, so when your vehicle is moving, it is cutting through air and the displaced air runs over the battery and cools it down. This is very simple to engineer and achieve.

All you need to do is make sure that the place where the battery is located is well-ventilated. Engineer the battery holder in such a way that it has holes for ensuring air flow without compromising its structural integrity. While all this is a passive method of air cooling a battery, there are active cooling methods as well.

This can be done by strategically positioning fans such that they continuously blow air at the battery.The problem with these systems is of course that they have been implemented in many vehicles, and as of now, they have proven to be lacking. EV batteries need better cooling systems than what we have at present.

2. Liquid cooling systems for EV batteries in India:

These are more advanced cooling systems.Liquid cooling systems might also use different kinds of coolant materials to keep the battery cool. The basic idea is that the battery casing is wrapped in ducting or casing though which the liquid coolant flows and this coolant is then ducted over to some other part where a radiator absorbs the extra heat from the coolant and vents it all into the air.

This kind of liquid cooling system is already being used in internal combustion engines. The coolants can be oil based, chemical based or plain old water. The problems with liquid cooling are many though.It costs a lot for starters. It comes with added weight that impacts your range, and it also increases the points of failure as well as cost of maintenance of the vehicle overall. However, such systems have been explored in cars in many countries and are known to work better than air cooled systems. This also pushes the cost of EV car insurance upwards.

3. Cooling with heat conducting materials:

This is the third kind of cooling system that is being explored by different electric vehicle makers. Cooling with heat conducting materials is something that has already been used to great effect in electronics and computing devices. The fin-like blocks that are mounted on chips and integrated circuits known as heat sinks are used to cool the system. This kind of a system works based on a very simple concept of physics. It increases the overall surface area of the item which is generating heat by attaching a heat conducting material with a thermal paste.

So, for example, a heat sink with ten fins is mounted on the heat generating device.It will create ten times area which will be heated, thus leading to better heat dissipation. The advantage of this system is that it is almost zero-maintenance, but the problem is its added weight and the increased of buying and maintaining your car as well as car insurance.

4. Submersion cooling for EV batteries’ heat dissipation:

This is a novel method that is currently under development.In this case, the battery is kept submerged in a cooling solution and it is used to immediately extract heat out of the battery. This is different from traditional liquid cooling where the battery and cooling liquid are kept in independent chambers. In submersion cooling, they are kept in the same chamber.

This results in a more efficient cooling system as well as keeps the battery safe from external impacts. The problem with this system is that it is too heavy and requires too much maintenance. The cost is way higher than other options.

To wrap up, keeping your EV’s battery cool is a matter of optimizing the cost, range, cooling efficiency and maintenance required to keep the system functioning properly. So, research well and compare different EV makers to understand their offerings before you zero in on a vehicle. And don’t forget to buy or update your car insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

EV Battery Range: Tips for Improvement

7 Simple Tips to Keep Your Car’s Battery Healthy

Applying for car insurance? Here are the things you should keep handy

How to Make Your EV More Efficient

Stop Charging Your EV Every Night: 3 Reasons Why