Charged EVs | SK On and SK Enmove showcase battery immersion cooling

South Korean battery and trading company SK On is showcasing advanced thermal management technology with lubricant supplier SK Enmove.

The immersion cooling technology for EV batteries circulates electrically insulating thermal fluids inside the battery pack to effectively dissipate heat. Since the coolant directly contacts the battery cells, it can more effectively suppress temperature rise compared to indirect cooling systems using air or water.

Immersion cooling allows for lower cell temperatures during fast charging conditions, thanks to its superior heat control. According to the companies, it improves battery life by reducing temperature variations between battery cells.

The battery pack incorporating immersion cooling technology that SK On and SK Enmove are developing highlights enhanced cooling efficiency with an optimized fluid flow structure design that maximizes the contact area between thermal fluids and cells.

SK On also plans to incorporate its wireless battery management system (BMS). A wireless chip is attached to the cell tabs, and transmits the collected cell data to the BMS via antennas embedded within the module.

The combination of immersion cooling and wireless BMS ensures the smooth flow of thermal fluids, as there are no wires. The extra space from the absence of physical wires can increase energy density, and the lack of risk of wire defects can improve reliability.

The commercialization of wireless BMS is expected to accelerate the adoption of the Battery Passport, a digital record that provides comprehensive information about a battery’s lifecycle, including manufacturing details, usage history and recycling data. It enables easy data management of a battery’s state of charge, cycle life, carbon footprint and more.

“We expect to see growing demand for wireless BMS and immersion cooling as the importance of safety increases with the rising EV penetration rate,” said Kisoo Park, Head of SK On’s R&D division.

Source: SK On