Lion Smart develops battery modules with Castrol
Lion E-Mobility AG, a manufacturer of battery packs for electric mobility and energy storage solutions, and its subsidiary Lion Smart Production GmbH regularly use direct battery cooling, also known as immersion cooling, in their products. A light dielectric fluid surrounds the battery cells and can thus dissipate the heat generated during fast charging directly and efficiently – in comparison to conventional solutions with one or two cooling plates, which can only act on the battery cells over a significantly smaller area.
This is where the mineral oil company Castrol comes in with its thermal fluids and expertise in battery thermal management. “Castrol ON EV Thermal Fluids are used to ensure optimum heat dissipation, increase power density and improve battery life and safety,” says Lion E-Mobility. With their modular design, the new battery module and cooling system are designed to ensure “homogeneous temperature distribution and minimal temperature gradient within the cell.” The cooled contact area is maximised, “while a ‘single cell fuse’ reduces potential propagation from internal short circuit.”
The new module is designed to help increase energy recovery in the vehicle and offer “more power at lower system costs and increased operational reliability” – Lion E-Mobility cites internal tests in comparison with conventional indirect battery cooling systems. The cooperation aims to advance “direct battery cooling for next‑generation PHEV and EV battery systems,” according to the announcement. However, the advantages of the new module mentioned above only apply to plug-in hybrids. Specific performance data for the cooling system is not provided.
“Direct battery cooling is a transformative technology for EV performance and safety, and this collaboration is a significant step towards real-world deployment,” says Matthias Donner, Vice President Advanced Mobility and Industrial Products at Castrol. “Partnering with LION Smart allows us to demonstrate the full potential of Castrol ON EV Thermal Fluids in advanced battery systems. Together, we’re shaping a future where electric vehicles can charge faster and last longer whilst operating more efficiently, even under extreme conditions.”
Michael Geppert, Head of Engineering at Lion Smart, added: “Our battery system architecture is designed to push the boundaries of electrical performance in high-power applications, and Castrol’s direct battery cooling expertise is a perfect match. This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering next-generation solutions that meet the growing demands of the electric mobility sector.”
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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