Enhanced Efficiency and Safety with Immersion Cooling: Discover Cutting-Edge Cooling Technology Solutions for Electric Vehicles by VOSS Automotive

VOSS immersion cooling

VOSS Automotive, a leading provider of line and connection technology, is broadening its product range within the realm of thermal management. VOSS immersion cooling solutions will provide vehicle manufacturers an eco-friendly and more secure solution to temper and cool electric vehicle battery cells. This solution not only results in quicker charging times but also mitigates the potential for vehicle fires.

Paving the way for the E-Mobility Transformation? This is still a hotly debated topic, especially when it comes to the resource-saving use of batteries for electric vehicles. In addition to the relevant environmental aspects, the optimal temperature control of the lithium-ion battery is essential for improving the range and performance of a battery-powered vehicle. To fulfill this objective, VOSS Automotive, drawing from its extensive expertise in creating and implementing market benchmarks within thermal management, along with its steadfast role as a trusted collaborator for the automotive sector, provides comprehensive system solutions.

Significantly shorter charging time thanks to immersion cooling

Conventional thermal management methods have the individual battery cells tempered by a cooling plate. In contrast, immersion cooling has an electrically non-conductive cooling liquid that flows around the cells. This process guarantees a more uniform distribution of temperature across the entire battery, leading to enhanced dissipation of any generated heat. This consequently leads to a substantial reduction in the highest temperature reached during battery charging, thereby considerably abbreviating electric vehicle charging durations. Simultaneously, it markedly enhances safety by notably reducing the risk of vehicle fires stemming from overheated or malfunctioning battery cells.

To counter static charging originating from the continuous flow of non-conductive fluid (due to friction) through plastic tubes, VOSS Automotive deploys an inherently electrically conductive system. This includes valves, quick connect systems, lines, or complete modules that facilitate the transmission of voltage to a grounding point. The pivotal challenge in developing this technology stems chiefly from material selection and subsequent compatibility testing. One of the primary goals is to ensure that no additives are leached from the material by the liquid, as this could pose a potentially dangerous risk of augmenting the medium's conductivity. VOSS Automotive uses fiber-reinforced, recyclable plastics for this purpose, which can save 5-20 percent in weight as an additional effect.

Andreas Suhr, Product Manager at VOSS Automotive, explains, "The significant distinction between immersion cooling and conventional battery cooling lies in the way heat is extracted. Overheating of the cell due to a self-reinforcing heat-producing process ("thermal runaway") is prevented by immersion cooling, in combination with the non-conductive cooling fluid along with our thermal management solutions. The intrinsically conductive systems from VOSS almost completely eliminate the spark hazard created by the static charge, reducing the risk of a vehicle fire and ensuring safety.

Furthermore, this pivotal technology has the potential to reduce charging times, adding the possibility for smaller batteries in the future This will contribute to a lower cost of electric vehicles while enhancing their overall resource efficiency and safety. Having introduced our immersion cooling solutions, we've already secured a prominent European OEM within the sports car sector, alongside an agricultural machinery manufacturer. We're now embarking on the necessary steps to gear up for series production."

Potential beyond the automotive industry

The evolution of immersion cooling technology is still in its early stages, harboring significant potential for broader applications. Anticipated expansion from premium passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors into the wider market is a foreseeable expansion in the future. Furthermore, it is conceivable that immersion cooling in combination with VOSS technology solutions will also be deployed in data centers to ensure optimal temperature control of servers. Fundamentally, immersion cooling stands as a promising solution wherever there's a requirement to regulate temperatures of batteries or electronic components.