The Role of Thermal Fluids and Cooling Systems in Electric Cars

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. Although they do not need traditional engine oil, they still rely on modern lubricants and fluids.

However, the batteries used in electric vehicles have specific temperature control requirements, which poses a challenge for engineers. That’s why ExxonMobil is intensively working on modeling heat management in electric vehicle batteries. Their innovative approach uses advanced computer simulations to study designs and systems responsible for heat dissipation. Moreover, the company conducts tests of their thermal fluids both independently and in collaboration with battery manufacturers and OEMs.

Why is Immersion Cooling of Batteries Better?

Temperatures have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Both too high and too low temperatures can negatively affect battery operation, shortening the range of the electric vehicle. Effective temperature control is crucial for maintaining optimal battery performance.

Currently, most electric vehicle manufacturers use liquid cooling, which combines water with ethylene glycol. This mixture flows through a metal plate to cool the battery. Although functional, this solution has its limitations, as only the outer part of the battery is in contact with the metal plate, leading to suboptimal temperature regulation.

Direct cooling, including immersion cooling, is a more efficient solution. In this case, battery cells are completely immersed in a cooling liquid, which is both an electrical insulator and a heat conductor. As a result, the entire surface of the battery has direct contact with the cooling fluid, significantly improving heat dissipation and temperature regulation efficiency.

Testing Thermal Fluids

ExxonMobil conducted comprehensive performance tests of their Mobil EV thermal fluid, including thermal performance tests and battery load tests. The thermal performance test involved examining battery behavior under extreme conditions, especially during rapid charging, which generates large amounts of heat. The results were clear – the Mobil EV thermal fluid effectively reduced battery temperature compared to traditional liquid cooling.

Safety is a Priority

The company also conducted tests to understand the impact of their thermal fluid on preventing uncontrolled temperature rise in the battery during damage, such as during a collision. The results were promising – the Mobil EV fluid effectively controlled thermal runaway and prevented heat from spreading to neighboring cells. This is crucial for the safety of electric vehicles, preventing potential fires.

Fruitful Collaboration in Temperature Management

ExxonMobil also collaborates with XING Mobility, a company that manufactures immersion-cooled batteries. Together, they conducted performance tests of the Mobil EV fluid, confirming its effectiveness in controlling temperature and preventing heat spread between cells.

The Role of New Technologies in Research and Development

ExxonMobil engineers use computer simulations to study various temperature management solutions and systems, allowing for faster development of new technologies and Mobil fluids. The company is committed to advancing innovations that are key in the context of the growing popularity of electric vehicles and safety assurance.

Do you have any questions? Contact us, we are happy to answer. More information about Mobil products can also be found on the website: https://mobil.pl. We also encourage you to visit: https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/mobil-ev.