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This is how important intelligent thermal management is in electric cars

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So much for comfort. For an electric motor to be operated in a reasonable way and with a particularly high degree of efficiency in the first place, the temperatures of the electric motor, the power electronics and the battery must always be kept within a temperature range that allows optimum efficiency. A sophisticated and complex thermal management system is responsible for this, in which the refrigerant and cooling circuits interact perfectly. “Due to the components’ different temperature requirements, generally speaking, several cooling circuits are used in electric vehicles at different temperature levels, sometimes with different cooling media,” explains Prof. Dr. of Engineering Boris Schilder, Professor of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.

Thermal management affects battery performance and durability

Thermal management also has a decisive influence on the performance and durability of the battery: batteries must be operated within a clearly defined temperature window. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly comfortable in a range between 15 °C and 30 °C. If the operating temperature is too high, the battery life will be reduced, meaning that the battery may fail prematurely.

The battery cells even age at very low temperatures. This results in them being less durable. Something that makes things even more difficult is that it’s not just the battery’s overall temperature that has to stay in this defined window. The temperature difference between the individual cells also has to remain below a certain value. Furthermore, brief peak loads connected to high current flows, for example from recuperation and boosting, heat up the cells.

Complex thermal management systems generate turnover for automotive workshops

To be able to operate all components, especially the battery, in the optimum temperature ranges, automotive manufacturers and suppliers have developed intelligent battery cooling and thermal management systems. Even in the age of the electric car, these systems ensure that auto mechanics never get bored and, not least, generate revenue for automotive workshops.

Not got enough information yet? You can find more on this topic here: https://www.hella.com/techworld/uk/Technical/Car-air-conditioning/Thermal-management-in-electric-and-hybrid-vehicles-1725/

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