DuPont claims EV thermal management breakthrough

DuPont has made significant advancements in glycol purification, ensuring that the coolant in lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell electric vehicles remains contamination-free, bolstering their efficient and reliable operation.

According to DuPont marketing manager for e-mobility solutions Noel Carr, pressure on EV thermal management systems is increased by “consumer demand for increased range, faster charging, larger vehicles, and more energy-dense batteries”. 

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause coolant to deteriorate, leading to decreased cooling efficiency and the risk of overheating essential components like the battery and electric motor.

Because it interacts with electrical components, contaminated coolant can create unintended pathways for electrical current, resulting in short circuits and even fire hazards.

DuPont has responded with a specialised product designed for integration into ion exchange filters, operating directly in-line within the cooling loop.

These filters, capable of enduring extreme temperatures and operating conditions, are equipped with DuPont’s translucent insoluble AmberLite EV2X resin beads that actively attract and exchange ions within the coolant, removing impurities and upholding conductivity levels crucial for optimal performance.

The resin has been optimised to purify glycol, removing plastic leachables, metal ions, and other impurities, while minimising glycol additive uptake.

Under testing in extreme conditions the product endured temperatures up to 105°C for 1000+ hours, proving enhanced thermal stability and operating characteristics compared to standard ion exchange resins, so it should extend the lifespan of glycol coolant and loop components while enhancing operational performance.