Grant: Alliance Grants

Transportation electrification is key to reducing GHG emissions in Canada, especially given our unique renewable electricity resources. However, the adoption of electric vehicles is limited by the use of batteries, which bring high cost, range anxiety, risks of thermal runaway and limited life span. All these aspects are affected by the operating temperature of the batteries, so their efficient thermal management is critical. This project aims to accelerate the use of advanced thermal management methods based on the phase change of a coolant to mitigate these challenges to electrification. Two technologies will be developed and demonstrated: immersion cooling and heat pipe cooling. Specifically, the implementation challenges for the immersion approach will be evaluated, including boiling of a dielectric fluid directly on the cells. Also, fabrication methods for pulsed polymer heat pipes will be developed and demonstrated. Tests will be conducted in the laboratory, but also with recreational vehicles on the road. Tools and models will also be developed to facilitate the implementation of these technologies in a wide range of battery modules for electric vehicles. The University-Industry partnership is central to the success of this project and its eventual impact on the market since BRP will brings its vehicle design expertise and the target application while Plastiques Gagnon brings unique expertise in manufacturing of polymer components for these new applications. This partnership is essential to develop the technologies and knowhow that can have an impact on the market, both through demonstration in actual electric vehicles and manufacturing choices in line with volume manufacturing. This project will pave the way for the deployment of advanced thermal management methods within electric vehicle manufacturers in Canada and elsewhere, thus supporting the electrification of transportation and a more sustainable society. The project's industrial partners, BRP and Plastiques Gagnon, will thus be positioned as leaders in this future market.