Shell’s Thermal Fluid successfully cools components in power train

Shell Lubricants has announced its thermal fluid technology has helped to enable a significant breakthrough in battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture.

Following successful development of an immersively-cooled battery pack, extensive testing has now proven that Shell EV-Plus Thermal Fluid with PurePlus Technology, can act as an all-in-one thermal management solution for the entire BEV power train.

This innovation enables a simplified battery and powertrain design, supporting reduction in the number of components and vehicle weight, and helping to drive operational economy and cost-efficiency.

Shell, supported by HORIBA MIRA – a leading technology development company - has demonstrated that its specialised thermal fluid not only promotes outstanding thermal control in the battery pack during high-speed charging conditions, but is also effective at cooling the motor and power electronics whilst driving.

"Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in demonstrating that a specialised Shell Thermal Fluid operating in a single circuit can manage the thermal needs of all electrical drive train components. This eagerly anticipated ‘all-in-one' concept is crucial in supporting both reduced cost and complexity in BEV design and manufacturing for our partners,” said Jason Wong, global executive vice-president, Shell Lubricants. "Previously, we announced how Shell’s thermal fluid technology has facilitated sub-10-minute battery charging without compromising cell integrity or lifetime via enhanced thermal management. Through clever co-engineering, we have now shown the potential to unlock greater system-wide benefits."

"Having managed the heat generated during brisk battery charging with an immersive fluid, the challenge was extended to cover all other electric components in the powertrain, " Robert Mainwaring, Shell’s lead engineer on the project, commented: "Our Shell EV-Plus Thermal Fluid’s ability to entirely replace traditional glycol-based coolants and work with existing hardware is a game-changer. It shows that you don't need a patchwork of cooling systems; one fluid can do it all, enabling ultra-fast charging and facilitating optimal drivetrain performance."