Case Study Koolkwic WMG centre A Novel Cooling Solution for High Performance Applications High Value Manufacturing Catapult Since 2012, Koolkwic has been developing ideas for The WMG centre HVM Catapult’s Energy Innovation Centre new types of cooling system. In early 2013, with the (EIC) helped Koolkwic to evaluate the performance of an early help of the WMG centre HVM Catapult’s Energy proof of concept Lithium-ion cell cooling solution over a variety Innovation Centre, Koolkwic were able to of ambient conditions and electrical drive-cycles replicating demonstrate that this concept had huge potential the typical real-world conditions required by an automotive for use in a range of industries including automotive application. This early work was able to demonstrate that & motorsport and aerospace with further potential the cooling solution was suitable for cooling Lithium-ion for the beverage and facilities management cells within a vehicle battery pack and was able to cope with the thermal management requirements demanded of high industries where thermal control is a critical performance lithium-ion battery systems. issue. With continuing support from the Energy Innovation Centre, early performance evaluation Following this early work a proposal was successfully work on a novel cooling solution has now led to submitted for an RDF-funded research project involving WMG, the successful creation of a European RDF funded Coventry University and Koolkwic to investigate the use of collaborative research project aimed at delivering a this technology for a fully sized battery pack cooling system. fully characterised battery pack cooling solution for In addition to the battery pack solution outlined above, Koolkwic have also developed a range of cooling solutions for automotive applications. Lightweight Product/ The international challenge of Low Carbon Mobility high performance applications including liquid-to-air and airThis work has helped to highlight the potential of a to-air intercoolers, oil coolers and specialised radiators. The Systems Optimisation novel technology which in turn is now generating design of the liquid to air charge cooler heralds a novel method enquiries for Koolkwic from globally recognised high for cooling charged air down to very low temperatures; a performance motorsport, automotive and aerospace reduction from 238C down to 10C has been achieved with the ▪ Development and assessment prototype model developed. The unit is totally scalable for most companies. applications, is lightweight, and has a compact footprint. of solutions based on novel alloys, composites and new Roger Wise, CTO Koolkwic said: joining “Working techniques with the WMG Energy Innovation Centre, with their unrivalled expertise and world class facilities has, without doubt, helped us focus on delivering practical solutions for some of today’s critical thermal management problems using Koolkwic’s patented technologies”. Equipment used in this case study: WMG centre HVM Catapult’s Energy Innovation Energy Storage ■ Multi-channel battery cell cycler Centre provides unrivalled capability in (each channel 5V max, 100A max) and Management the testing of electric vehicle systems and ■ Climatic chamber powertrains, from single cells to complete (EUCAR level 6 – suitable for Lithium-ion battery testing) vehicle battery packs, motors and drive ■ Thermocouple temperature measurement system and ▪ State-of-the-art research Infra-Red thermal cameras systems. For more information please contact Richard Seager Business Development Manager facilities including hybrid powertrain, full battery e [email protected] characterisation and thermal t +44(0)24 7657 5935 or m +44(0)7824 541071 dynamometer Note: the High Value Manufacturing Catapult is an Innovate UK funded programme. Digital Verification and Validation