Cooling in an internal combustion engine ( ICE ) is a critical process , as well as in EVs — although a more advanced system can manage it more effectively . Now that cars are becoming more digital , adopting artificial intelligence ( AI ) to manage the processes that are integral for upholding their specifications , temperature is easier to manage . be supported by a heating , ventilation , and air conditioning ( HVAC ) system ( active ). Often , the latter solution uses no more than 1kW of cooling and can also be used to heat or cool the cabin . The components that power the EV , such as the HVAC system , motor , inverter , and battery , are optimised by a battery thermal management system ( BTMS ).

The alternative option — one that is used in the majority of EVs — is liquid cooling . This is the process of using liquid coolant , either water , a refrigerant , or ethylene glycol , to reduce the temperature of the battery .

Understanding the different cooling system types gives more appreciation to the solutions that are now more commonly used in EVs .

First , there ’ s air cooling , which , unsurprisingly , uses air to cool the battery . This can be either active or passive , meaning the car either draws air from outside or in the cabin ( passive ), or will

10 [ Jan 2023 ] EVMAGAZINE . COM