Accelerating Prismatic and 46-Pi Cylindrical Battery Development
Aiming to Lead Coolant Technology with Support from SK Enmove
Park Kisu: "Two Years to Development... Capable of Controlling Thermal Runaway"
SK On is focusing on developing the next-generation thermal management technology called 'immersion cooling' to prevent overheating of electric vehicle batteries. SK On is a latecomer compared to other domestic battery companies in the development of prismatic and cylindrical batteries. While catching up with these battery technologies, the company is pursuing a strategy to widen the technological gap in the new field of immersion cooling by partnering with the group's lubricant affiliate.
On the 5th, SK On exhibited a model of an electric vehicle battery equipped with immersion cooling technology at 'InterBattery 2025' held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. SK On installed a transparent panel on the model to allow viewers to see how immersion cooling technology is applied to electric vehicle batteries. The area illuminated by purple light is the space where the electric vehicle battery module is located. This space is filled with immersion cooling fluid so that the module is completely submerged.
The cooling fluid, made from lubricant base oil, circulates through the module to reduce the heat generated by the battery. The cooling fluid, which absorbs heat from the battery and becomes warmer, flows to the location of the circulator to be cooled again. Through this circulation process, the cooling fluid contained in the battery pack is used semi-permanently. By using immersion cooling technology to cool the battery heat, charging speed can be improved, and battery life can be extended.
Earlier, Park Ki-su, head of the Technology Development (R&D) division, said in a meeting with reporters, "We are collaborating with SK Enmove to develop differentiated technology," adding, "We expect it will take about two years to reach the development stage." He continued, "Immersion cooling technology for electric vehicles must be developed according to the demands of automobile manufacturers," and said, "We are conducting contacts for this purpose." He also said, "Immersion cooling technology has excellent cooling performance, making it very advantageous for fast charging," and "It also helps control thermal runaway phenomena."
Park Ki-su, Head of R&D at SK On, is answering questions from the press at 'InterBattery 2025' held at COEX, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 5th. 2025.03.05. Photo by 2025 InterBattery Joint Press Team
Park said that even if immersion cooling technology is applied, it is unlikely to affect the price of electric vehicles sold. He stated, "The price would increase if only the immersion cooling technology itself is considered," but added, "However, since various protective materials currently required can be completely removed, the price at the vehicle level is expected to be similar."
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