Russian scientists have created a durable and compact radiator for lithium-ion batteries that can be used to power electric vehicles.

The radiator is made of aluminum alloys using the friction stir welding technology.

The developers are specialists from St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Peter the Great (SPbPU).

Fedor Isupov, an engineer in the university's laboratory of lightweight materials and structures, said that aluminum alloys were chosen as the basis for the equipment because of their lightness and durability. At the same time, according to him, conventional welding methods could not be used for the cooling system made of aluminium, as this would have led, for example, to non-compliance with dimensional requirements.

The scientist explained that friction stir welding avoids the defects that arise in fusion welding. Moreover, this method makes the process faster and cheaper and allows creating stronger overlapped joints. They are significantly stronger than seams made by conventional welding.

The new radiator will not only be used for cooling the battery, but it also plays an important role as the bottom and base of the battery, and at subzero temperatures, it provides heat through it to warm the batteries.

Made in Russia // Made in Russia

Author: Ksenia Gustova