Johnson Controls and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, one of Europe’s biggest organizations for applied research, have signed an agreement to develop next-generation cooling systems for vehicle batteries.

The collaboration will focus on technologies and thermal management strategies for lithium-ion battery packs. Currently, systems with fans, compressors or pumps use energy to pull heat out of a battery.

“Optimizing the energy storage solution within the broader vehicle environment will enable Johnson Controls to design, develop and commercialize systems which not only meet our customers’ requirements, but also lead to improvements in function, package and cost,” said Johnson Controls VP MaryAnn Wright.

The scope of the work will initially focus on 48-Volt Micro Hybrid battery technology, which Johnson Controls says has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent.

“Our commitment to developing new battery technologies is exemplified in our strong global academic network and national lab partnerships,” said Wright. “Innovative collaborations, like the one we have with the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, are an investment in both the future of academic research in energy management, and the development of the talent pipeline for our industry.”

Source: Johnson Controls