Researchers at the LUT University Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC) are developing a commercial solution to reduce cooling power demand in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The project aims to create energy-efficient charging systems that lower operational costs and environmental impact.
Preliminary tests of a new active cooling prototype show promising results, significantly reducing peak cooling power demand while allowing partial recovery of waste heat for reuse. “Based on these results and computational models, we can now design the first prototype for a real commercial solution,” said Professor Tero Tynjälä, an expert in engineering thermodynamics.
As EV charging power increases, cooling requirements become a critical barrier. Traditional liquid-cooled systems are energy-intensive, add bulk to the equipment, and raise maintenance costs. The new solution focuses on stabilising temperature fluctuations caused by large power surges and integrating heat storage into station structures to reduce peak loads.
The research, conducted in partnership with Kempower, addresses both heat storage and transfer challenges. Tynjälä noted that mass production and improved software-driven thermal management will drive costs down and enhance performance in future charging stations.
Source: LUT University
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