Speakers: Justin Perry, Marcello Velotta, Cummins Inc
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Duration: approximately 30 minutes; questions and answers to follow
Registration: https://cummins.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OiRiLTH1RwKPC16n66ZPkw
Abstract:
Leakage of traditional automotive coolants into battery packs is capable of leading to a thermal event with the potential for safety risks to passengers and equipment users. The high electrical conductivity of traditional coolants permits flow of electrical current into the leaked fluid which results in resistive heating of the fluid and generation of hydrogen due to electrolysis of water in coolant. Heating of the leaked coolant increases the temperature of the battery system which can lead to battery thermal runaway. Hydrogen generation in the battery pack can result in formation of an explosive gas mixture that can be easily ignited. An apparatus was developed to investigate hydrogen generation and resistive heating preceding thermal events related to coolant leakage into a battery pack.
A test plan was executed with the apparatus to investigate the effects of electrical conductivity, coolant formulation, and circulation of coolant in the system. Tests confirmed that electrical conductivity has a significant impact on hydrogen generation and resistive heating when coolant leaks into the battery pack. When electrical conductivity is held constant, coolant formulation has a significant effect on hydrogen generation and resistive heating due to formation of electrically insulating deposits within the battery pack. Tests revealed that circulation of leaked coolant within the battery pack is a minor accelerator for resistive heating, and a major accelerator for hydrogen generation which suggests that coolant leakage into a battery pack presents the highest risk during motion of a battery electric system. Tests conducted with the apparatus can be used to determine appropriate electrical conductivity thresholds and coolant formulations for a given battery electric system and usage scenarios. Implementation of this type of test in industry or OEM coolant performance standards has the potential to enhance the safety of products across the battery electric system market.
About the speakers:
Justin Perry and Marcello Velotta are both Material Science Engineering Technical Specialists with Cummins Inc. within the Corporate Research & Technology - Applied Science & Technology Team.
Justin supports the company as a coolant / antifreeze subject-matter-export. In this role, he is able to provide coolant-related support for all Cummins products across all phases of the product life cycle. Justin obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.
Marcello supports the company as a coolant and DEF subject matter expert. Marcello obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University.