Essential Facets of Fluid Mechanics in EVs

EVs have taken the world by storm. The usability and overall efficiency of these vehicles have led to people worldwide switching from traditional vehicles to EVs.

By Carandbike Team

1 mins read

Published on February 14, 2022

Highlights

Main cooling fluid used for traditional engines is called "antifreeze"
Cooling fluid's main job is to keep the engine at an optimum temperature
Without a cooling fluid, the car will cease to function properly.

Fluids are an essential part of automobile mechanics. They are used as cooling agents while also finding use as braking fluids. We know that traditional cars with traditional engines require cooling fluids to function properly. However, research suggests that cooling fluids are necessary for EVs as well. These fluids improve the vehicle's performance, which is why it is important to learn more about them! Photo Credit: pixabay.com What are cooling fluids? Cooling fluids are those fluids that lower an engine's temperature for optimal functioning. Without cooling fluids, the engine temperature can reach such levels that it may lead to serious damages. Photo Credit: pixabay.com What are lubricating fluids? Lubricating fluids are substances applied between rotating parts to reduce friction between these parts and prevent wear and tear. Why are these fluids important? One of the major ideas being pitched in the scientific community is "thermal management of EVs." This idea suggests that EVs require much more than simple cooling to function properly! Nowadays, the main cooling system that works in EVs is known as the "indirect cooling system." A plate made up of metal alloys is used as a suction for the heat. That heat is transferred to the coolant pumped around the system to provide heat dissipation. This is a pretty inefficient way of dealing with the heat because only a small fraction of the fluid is transferred out; the rest remains. The technology now being suggested is "direct cooling." The fluid is in direct contact with all the electrical parts (such as circuit boards). The fluid needs to be dielectric to not conduct electricity and cause a short circuit. Photo Credit: pixabay.com The fact is, this was all about heat dissipation and cooling down the system. But there is one more element these fluids need to take care of – lubrication! These motors are rotating gears that brush against one another so that the car can function. This much brushing would undoubtedly lead to excessive friction that would lead to the parts wearing out in a short amount of time. Thus, there needs to be lubrication within these parts. Again, the fluid needs to be dielectric to do the job of cooling and reducing friction without causing circuit failures. These batteries need to be changed from time to time; otherwise, they'll go dead and cease to function. Study shows that efficient cooling of these batteries speeds up the charging process. Without fluids for effective cooling, the battery's performance starts to deteriorate. If fluids can be used efficiently through more developments, it would be easier for people to travel in EVs!