South Korean companies Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove have collaborated to produce the world’s first immersion cooling energy storage system (ESS), marking a significant step towards non-flammable battery technology.
The development was announced on 10 September 2024 at a technology briefing held at the Hanwha Building in Seoul that showcased the companies’ breakthrough technology, which promises to revolutionize the ESS market and bolster South Korea’s position in the green energy storage market.
Hanwha Aerospace’s newly developed immersion cooling ESS uses advanced thermal fluid technology to fill the lithium-ion battery modules, effectively isolating each cell. This prevents thermal runaway propagation, even if a single cell experiences thermal runaway, and addresses other safety risks such as insulation failures due to environmental factors like dust or salt.
By offering superior safety compared to conventional air- and water-cooled ESS models, the system enhances the non-flammable characteristics of the battery, and has received certifications from major global institutions, including DNV and the Korean Register of Shipping, for its key model, SEAL.
“With decades of experience in ESS design and R&D, we have achieved industry-leading levels of safety,” Seung-Hyun Son, head of the Energy Systems Center at Hanwha Aerospace, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Our immersion cooling ESS is set to lead the next generation of energy storage solutions, ensuring the highest levels of fire prevention. Safety is a critical requirement for maritime ESS applications.”
SK Enmove, Hanwha Aerospace’s partner, also presented at the technology briefing.
“By leveraging SK Enmove’s world-class Group 3 base oil technology and unique additive formulations, we have maximised the non-flammable properties of the battery,” said Sang-Hyuk Seo, head of SK Enmove’s e-fluids B2B business. “We are not only focusing on marine applications but are also developing submersion cooling ESS for land-based uses, including data centres and electric vehicles. Our goal is to position SK Enmove as a global leader in immersion cooling technology.”
SK Enmove, renowned for its Group 3 base oils and ZIC lubricants, has been diversifying into electric vehicle fluids and cooling fluids since 2022, with plans to commercialise its immersion cooling technology. This strategic expansion aligns with its goal to capture a significant share of the projected KRW 42 trillion (EUR 28 billion) power efficiency market by 2040.
Hanwha Aerospace aims to leverage its extensive experience in supplying ESS to public and maritime commercial vessels to become a leader in eco-friendly maritime solutions. The company also plans to accelerate the development of a value chain in the eco-friendly ship sector, in synergy with Hanwha Ocean’s maritime business initiatives.
Through this collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove are poised to drive the global competitiveness of South Korea’s ESS sector, which Hanwha says will “pave the way for safer and more sustainable energy storage solutions”.
The application of immersion cooling ESS technology in the military sector could significantly contribute to increased safety in hybrid and electric military vehicles, given that current battery systems, if they catch fire, are extremely difficult to put out.
