SciTransfer
E-COOL · Project

High-Efficiency Spray Cooling Systems for Heavy-Duty Electric Motors

transportPrototypeTRL 3

Imagine trying to cool a hot laptop by spraying a very special, stretchy mist directly onto the hottest parts instead of just using a fan. This project creates a smart cooling liquid and a computer-guided spray system to stop electric motors from overheating. It allows motors to work harder and longer without burning out, much like an advanced radiator for the most demanding machines.

By the numbers
20%
Average increase in e-motor efficiency
110TWh
Target energy savings by 2030
40 Mt
CO2 emissions reduction per year
40%
Global electricity consumed by e-motors
The business problem

What needed solving

Electric motors in heavy-duty transport and aircraft overheat during high-power operations, creating a technical barrier that limits efficiency and prevents full electrification of these sectors.

The solution

What was built

A direct-contact spray cooling system consisting of non-Newtonian oil-based polymer mixtures and a machine-learning optimized design tool.

Audience

Who needs this

Electric aircraft manufacturersHeavy-duty EV truck OEMsIndustrial earth-moving machinery producersHigh-performance electric motor designers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Heavy Machinery
enterprise
Target: Earth-moving equipment manufacturer

If you are an equipment manufacturer dealing with motors that overheat during power-demanding operations — this project developed a direct-contact spray cooling system that can increase e-motor efficiency by an average of 20%. This allows your machines to handle heavier loads without thermal failure.

Aerospace
enterprise
Target: Electric aircraft developer

If you are an aircraft developer dealing with the technological barrier of excess heat in copper windings — this project developed a system using non-Newtonian polymer mixtures that provides unprecedented cooling rates at local hot spots. This helps overcome the heat limitations currently prohibiting electrification in aviation.

Automotive
enterprise
Target: Heavy-duty EV truck manufacturer

If you are a truck manufacturer dealing with limited EV mileage and heat generation in commercial vehicles — this project developed a machine-learning optimized cooling design that increases motor efficiency by 20%. This directly contributes to extending the range and performance of heavy-duty electric fleets.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the expected cost or price of this system?

Based on available project data, there is no specific pricing or cost information provided.

Can this technology be scaled for industrial production?

The project aims to achieve breakthroughs at time-scales compatible with industrial innovations reaching the market, utilizing a universal design methodology and machine learning for optimization.

How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?

Based on available project data, specific IP or licensing terms are not mentioned.

What regulations drive the need for this technology?

The project is driven by EU regulation 2019/1781, which aims to save 110TWh by 2030 through increased e-motor efficiency.

How long does it take to integrate this into existing motors?

The project is designed to align with industrial innovation timelines to ensure the technology reaches the market efficiently.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, featuring a 43% industry ratio with 3 industrial partners and 3 universities across 6 countries. This mix ensures that the fundamental research into polymer sciences and CFD simulations is grounded in industrial requirements, increasing the likelihood of commercial adoption.

How to reach the team

Contact Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to track the development of these spray-cooling prototypes for your fleet.

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