Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove Unveil World's First Immersion Cooling ESS

Hanwha Aerospace, in collaboration with SK Enmove, has unveiled the world's first immersion cooling Energy Storage System (ESS), marking a significant step towards non-flammable battery technology.

Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove Unveil Worlds First Immersion Cooling ESS

The announcement was made at a technology briefing held at the Hanwha Building in Seoul, showcasing their technology that promises to revolutionise the ESS market and bolster Korea's leadership in green energy storage solutions.

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 innovative design 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 (KR), for its key model, SEAL.

SK Enmove, the partner of thermal fluids for Hanwha Aerospace's submersion cooling ESS, also presented their differentiated fluid technology at the event.

"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 e-Fluids B2B Business at SK Enmove. "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."

SK Enmove, is known for its Group 3 base oils and ZIC lubricants. It 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 42 trillion KRW 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 innovation and reinforce the global competitiveness of Korea's ESS sector, paving the way for safer and more sustainable energy storage solutions.