A research team at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has developed a patented passive hybrid cooling system designed to enhance the thermal management, safety and performance of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, addressing one of the most critical challenges in India’s rapidly growing EV landscape. The innovation has been granted Indian Patent No. 202121029238, titled “System for Thermal Management of Battery of Vehicle.”
Developed by Dr. Vaibhav Deshmukh, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Professor Emeritus & Director Research, Materials Science and Engineering; and Dr. Vaidehi Deshmukh, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, the system introduces a fully passive cooling architecture that operates without pumps, fans or additional electrical power.
The hybrid mechanism integrates high-efficiency heat pipes with a custom-engineered nanofluid enriched with thermally conductive nanoparticles and low-boiling-point liquids. This combination enables rapid heat extraction from battery hotspots through natural convection and phase-change processes—offering a safer, energy-independent alternative to traditional air- or liquid-based cooling systems.
According to the researchers, the system is particularly suited to India’s high-temperature environment, where EV fire incidents and battery overheating have become pressing concerns.
“In an environment such as India’s, the challenge isn’t just performance—it is safety first,” said Dr. Vaibhav Deshmukh. “Our passive hybrid cooling system ensures the battery pack remains within safe thermal limits without drawing power from the vehicle, enhancing reliability and operational efficiency.”
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan highlighted the strategic intent behind the innovation: “The goal was to eliminate active mechanical components that may fail or consume additional energy, and instead offer a robust, reliable solution for high-temperature markets and increasing fire-risk scenarios.”
Emphasizing the industry implications, Dr. Vaidehi Deshmukh added that removing pumps and fans addresses two major OEM concerns—energy overhead and thermal hotspots—ultimately strengthening EV safety in markets like India.
The breakthrough comes at a time of accelerating global and domestic market growth. The global Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) market, valued at approximately USD 5.41 billion in 2024, is projected to surpass USD 29 billion by 2030. In India, the EV battery cooling systems market is expected to grow from USD 138 million in 2025 to nearly USD 470 million by 2034, driven by demand for faster charging, longer range and higher safety standards.
With India’s EV penetration reaching 7.8% in FY 2024-25 and thermal runaway incidents gaining attention—particularly among two-wheelers and three-wheelers—the need for advanced, reliable thermal management technologies has never been greater. MIT-WPU’s patented innovation aims to address these gaps by offering a safer, passive and energy-efficient solution tailored for challenging climatic conditions.
