JNCASR and Dreamfly Innovations Collaborate on Aviation Battery Materials

The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has entered into a partnership with Dreamfly Innovations, a Bengaluru-based company, to develop advanced thermal materials aimed at enhancing aviation batteries. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 24, 2024, seeks to address significant thermal management challenges in high-energy-density lithium-based batteries used in the aviation sector.

Under this initiative, the two organizations will focus on developing advanced thermal materials and thermoelectric devices that improve thermal management for aviation batteries. Effective heat management is critical in aviation, as excessive heat generation during high-power operations can lead to decreased efficiency, reduced battery lifespan, and increased safety risks.

The partnership brings together the expertise of JNCASR in materials design, synthesis, advanced characterization, and thermal transport measurements with Dreamfly Innovations’ capabilities in aviation battery engineering and system-level integration. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, this joint effort aims to transform fundamental materials research into deployable thermal technologies suitable for real-world aviation applications.

Addressing Thermal Management Challenges

One of the core issues in aviation batteries is the challenge of managing heat effectively. Conventional passive thermal management strategies, such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs), offer advantages like low weight and zero power consumption. However, their adoption has been limited due to low thermal conductivity, which hinders their ability to absorb heat rapidly. Consequently, this inefficiency leads to a rise in temperature and accelerates the degradation of battery components.

To overcome these limitations, the collaboration plans to engineer advanced thermal materials with high thermal conductivity. These materials will be designed to quickly absorb excess heat during high-load operations, thereby maintaining optimal battery temperatures. The goal is to achieve lightweight thermal regulation while ensuring long-term stability, addressing common issues such as additive agglomeration that can occur during repeated thermal cycling.

A Focus on Innovation

This partnership highlights a significant step forward in addressing critical challenges related to drone performance, safety, and operational endurance. By leveraging the academic research expertise of Prof. Kanishka Biswas at JNCASR, alongside the industrial innovation of Dreamfly, the collaboration aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in aviation battery technology.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, advancements in thermal management will play a crucial role in enhancing battery performance, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient aerial operations. This collaboration exemplifies the potential of combining academic research with industry innovation to solve pressing technological challenges.