JNCASR and Dreamfly Innovations Collaborate on Aviation Battery Tech

The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has entered into a collaboration with Bengaluru-based Dreamfly Innovations to enhance thermal materials used in aviation batteries. This partnership aims to develop advanced thermal materials and thermoelectric devices designed to improve thermal management in high-energy-density lithium-based batteries. The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on January 24, 2024.

The collaboration focuses on addressing significant challenges in thermal management that currently impede the performance and safety of aviation batteries. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the combination of JNCASR’s extensive expertise in materials design and synthesis with Dreamfly Innovations’ proficiency in aviation battery engineering will foster innovative solutions for heat management in real-world applications.

Effective heat management is essential, as excessive heat generation during high-power operation can lead to reduced efficiency, a shorter battery lifespan, and heightened safety risks. Traditional passive thermal management strategies, such as using Phase Change Materials (PCMs), have shown promise but are limited by their generally poor thermal conductivity. This limitation often results in inadequate heat absorption, causing temperature increases that accelerate the degradation of battery components.

To overcome these challenges, the partnership aims to engineer advanced thermal materials with high thermal conductivity. These materials will facilitate rapid heat absorption during peak loads, maintaining battery temperatures within optimal ranges while remaining lightweight and stable over time. The collaboration draws on the academic research expertise of Prof. Kanishka Biswas at JNCASR, alongside the practical innovation capabilities of Dreamfly Innovations, to tackle critical issues affecting drone performance, safety, and operational endurance.

The development of these advanced thermal materials represents a significant step toward enhancing the reliability and efficiency of aviation batteries. As the aviation industry increasingly relies on advanced lithium-based batteries, effective thermal management will play a pivotal role in ensuring their safety and effectiveness.

This partnership underscores the importance of translating fundamental materials research into practical technologies that can be deployed in aviation platforms. By focusing on materials-level innovation, JNCASR and Dreamfly Innovations aim to create robust thermal solutions that meet the growing demands of the aviation sector.