JNCASR and Dreamfly Innovations Join Forces for Aviation Battery Advancements

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

Under this agreement, the two organizations will focus on the development of advanced thermal materials and thermoelectric devices to improve thermal management capabilities in aviation batteries. The initiative aims to translate fundamental materials research into practical, robust thermal technologies that can be deployed in real-world aviation applications.

Addressing Thermal Management Challenges

Effective heat management is crucial for optimizing the performance and safety of lithium-based batteries, particularly in aviation settings. Excessive heat generation during high-power operations not only reduces battery efficiency but also shortens lifespan and raises safety concerns. The Ministry of Science and Technology highlighted that while passive thermal management solutions, such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs), are appealing due to their lightweight nature and zero power consumption, they have not achieved widespread adoption. This is primarily due to the poor thermal conductivity of conventional PCMs, which hampers their ability to absorb heat rapidly, leading to overheating and accelerated degradation of battery components.

To overcome this limitation, the collaboration will explore strategies that incorporate high-thermal-conductivity additives to create composite PCMs. While these composites can enhance thermal performance, they often face challenges related to long-term stability, such as additive agglomeration during thermal cycling, which can compromise their effectiveness.

Innovative Solutions for Aviation

The advanced thermal materials being developed through this partnership are engineered to provide high thermal conductivity. This will allow for rapid absorption of excess heat during high-load operations, helping to maintain battery temperatures within optimal operating ranges. The goal is to achieve lightweight thermal regulation without sacrificing the long-term stability of the materials.

This collaboration brings together the research expertise of Prof. Kanishka Biswas‘ lab at JNCASR and the industrial innovation capabilities of Dreamfly Innovations. Together, they aim to tackle critical issues affecting drone performance, safety, and operational endurance, which are essential for the future of aviation technology.

This partnership not only represents a step forward in aviation battery technology but also underscores the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and industry players in addressing complex technical challenges. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, innovations in battery technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable air travel.