MIT-WPU Researchers Develop Passive Cooling System for EV Batteries

Researchers at MIT World Peace University have developed a passive hybrid cooling system for electric vehicle batteries that operates without pumps or fans, addressing thermal management challenges in India's high-temperature conditions. The system, granted Indian Patent No. 202121029238 under "System for Thermal Management of Battery of Vehicle," combines heat pipes with engineered nanofluids to prevent battery overheating.

The research team comprises Dr. Vaibhav Deshmukh, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Professor Emeritus and Director Research in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; and Dr. Vaidehi Deshmukh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

The system operates entirely through natural convection and phase-change processes without requiring electrical power. The nanofluid contains thermally conductive nanoparticles and low-boiling-point liquids designed for rapid heat extraction from battery hotspots. When integrated with heat pipes, the system maintains stable thermal conditions in extreme temperatures.

Dr. Vaibhav Deshmukh said, "In an environment such as India's---with high ambient temperatures and rapidly growing EV usage, the challenge isn't just about performance, it is about safety first. Our passive hybrid cooling system ensures that the battery pack remains within safe thermal limits without drawing power from the vehicle's system, thereby enhancing both reliability and operational efficiency."

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan noted that the aim was to leapfrog existing technologies: "Our goal was to enhance safety and reliability by eliminating active mechanical components that may fail or draw additional energy, and deliver a robust solution tailored for high-temperature markets and rising fire-risk concerns."

Dr. Vaidehi Deshmukh added: "By integrating a thermally enhanced nanofluid with a heat-pipe architecture—and removing pumps or fans—we've addressed two of the biggest challenges faced by OEMs: energy overhead and thermal hotspots. This significantly strengthens the safety profile of EVs in markets like India."

The technology removes heat using natural convection and phase-change processes rather than forced circulation, improving battery lifespan, charging efficiency and safety by maintaining stable battery temperatures.

Market Context

The global electric vehicle battery thermal management systems market was estimated at approximately USD 5.41 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 29.09 billion by 2030. In India, the EV battery cooling systems market is projected to grow from about USD 138 million in 2025 to nearly USD 470 million by 2034. The Battery Management System market is expected to rise from approximately USD 199 million in 2024 to USD 8.39 billion by 2035.

India's EV penetration reached around 7.8% in FY 2024-25. Industry assessments identify battery thermal runaway and insufficient cooling as major contributors to fire-related risks, particularly in two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The passive cooling system is designed to be compact and energy-efficient, offering a scalable solution for two-wheeler EVs while reducing maintenance costs.