Automotive supplier MAHLE has received its first series order for a cooling module designed for stationary battery storage systems, marking the company's entry into a new business segment. The order comes from an international commercial vehicles and drivetrain manufacturer that produces its own battery storage systems.
The cooling modules will be used in containerized battery storage systems that support power grid stability and store renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar installations. Production is scheduled to begin in 2026.
MAHLE is applying technology and experience gained from developing cooling systems for electrified buses to this new application. The company's cooling module provides up to 42 kilowatts of cooling capacity using liquid cooling methods, which represents a shift from the air-based cooling systems traditionally used in stationary battery storage.
The increased cooling capacity addresses requirements created by high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which generate more heat due to higher energy densities. The module maintains battery temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, a range that supports battery longevity and performance stability.
Christian Kuechlin, Vice President of MAHLE Industrial Thermal Systems, stated that the company designed the cooling solution to be compact and space-efficient, allowing maximum room for battery stacks within containers.
The stationary battery storage market is experiencing growth driven by increasing energy demands, particularly from data centers and the expansion of renewable energy sources. MAHLE's entry into this sector is part of the company's strategy to diversify beyond automotive applications.
The company currently develops thermal management solutions for several non-automotive applications, including liquid-cooled cables for electric vehicle charging stations. MAHLE has identified additional potential markets for its thermal technologies, including high-performance computing facilities, data centers, heat pump manufacturers, and photovoltaic system producers.