Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove unveil immersion cooling ESS

Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove have revealed the world’s first immersion cooling Energy Storage System (ESS), marking a significant step forward in developing non-flammable battery solutions. The announcement, made at a technology briefing in Seoul, showcases the companies’ innovative approach to improving battery safety and energy efficiency.

The new system employs advanced thermal fluid technology that isolates individual cells within lithium-ion battery modules, preventing dangerous thermal runaway events and enhancing the overall safety of the system. Certified by global institutions like DNV and the Korean Register of Shipping (KR), Hanwha’s ESS sets a new standard for maritime and land-based energy storage solutions.

Seung-Hyun Son, head of Energy Systems at Hanwha Aerospace, emphasised the importance of this development, stating, “Our immersion cooling ESS is designed to lead the next generation of energy storage solutions by providing exceptional fire prevention capabilities, especially for maritime applications.”

SK Enmove, responsible for supplying the system’s non-flammable cooling fluids, has been leveraging its Group 3 base oil technology to develop cutting-edge thermal management solutions. The technology will be commercialised for various applications, including data centres and electric vehicles, positioning SK Enmove as a leader in the growing energy efficiency market, projected to reach KRW42 trillion (USD31.5 billion) by 2040.

“By leveraging SK Enmove’s world-class Group 3 base oil technology and unique additive formulations, we have maximised the non-flammable properties of the battery,” said Sang-Hyuk Seo, head of e-Fluids B2B Business at SK Enmove. “We are not only focusing on marine applications but are also developing submersion cooling ESS for land-based uses, including data centres and electric vehicles. Our goal is to position SK Enmove as a global leader in immersion cooling technology.”

This collaboration between Hanwha Aerospace and SK Enmove represents a key innovation in the push for safer, more efficient energy storage solutions, reinforcing Korea’s leadership in the global ESS market.