Expansion tanks for engine cooling

In this chapter, we discover more about the vital role that expansion tanks play in the thermal management systems of electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications. Cooling fluids expand but are considered ‘incompressible.’ Therefore, the architecture of a cooling system needs to integrate expansion tanks to accommodate the increase of fluid as it heats up with rising temperatures.

In this video, we explain the integral role of expansion tanks in cooling systems in electric vehicles. We cover how expansion tanks provide a reservoir for excess coolant that expands when heated and a point for coolant to return to the system as it cools and contracts, ensuring a continuous flow of coolant and therefore maintaining the efficiency of the thermal management system.

Why expansion tanks prevent potential damage to other components within the cooling system.

Our video covers why expansion tanks play a crucial role in protecting the health of the cooling system. With the advancement of electric vehicles, modern expansion tanks have sensors that can detect coolant levels, temperatures, and pressures. If fluid loss is recognised quickly, it allows you to protect other components that would otherwise fail or wear at an accelerated rate.

We have a range of standard expansion tank designs for popular battery, motor, and inverter packages as well as more advanced and bespoke designs. Technical Services provides bespoke expansion tanks to accommodate challenging mounting positions that cannot be easily accessed.

Sourcing the correct expansion tanks for a cooling system

Expansion tanks must provide the correct expansion volume for the cooling system based on the fluid type, volume required, and predicted temperature extremes. Protecting liquid-cooled EV components that are vulnerable to overpressure requires a careful design of the cooling system architecture. Technical Services design and provide customised thermal management systems. Please get in touch to discuss your project. Please speak to a member of our team