Crain News Service report
MAUMEE, Ohio (June 11, 2013) — Dana Holding Corp. has received two grants totaling $3 million from Natural Resources of Canada to develop technology to improve thermal management systems for batteries in electrical, plug-in hybrid electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.
"Through the EcoEnergy Innovation Initiative, our government is investing in innovative, clean energy technologies that create jobs, generate new economic opportunities and protect the environment," said Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "This program demonstrates our tangible support for energy projects that drive energy innovation."
Dana — which supplies driveline, sealing and thermal-management technologies to improve efficiency and performance of passenger, commercial and off-highway vehicles — operates five locations in Ontario, employing nearly 630.
Maumee-based Dana said it will use the grants to find solutions for better temperature control in electric vehicle batteries that will maximize life and reliability.
The first project will tackle the development of aluminum heat exchangers, used to thermally manage electric vehicle battery systems. The grant will be used to improve aluminum brazing materials and manufacturing technology, enhancing cleanliness and speed while reducing cost.
The second project will focus on improving battery life and durability during cold climate conditions typically found in Canada. The company, which will work in collaboration with Datec Coatings of Mississauga, Ontario, on this issue, said it will look at developing and integrating thick-film electric surface heaters directly into the battery cooling heat exchanger.
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This report appeared on rubbernews.com, the website of Rubber & Plastics News, an Akron-based sister publication of Tire Business.