Combustion
Coolants for every combustion engine.
An engine coolant plays a crucial role in the optimal performance of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It is essential for maintaining the engine's temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring the longevity of engine components. Here, we will explore the importance of thermal management, the historical shift - driven by our pioneering work - towards OAT-based coolants, long-life coolants with extended service intervals and the increasing complexity of cooling systems introduced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Thermal management
Thermal management is vital for the efficient operation of ICE vehicles. The engine generates a significant amount of heat during combustion and without proper cooling, this heat can cause severe damage to engine components. An engine coolant, often referred to as antifreeze, circulates through the engine, absorbing excess heat and dissipating it through the radiator. This process helps maintain the engine at an optimal operating temperature, preventing overheating and potential engine and system failure.
Effective thermal management also involves protecting the engine from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling in high temperatures. The coolant's antifreeze properties ensure that it remains liquid under extreme conditions, providing consistent protection year-round.
A common misconception in the market is that the engine is the hottest part of the cooling system. Although this was true for early vehicle designs, the introduction of higher-performing vehicles and the integration of cooling system components such as air charge coolers, exhaust gas recirculation and waste heat recovery systems mean that cooling and overheating risks are no longer solely a concern for the engine module but an integrated challenge in the cooling system.
Historical shift towards long-life coolants
Historically, engine coolants (traditional additive technology) required frequent replacement due to the consumption rate of the additives. However, advancements in coolant additive technology have led to the development of long-life coolants with extended service intervals, based on Organic Additive Technology (OAT), a field where Arteco has played a pioneering role, reshaping the coolant landscape. These modern coolants are formulated with advanced additives that enhance their stability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
The benefits of long-life coolants are:
Reduced maintenance costs: Extended service intervals mean fewer coolant changes, leading to lower maintenance costs for vehicle owners.
Improved engine protection: Advanced additives provide better protection against corrosion, cavitation and erosion, ensuring the engine components remain in good condition for longer periods.
Environmental benefits: Fewer coolant changes result in less waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Increasing complexity of cooling systems
As original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) strive to create more efficient and higher-performing engines, the complexity of cooling systems has increased significantly. Modern engines operate at higher temperatures and require more sophisticated cooling solutions to manage the increased thermal load.
Key factors contributing to the complexity of modern cooling systems include:
Diverse materials:
Cooling systems now incorporate a variety of materials, including metals, elastomers, and composites, each with specific compatibility requirements.
Multiple cooling circuits:
Advanced engines often feature multiple cooling circuits to manage different temperature zones within the engine, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Think about heating catalyst needed to reduce emissions or exhaust heat recovery or heating air to improve combustion temperatures,...
Integration with other systems:
Cooling systems are increasingly integrated with other vehicle systems, such as hybrid and electric powertrains, requiring coolants that can perform under diverse conditions.
At the same time, electrification is reshaping the global mobility landscape, and it’s doing so fast. Many of our coolant technologies, originally developed for internal combustion engines, are already being successfully applied in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Products like FREECOR® FTC, BMC and LPC help manage thermal loads efficiently while offering proven corrosion protection across a wide temperature range.
However, selecting the right coolant for a BEV is far from straightforward.
With increasing diversity in vehicle design and system architecture, thermal fluids are expected to meet more specific requirements. In fast-evolving markets like China, where EV growth is rapid and safety regulations are stringent, low electrical conductivity has become a critical performance factor, especially in indirect battery cooling loops. In response to these evolving needs, Arteco has developed premium coolants tailored for applications where enhanced electrical safety is essential.
OEMs are continuously innovating to develop coolants that meet these evolving demands. For example, new formulations are being introduced to tackle challenges such as oxidation resistance, flux compatibility and low electrical conductivity for hybrid and electric vehicles.
In conclusion, engine coolants remain indispensable for the efficient and reliable operation of internal combustion engine vehicles. The advancements in coolant technology and the increasing complexity of cooling systems reflect the ongoing efforts of OEMs to enhance engine performance, reduce maintenance costs, and meet the demands of modern automotive engineering.