JNCASR–Dreamfly Tie-Up To Boost Aviation Battery Cooling

The partnership seeks to translate fundamental materials research into robust and deployable thermal management technologies for real-world aviation platforms. It focuses on addressing critical challenges in heat management for high-energy-density lithium-based batteries, which are widely used in aviation applications.

Effective thermal regulation remains a key constraint, as excessive heat generation during high-power operations can reduce efficiency, shorten battery life and pose safety risks. While passive thermal management solutions such as phase change materials are attractive due to their low weight and zero power consumption, their practical adoption has been limited by low thermal conductivity, resulting in slower heat absorption and accelerated battery degradation.

Attempts to improve phase change material performance through the addition of high-thermal-conductivity fillers have also faced challenges, particularly in maintaining long-term stability. Composite phase change materials often experience additive agglomeration during repeated thermal cycles, which can reduce reliability over time.

Under the agreement, the collaboration combines JNCASR’s expertise in materials design, synthesis, advanced characterisation and thermal transport measurements, led by Professor Kanishka Biswas’s laboratory, with Dreamfly Innovations’ experience in aviation battery engineering and system-level integration.

The advanced thermal materials under development are expected to deliver high thermal conductivity, enabling rapid heat absorption under high-load conditions, maintaining batteries within optimal temperature ranges and supporting lightweight thermal regulation without compromising durability. The partnership is expected to enhance performance, safety and operational endurance across aviation systems, including drones and other unmanned platforms, through materials-level innovation and strengthened industry–academia integration.