MAHLE launches owl-inspired bionic fan to reduce commercial EV noise
MAHLE has introduced a bionic high-performance fan that makes commercial electric vehicles quieter.
The fan blades can reduce the fan noise of a truck by up to 4 dB(A)—equal to more than halving the sound output. The fan provides a 10% increase in performance and a 10% lighter design than alternatives, according to the company. To save more weight, MAHLE also developed the fan cover and carrier based on bionic principles, so they are both more than 10% lighter and have increased structural integrity.
MAHLE offers the fan in a broad power range from 300 W to 35 kW, enabling its use in small electric passenger cars all the way through to large, temperature-sensitive fuel cell trucks. Various passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers are trialing the first prototypes.
During fast charging of vehicles, reduced noise levels can increase comfort for drivers and area residents—particularly when charging at night in residential areas or during resting times at service stations.
MAHLE engineers optimized the ventilation blades by modeling the design on the wings of an owl—one of the quietest birds.
“We have already seen success with our bionic battery cooling plate, a technology which helped us significantly while optimizing our fan,” said Dr. Uli Christian Blessing, Head of Development Thermal Management at MAHLE. “With the help of AI, we analyzed the characteristic features of bats, swordfish, and many other inspirations from nature. We finally ended up with the owl, the silent hunter, as the main template for our new fan.”
Source: MAHLE