The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region boasts the world’s largest and most rapidly expanding automotive market. With a rising number of vehicles in the area, there is a parallel surge in the need for engine cooling systems. While radiators currently hold a prominent position in the sector, alternative methods such as thermoelectric cooling and direct liquid immersion are gaining momentum. Moreover, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in the region is a significant factor contributing to the anticipated reduction in radiator demand by 2028. Against this backdrop, the engine cooling systems market in the APAC region is expected to fall by a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.0% during 2023-28, according to Globaldata, a leading data and analytics firm.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Global Sector Overview & Forecast: Engine Cooling System ” reveals that the engine cooling systems market in APAC is estimated to reach 41.5 million units in 2023 and decline to 39.4 million units by 2028.

Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Automakers increasingly embrace advanced technologies such as turbochargers and direct injection to enhance engine performance, requiring more sophisticated engine cooling systems. This has led to a growing demand for advanced solutions such as liquid cooling in the region.

“Researchers are exploring the use of nano-liquids as coolants in cooling systems, leveraging the thermal transfer properties of metal particles to potentially enhance the efficiency of both current and future cooling systems. Furthermore, there is a concerted focus on integrating phase change materials into cooling and air handling systems, intending to achieve improved efficiency in upcoming vehicle models.

“Although these efforts are expected to drive innovations in the sector, the sudden surge in demand for EVs in the region might prove to be a hindrance for the sector in registering a positive growth rate over the forecast period.”

Additionally, the increasing population and urbanization in APAC are causing heightened traffic congestion and stop-and-go scenarios, adding strain to vehicle engines, and necessitating more effective cooling systems. To improve fuel efficiency by minimizing energy loss in vehicle cooling systems, manufacturers are introducing technologies, for example, electric fans. This innovation ensures continuous airflow through the radiator, preventing overheating, even when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly.

Despite radiators maintaining their dominance as the primary technology for car engine cooling, progress in alternative methods such as thermoelectric cooling, phase change materials (PCMs), and direct liquid immersion is opening avenues for future possibilities. These emerging technologies hold the potential to deliver enhanced efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and novel design opportunities for car manufacturers.

Palit concludes: “Basic engine cooling systems have transformed into sophisticated setups with numerous additional components. In the next generation of automobiles, engine coolant is expected to play a crucial role in thermal management by not only extracting heat but also effectively conveying it. The focus of product development in this context will be on applications with heightened requirements. However, the developments in the automotive industry, including the emergence of hybrid and EVs are expected to limit the growth potential of the sector.”