OBERHAUSEN, Germany, March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft have signed a collaboration agreement to develop the next generation of more energy efficient, cost effective cooling systems for vehicle batteries. The collaboration pairs the world's leading automotive battery supplier with Europe's largest organization for applied research.

Scientists and engineers at Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company with core businesses in the automotive, building and energy storage industries, will work with both Fraunhofer's Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT) and with its Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM).

The collaboration will focus on technologies and thermal management strategies for Lithium-ion battery packs. Currently, systems with fans, compressors or pumps use energy to pull heat out of a battery.

"Optimizing the energy storage solution within the broader vehicle environment will enable Johnson Controls to design, develop and commercialize systems which not only meet our customers' requirements, but also lead to improvements in function, package and cost," said MaryAnn Wright, vice president of Engineering and Product Development for Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

The scope of the work will initially focus on 48-Volt Micro Hybrid battery technology, which is designed to deliver strong fuel and emissions efficiency, and load management at a lower price than hybrid and electric vehicle technology. 

Johnson Controls has demonstrated its advanced Micro Hybrid battery technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, thus helping automakers meet increasing regulations, while consumers save money when they fill their gas tank.

The technology is expected to be adopted in Europe first and then quickly move to the U.S., with global adoption starting in 2020.

"Our commitment to developing new battery technologies is exemplified in our strong global academic network and national lab partnerships," said Wright. "Innovative collaborations, like the one we have with the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, are an investment in both the future of academic research in energy management, as well the development of the talent pipeline for our industry."

Along with the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Johnson Controls Power Solutions works with partners such as Argonne National Lab, the University of Wisconsin System, Lawrence Technological University, Ohio State University, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Hannover University, Aachen University, the University of Cambridge and the University of Science and Technology- Beijing.

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About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles.  Its 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one third of the world's lead-acid batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers.  Through its innovations the company is building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles.  Johnson Controls was the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles.  The company's commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.

About Fraunhofer Society

With a workforce of roughly 23,000, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe's biggest organization for applied research, and currently operates a total of 67 Fraunhofer Institutes and research institutions. The organization's core task is to carry out research of practical utility in close cooperation with its customers from industry and the public sector. In this way the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft shapes the innovation process and drives forward the development of key technologies. The organization's research focuses on the needs of people in the areas of health care, security, communication, mobility, energy and the environment. International locations and representative offices act as a bridge to the regions of greatest importance to scientific progress and economic development.

For more information please contact:

Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA                                      

Christian Riedel
Am Leineufer 51
30419 Hannover
Tel: +49 (0)511 975 1094

E-Mail: Christian.M.Riedel@jci.com