In the heat dissipation systems of new energy vehicle (NEV) charging stations, liquid-cooled pumps and air-cooled heat dissipation devices are two mainstream technical solutions. They differ significantly in terms of working principles, application scenarios, and performance. Selecting the appropriate heat dissipation method is crucial for the stable operation of charging stations.

I. Fundamental Differences in Heat Dissipation Principles

1. Liquid-Cooled Pumps for Charging Stations

The core logic of liquid-cooled pumps lies in heat conduction through liquid circulation. Taking the liquid-cooled pump developed by Shenpeng Technology as an example, the coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol solution) driven by the pump flows through the heat-generating components of the charging station (such as charging modules and cables). After absorbing heat, the coolant enters a heat sink, where the heat is transferred to the outside environment via fans or water-cooled radiators. The heat dissipation efficiency relies on the high specific heat capacity of the liquid, which enables rapid heat removal from concentrated heat sources. Shenpeng Technology has continuously optimized the hydrodynamic design of its liquid-cooled pumps to enhance heat transfer efficiency.

2. Air-Cooled Systems

Air-cooled systems rely on air convection for heat dissipation. They use fans to directly blow air over heat-generating components or heat-dissipating fins, and heat is dissipated through air flow. This method does not require a liquid circulation system, resulting in a simpler structure. Its performance mainly depends on air mobility and heat dissipation area.

II. Differentiated Selection of Application Scenarios

1. Liquid-Cooled Pumps

Liquid-cooled pumps are more suitable for high-power fast-charging stations (e.g., 120kW and above). These charging stations generate massive heat in a short period, and liquid-cooled systems can precisely target high heat flux density areas (such as IGBT modules) to prevent local overheating. With their stable power output and strong adaptability, Shenpeng Technology’s liquid-cooled pumps have been widely used in high-frequency, high-load scenarios such as ultra-fast charging stations at highway service areas and commercial fast-charging stations, becoming one of the mainstream choices.

2. Air-Cooled Systems

Air-cooled systems are ideal for low-power charging stations (e.g., 60kW and below), such as residential home charging piles and slow-charging piles in small parking lots. Their simple structure and low maintenance costs make them suitable for the continuous dissipation of low heat loads.

III. Key Performance Comparison

IV. Differences in Cost and Maintenance

1. Initial Cost

The cost of liquid-cooled systems is 40%–60% higher than that of air-cooled systems, mainly due to the pump, coolant, and sealing components. Through large-scale production and technological innovation, Shenpeng Technology has effectively controlled the cost of its liquid-cooled pumps, narrowing the gap in initial investment compared to air-cooled systems.

2. Maintenance Cost

Liquid-Cooled Systems: Coolant replacement (costing approximately $15–$30) is required every 2–3 years, along with pipeline tightness checks. The durable design of Shenpeng’s pumps reduces maintenance frequency.

Air-Cooled Systems: Only annual fan dust cleaning is needed, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

V. Future Trends: Technological Integration and Scenario Segmentation

As charging station power upgrades to 480kW and 600kW, the market share of liquid-cooled systems is rising rapidly. Shenpeng Technology is also continuously developing higher-performance liquid-cooled pumps to meet the demand for higher-power charging. However, in the low-power segment, air-cooled systems remain irreplaceable due to their cost advantages.

Some manufacturers have launched “liquid-cooled + air-cooled” hybrid systems—using liquid cooling for core components and air cooling for auxiliary areas—to balance efficiency and cost. Shenpeng Technology is also exploring such integrated technical solutions to provide better options for the industry.

In summary, liquid-cooled pumps for EV charging stations are the preferred choice for high-power, high-load scenarios, while air-cooled systems are more suitable for low-power, cost-sensitive needs. As a key player in the liquid-cooled pump sector, Shenpeng Technology’s products offer advantages in performance, reliability, and cost control, providing strong support for charging station heat dissipation systems. In practical applications, a comprehensive assessment of charging station power, installation environment, and budget is necessary to balance heat dissipation performance and economic efficiency.