Volume 53

Enhancing electric vehicle thermal management system with heat pump coupled phase change thermal storage unit Qinyue Zheng, Lanping Zhao, Zhigang Yang

Abstract

This study presents a technological advancement in electric vehicle (EV) heat pump systems by integrating a phase change thermal storage unit (PCTSU). This integration optimizes waste heat supply under real-world conditions, enabling efficient system operation in low-temperature environments and reducing the risk of frost formation on the external heat exchanger. Analysis based on a 1D system simulation model shows that even at an ambient temperature of -10 °C, the system with PCTSU achieves a coefficient of performance (COP) exceeding 1.8, indicating an approximately 22% improvement in energy efficiency compared to the original system. Additionally, the PCTSU reduces the thermal load on the external evaporator, contributing to maintaining normal system operation in cold climates. Under various driving conditions, the PCTSU-enhanced system demonstrates higher COP and more stable thermal load distribution. PCTSU shows potential in enhancing the thermal performance and efficiency of EV heat pump systems.

Keywords electric vehicle, thermal management system, heat pump, phase change thermal storage unit