Volume 50

Comparative analysis of passive cooling strategies for enhanced li-ion cell thermal management Sagar Vashisht, Dibakar Rakshit

Abstract

This study addresses the critical challenges of thermal management in Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure optimal performance. The study focuses on assessing two passive cooling methods: Phase Change Material (PCM) and passive immersion. The study compares their thermal performance against natural air cooling. The investigation involves mathematical modelling, numerical formulation, and validation of the electrothermal and PCM models, showcasing their efficacy in simulating Li-ion cell thermal dynamics. The results indicate that the PCM-based thermal management system performs better than others, achieving a remarkable temperature reduction of 11.02 °C and maintaining safe operating temperatures. Moreover, the PCM-based system demonstrates an impressive energy density of 136.88 Wh/kg, outperforming other passive immersion methods. This study contributes valuable insights for enhancing the thermal performance of Li-ion cells. It also contributes to understanding passive Li-ion cell thermal management strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of PCM-based cooling solutions for improved safety, efficiency, and lifespan in various applications.

Keywords Li-ion battery, Passive immersion cooling, Battery thermal management system, Phase change material