Numerical analysis of oil liquid sloshing in fuel tanks of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles under different structure baffles

Abstract To solve a large amount of oil liquid sloshing in the fuel tank and a series of problems caused by oil liquid sloshing in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) under the condition of electric drive only, this paper analyzes the oil liquid sloshing in fuel tank under different liquid filling rates under complex situations. After determining the representative liquid filling rates, the optimal scheme is finally determined. We conduct the specific analysis of different types, structures, and installation modes of fuel tank baffles under the same working conditions and liquid filling amount. The results show that the less liquid is filled in the fuel tank, the larger the sloshing amplitude is, and the more complicated the sloshing situation is. When the oil liquid sloshes, the non-porous baffle has an obvious zoning effect on the oil liquid and suppresses the oil liquid fluctuations effect, but the oil liquid fluidity is poor. The angle between the linear baffle and the oil liquid flow direction is larger, which has a better attenuation effect on the impact force of oil liquid. In conditions of significant oil liquid sloshing, a high baffle enhances the contact area of the oil liquid, resulting in improved inhibition effects. After considering various advantages and disadvantages, the analysis of the cruciform baffle found that the cruciform baffle limited the multi-directional movement of oil liquid, caused substantial vortex inside the oil liquid, and attenuated the kinetic energy generated by oil liquid sloshing. This greatly reduced the impact of the oil liquid on the fuel tank wall and improved the effect of suppressing oil liquid fluctuations.