Thermal Regulation in the Battery Pack of Electric Vehicle By Adaptive Speed Control

Abstract: Electric vehicle battery performance and lifespan are critically dependent on effective thermal management, with excessive temperatures leading to accelerated degradation and safety risks. While most existing systems employ active cooling methods, this study investigates an alternative approach using adaptive speed control as a means of passive thermal regulation. The proposed model focuses on controlling energy discharge rates through motor speed modulation based on real-time temperature feedback, offering a potentially simpler and more energy-efficient solution compared to conventional cooling systems. This paper presents a simulation-based implementation of a thermal regulation system that adjusts vehicle speed in response to battery temperature variations. The core innovation lies in using field-oriented control (FOC) of the traction motor to limit battery current when temperatures approach critical thresholds. A mathematical model establishes the relationship between speed reduction and consequent heat generation decrease, demonstrating how controlled power output can maintain safe operating temperatures. The control architecture incorporates temperature sensor inputs processed by an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which calculates appropriate speed references to prevent thermal overload while maintaining basic vehicle functionality. Key aspects of the implemented model include: (1) a battery thermal dynamics representation accounting for ohmic heating and ambient conditions, (2) a speed control algorithm that prioritizes thermal protection during high-temperature scenarios, and (3) a simulation framework evaluating system response under various driving cycles. The results indicate that strategic speed reduction can effectively mitigate temperature spikes during demanding operation, particularly in stop-and-go urban conditions where active cooling systems are least efficient.