Study on Thermal Management Systems for Li-ion Cell Batteries

The thermal management of electric vehicle batteries is essential for maintaining optimal performance in high-temperature conditions and ensuring efficient operation in low-temperature environments. At low temperatures, electrochemical processes within the batteries slow down significantly, leading to increased internal resistance, reduced energy storage capacity, and decreased vehicle range. Effective battery heating and cooling methods are crucial for mitigating these effects and enhancing the functionality of electric vehicles in various environmental conditions.This study investigates and analyzes various cooling techniques for electric vehicle batteries to improve thermal management. A computational model was developed in Ansys to simulate heat dissipation in Li-ion battery cells and assess the efficiency of different thermal management strategies. The research focuses on both Air-based Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) and Liquid-based BTMS.To enhance the accuracy of the study, a 20-cell battery pack was modeled, around which a channels system was designed to facilitate forced convection cooling. Simulations were conducted for both air and liquid cooling, varying flow velocities and inlet temperatures to evaluate their impact on thermal performance.The results of this study contribute to the optimization of thermal management systems for electric vehicle batteries, offering a better understanding of how different cooling approaches influence battery performance and longevity. These findings can support the development of more efficient and reliable thermal management solutions, ultimately improving the safety and efficiency of electric vehicles.