Application of phase change material (PCM) in battery thermal management system (BTMS): A critical review

Abstract

The battery thermal management system (BTMS)'s goals are to maintain the batteries' ideal operating temperature range and to offer safety precautions. The need for more advanced energy storage devices, such lithium-ion batteries, is on the rise as the market for electric vehicles and other mobile equipment reaches its peak. A huge pressure has been placed on the conventional air-cooled pack BTMS as a result of this demand. Over the past few decades, phase change material (PCM) use has been crucial in helping to overcome these constraints. Without using an external system, the PCM has demonstrated a considerably superior capacity to maintain the batteries' ideal operating temperature. The advantages and working concept for PCM in BTMS are thoroughly examined in the current review effort. The recent work for the utilization of PCM in the form of foam, fins, composite material, and the modified cooling pack is incorporated and reviewed. Additionally, the effect of the thermophysical properties of PCM on BTMS is summarized along with the available challenges. In the end, the conclusion is drawn on the basis of existing technology and further future needs in BTMS. The current review study will guide the researcher and help the manufacturers in the area of the development of sustainable battery thermal management systems using PCM.