Experimental study and numerical simulation of a Lithium-ion battery thermal management system using a heat pipe

Abstract

The use of electric appliances equipped with lithium-ion batteries, have been increasing every day. The energy density of lithium-ion batteries is high; however, their lifespan and performance are heavily influenced by the rise in temperature. Hence, the development of thermal management of the lithium-ion battery is very necessary. One of the most effective methods for battery cooling is the use of heat pipe. Since many batteries are used together in order to generate higher power, it is important to predict their thermal performance. In this study, a lithium-ion battery heat management system equipped with a heat pipe is investigated. Part of a battery pack consisting of two batteries and a made heat pipe is selected and its performance is investigated experimentally. These tests are performed at various ambient temperatures through a made test chamber with the ability to accurately control temperature. In addition, with the help of software, a coupled simulation model for lithium-ion battery cooling with a heat pipe has been developed and compared with experimental data. The experimental results show that although with increasing ambient temperature, the battery surface temperature increases, but due to the decrease in thermal resistance of the heat pipe, the effect of this temperature rise can be moderated and work as an active method. In addition, using forced convection in the condenser section, not only can the battery surface temperature be controlled below 40 °C, but it also distributes the temperature uniformly over the battery surface. The use of the heat pipe also helps to maintain more stable temperature conditions with lower temperature fluctuations in consecutive battery cycles.