Novel approach for the performance augmentation of phase change material integrated battery thermal management system for number of charging/discharging cycles

Abstract

AbstractWith the development of fast charging unit for electric vehicles (EVs) battery, it is required to develop a battery pack that can maintain the temperature in the desired range. Hence, some thermal management system is required to enhance performance and safety issues. The objective of the present work is to enhance the performance of phase change material (PCM)‐based battery thermal management system (BTMS) for continuous charging/discharging cycles. The cycle is considered as 3C‐1C as charging‐discharging rates. The PCM‐in‐pack BTMS is effective only for one cycle, and after that, the value of maximum battery temperature (Tmax) and maximum battery temperature difference (ΔTmax) reaches above 60°C and 5°C, respectively. The PCM‐around‐cell BTMS (PCM layer around battery cells) is found effective in maintaining ΔTmax below 5°C for three consecutive cycles but found effective in maintaining Tmax below 60°C for the first cycle only. For further improvement, fins are utilized, and found that fin and PCM‐around‐cell BTMS can effectively maintain Tmax below 60°C for two cycles. Even the addition of fins is found effective after the second cycle; therefore, rest time between charging and discharging is explored for further improvement. With a 10‐min rest time, both Tmax and ΔTmax are found under 60°C and 5°C for four consecutive cycles. However, the value of Tmax increases around 4°C to 5°C after each cycle. This problem of increment in Tmax after each cycle is eliminated by 20‐min rest time and found almost similar Tmax for four consecutive cycles. For 20 min of rest time between charging and discharging, Tmax is found with PCM‐around‐cell with fin based BTMS as 44.98°C, 45.98°C, 46.49°C, and 46.82°C during four consecutive cycles. Hence, PCM‐around‐cell arrangement, fins, and rest time of 20 min can provide desirable results for a large number of consecutive cycles.