Phase change materials for battery thermal management of electric and hybrid vehicles: A review

Abstract

Battery is essential parts of an electric and hybrid electric vehicle. Good amount of heat is generated by charging and discharging actions. For maximum efficiency, reliability of utmost necessary to conserve the optimum temperature by employing a proper battery thermal management system. Uses of Phase Change Materials for thermal management have attracted attention in recent years due to its lightweight, improved energy efficiency, less intricacy and better thermal homogeneity. These materials are a potential substitute for economical, and simple operation. Phase Change Materials could be utilized as active or passive systems, empowering the universal system to nurture near-autonomous performances. This work consists of the discussions on battery thermal management systems using phase change materials, enhancement of Phase Change Materials’ thermal conductivity, thermal management schemes and finally concluding with the application sections. Heat transfer can be augmented by application of Phase Change Materials through thermally conductive particles, metal fin, metal foam and expanded graphite matrix. Newly developed thermal management configurations like multi-layer Phase Change Materials and sandwiches are also outlined. Additionally, a thermal management system merging Phase Change Material cooling via air or liquid is also presented.