Role of phase change material in improving the thermal management performance of the fast charging module

Abstract

The development of fast charging piles is essential for promoting the full adoption of electrical vehicles. Associated with fast charging is the challenge of an efficient thermal management solution for the charging module. This study explores the role of phase change material (PCM) in improving the thermal management performance of the fast charging module. The enthalpy-porosity model is given with convection and radiation heat transfer boundary conditions. A comparative analysis of the thermal management system performance with and without the PCM is performed. The results show the better performance for such a hybrid cooling system is given in the phase change endothermic process. However, the low thermal conductivity constrains its performance in the larger convective heat transfer coefficient. Increasing the thermal conductivity and heat absorption capacity of the PCM will give rise to better temperature control performance. The emissivity of the shell has become an essential part in the thermal management performance as the PCM is completely melted and the charging module temperature is increasing. The coupling effects of PCM with the convection, radiation heat transfer, and operating condition will further exhibit superior performance.