Thermal management technology of power lithium-ion batteries based on the phase transition of materials: A review

Abstract

• The Li-ion battery heat generation models are presented. • The battery cooling technology based on solid-liquid phase change materials are reviewed. • Thermal management technologies of batteries based on liquid-vapor phase change principle are discussed in detail. With the rapid development of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles industry, heat generation problem of vehicles power source has been becoming a challenge which influences the temperature distribution and lifespan of batteries. An efficient battery thermal management system for controlling the temperature of batteries in a reasonable range and improving battery module's temperature uniformity to optimize the performance of power lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is necessary. In recent years, phase change material (PCM) is widely used as the working medium of battery thermal management system, which is an effective method to control the working temperature of batteries. In this context, this paper reviews two types of battery thermal management systems (BTMS) based on phase transition principle, including the thermal management system based on solid-liquid phase transition principle and the thermal management system based on liquid-gas phase transition principle. In addition, for the prediction of battery heat generation, several kinds of existing thermophysical models are reviewed in detail. These thermophysical models can accurately predict the distribution of heating area and the rising trend of temperature, which can provide thought support for the development and construction of thermal management system or model, as well as provide theoretical basis for the established thermal management system. Furthermore, the simulation time and calculation error of various models in computer are also summarized and discussed in this paper. On the other hand, the advantages, disadvantages and cost-effectiveness of each battery cooling technology are evaluated and discussed objectively in the latter section of the paper. In view of the shortcomings of some technologies, this paper discusses and puts forward appropriate optimization measures to provide a reasonable solution for the further research of battery thermal management system in the future.