In the relentless pursuit of faster, more efficient electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most daunting challenges remains the management of heat generated during rapid charging and discharging of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). Enter Abubakar Gambo Mohammed, a researcher from the Institute of Sustainable Energy at Universiti Tenaga Nasional in Malaysia, who has been delving into innovative solutions to tackle this very issue.
Mohammed’s latest study, published in the journal ‘Results in Engineering’ (translated from Malay as ‘Results in Engineering’), focuses on a novel battery thermal management scheme (BTMS) that could revolutionize the way we think about EV battery cooling. The key to his approach? A metallic phase change material (PCM) called Gallium (Ga), integrated with aluminum plates.
The problem with conventional PCM-based BTMS is that they often struggle to dissipate heat effectively during ultra-fast charging and discharging cycles. This is where Mohammed’s design shines. By optimizing various design parameters, such as the height of the aluminum plates and the positioning of air inlets and outlets, his Ga PCM-based system manages to decrease the maximum temperature by a significant 15 degrees Kelvin.
But the benefits don’t stop at temperature reduction. Mohammed’s design also addresses the weight and temperature distribution concerns that have long plagued battery cooling systems. “Increasing the height of the aluminum plates by 171.4% decreases the total mass density of the entire module by 10.2%,” Mohammed explains. This not only makes the system lighter but also ensures a more even temperature distribution, which is crucial for the longevity and safety of LiBs.
Moreover, the strategic positioning of the airflow inlet at the top of the module yields effective cooling performance, even at higher discharge rates. In fact, the proposed BTMS successfully regulates the maximum temperature around 313 K (approximately 40°C), well below the critical operating threshold for LiBs. This opens up exciting possibilities for ultra-fast charging and discharging applications, which are becoming increasingly important as the demand for quicker EV turnaround times grows.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? For starters, it could lead to more efficient, safer, and lighter EVs. But the implications go beyond just transportation. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, effective energy storage solutions become paramount. LiBs are already a significant player in this arena, and improvements in their thermal management could pave the way for more reliable and efficient energy storage systems.
Mohammed’s research, published in ‘Results in Engineering’, is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in addressing complex challenges. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the energy sector, solutions like these will be instrumental in shaping a more sustainable and efficient future. The next time you plug in your EV or look at a solar panel, remember that the key to unlocking their full potential might just lie in something as simple as a metallic PCM and a cleverly designed cooling system.