In the quest for sustainable transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution, but they come with a significant challenge: managing the heat generated by their lithium-ion batteries. A recent study published in the journal “Engineering Results in Applied Mechanics” offers a novel approach to this problem, potentially shaping the future of EV battery thermal management systems.
The research, led by Akshay B. Padalkar from the Department of Technology at Savitribai Phule Pune University in India, introduces a unique design for a heat pipe-assisted thermal management system (TMS). The study proposes a new non-dimensional number, named the Chaudhari-Padalkar-Funde number (CPF number), which describes the rate of heat generation to the rate of heat dissipation. This number, according to Padalkar, “reveals the effectiveness of the designed TMS, providing a crucial metric for evaluating and optimizing battery cooling systems.”
The novel design incorporates heat pipes (HPs) at the central cavities of cylindrical cell batteries, utilizing the circumferential surface area with the aid of a battery cell contactor. The vertical HP extracts the heat and dissipates it through the top fins. The study found that HP with forced convection drops the temperature rise to 51.7 °C with an airflow velocity of 2 m/s and up to 47.8 °C with an airflow velocity of 4 m/s at a 3C discharge rate. The simulation results revealed that the peak temperature difference within the battery pack is maintained below 3 °C.
Despite an 18.2% increase in system mass, the effectiveness of heat extraction increased by 63.5%. The performance, as analyzed by the trade-off score, is 3.32, indicating a highly efficient designed system. The proposed design of a subgroup of 2s2p battery packs is easily replicable to larger-sized cylindrical cell battery packs for EV applications.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. Effective thermal management is crucial for the performance, life cycle, and safety of EV batteries. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, so does the need for efficient and reliable battery cooling systems. This study offers a promising solution, potentially paving the way for more advanced and effective thermal management technologies in the future.
As Padalkar notes, “The proposed design is not only effective but also easily replicable, making it a practical solution for the industry.” This research could shape future developments in the field, driving innovation and progress towards more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.