In the quest to optimize electric vehicle (EV) performance, particularly in cold environments, a groundbreaking study led by Qianhao Yue from the School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering at Xinjiang University has shed new light on battery thermal management. Published in the *Journal of Applied Science and Engineering*, Yue’s research focuses on a solar-powered, self-controlling temperature heating device that utilizes heat pipe technology to enhance the efficiency of EV batteries in low-temperature settings.
The study addresses a critical challenge in the EV industry: the significant impact of cold temperatures on battery performance. “Low-temperature environments can drastically reduce the charging and discharging performance of batteries, affecting the reliability and practicality of electric vehicles,” Yue explains. To tackle this issue, Yue and his team constructed a multi-physics field non-isothermal flow coupling model using COMSOL Multiphysics software. This model allowed them to conduct transient analysis and simulate the performance of different heat pipe configurations and fluid materials.
The research compared two key variables: the turning method of the heat pipe (right-angle turning vs. radian turning) and the type of fluid material used (motor oil vs. ethylene glycol). The findings were clear—radian turning and ethylene glycol proved superior in heat transfer performance. “By evaluating the final temperature, uniformity of temperature rise, and speed of temperature rise, we determined that radian turning and ethylene glycol fluid materials offer the best heat transfer characteristics,” Yue notes.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector. As the world moves towards carbon peak and carbon neutral goals, improving the thermal management of EV batteries is crucial. Yue’s study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the design and optimization of battery insulation systems, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable EVs.
“This study optimizes the heat pipe model and provides new ideas and methods for research and design in the field of electric vehicle battery insulation,” Yue adds. The simulation results offer valuable insights that could shape future developments in thermal management technologies, ultimately enhancing the performance and practicality of electric vehicles in various environmental conditions.
As the EV market continues to grow, innovations like Yue’s heat pipe technology will play a pivotal role in advancing battery efficiency and reliability. This research not only contributes to the scientific community but also paves the way for commercial applications that could revolutionize the energy sector.