Investigations on melting and solidification of a battery cooling system using different phase change materials

R. Pradeep, T. Venugopal
2020 Thermal Science  
The temperature of battery modules in electric vehicles (EVs) must be controlled adequately to remain within a specified range for optimum performance. In this research work, thermal management of battery modules with phase change materials (PCMs) was investigated experimentally and computationally. lithium ion battery pack cooled with a phase change material (PCM) for removing heat generated during the battery charging and discharging cycles. Computations and experiments were carried out to
more » ... imate the heat transfer, solidification and melting characteristics of the PCM used in the thermal management of a Li-Ion cell module. Four PCM's (GR44, RT50, OM35 and paraffin wax) with different melting temperature were used for the study. Battery operating temperature and melting point are the key parameters for selection of PCM. Experiments have been carried out only for OM35 & Paraffin Wax, because PCM OM35 melting point is within the battery operating temperature and Paraffin Wax for considering harshest condition. PCM OM 35 melting temperature range is below 35˚C which is accordance with a desire to keep battery temperature below 35˚C. Based on experimental & simulation results, it was found that OM35 is keeping battery temperature range minimal, which was the ideal for Li-ion battery thermal management.
doi:10.2298/tsci200229220p fatcat:oumd6l2tczaq7mi7sgpplowzje