Controlling thermal runaway by simultaneous use of thermoelectric module and phase change material in the lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles

Abstract

This work examines the experimental investigation of different kinds of thermal management systems (TMSs) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles. The investigation primarily focused on the battery thermal management system (BTMS) utilizing phase change material (PCM). The addition of the thermoelectric cooling system subsequently improved the BTMS. The findings indicate that when employing just PCM, the mean temperature reaches 85 °C, beyond the acceptable temperature range for battery safety. The use of the thermoelectric module in conjunction with the PCM has resulted in an elevation of the mean temperature of the battery to 76 °C within the specified timeframe. This outcome serves as a testament to the efficacy of the thermoelectric cooling system in further diminishing the average temperature of the battery. However, it should be noted that the battery's temperature remains within a hazardous threshold, thereby increasing the likelihood of thermal runaway and compromising the battery's overall performance and safety. The implementation of aluminum circular fins on the battery has resulted in a reduction in the average temperature from 76 °C to 65 °C. The alteration of the fin configuration from circular to axial fins resulted in the attainment of an average temperature of 48 °C.

Keywords

• Electric vehicles
• Lithium-ion battery (LIB)
• Thermoelectric cooling
• Phase change material (PCM)
• Battery thermal management system (BTMS)