Simulation and Optimization of Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Management System Integrating Composite Phase Change Material, Flat Heat Pipe and Liquid Cooling

Abstract

A large-capacity prismatic lithium-ion battery thermal management system (BTMS) combining composite phase change material (CPCM), a flat heat pipe (FHP), and liquid cooling is proposed. The three conventional configurations analyzed in this study are the BTMSs using only CPCM, CPCM with aluminum thermal diffusion plates, and CPCM with FHPs. In addition, a CPCM–FHP assisted with liquid cooling at the lateral sides is established to enhance the thermal performance of large-capacity batteries. Moreover, the influences of coolant temperature, the number of FHPs and cooling pipes, and the coolant direction on the temperature field of a BTMS are discussed. Finally, the orthogonal design method is used for the multi-level analysis of multiple factors to improve the light weight of the system. The optimal parameter combination is obtained to achieve the best thermal performance of the BTMS, with the maximum temperature and the temperature difference at 43.17 °C and 3.36 °C, respectively, under a maximum discharge rate of 2C and a high-temperature environment of 37 °C. The optimal scheme is further analyzed and affirmed through the comprehensive balance method.

Keywords

• lithium-ion battery
• thermal management
• phase change material
• flat heat pipe
• liquid cooling
• orthogonal design method