Improvement of low temperature performance of SAM EV-II Li-ion battery pack by applying active thermal management based on Peltier elements

Abstract

Battery packs for electric vehicles based on lithium ion/polymer cells technology require thermal management to provide full performance in all climate condition including cold winter. However the performance of lithium ion or polymer cells in sub-zero conditions is going down rapidly both in case of discharging and charging. It results in dramatic reduce of electric vehicle range from one side and lacking of ability of full charge the battery pack from other side. Solution of this problem is presented in this paper. An unique technology of active thermal management utilizing thermoelectric elements (Peltier elements) is used to provide right performance for battery pack in harsh environment conditions. The technology has been used in SAM EVII, electric three wheeler, which is in sale in Europe now.