Math based model for quick estimation of heat generated in an automotive Li–ion battery pack at various operating conditions

Abstract

With an emphasis on cutting down usage of fossil fuels and creating cleaner transport solutions, many automotive organizations have embraced Li–ion based battery technology to power their next generation hybrid and electric vehicles. The life and performance of the Li–ion battery packs, used on such vehicles, depends greatly upon the temperature of operation. An accurate estimation of the heat generated within a battery pack is essential in terms of sizing and designing the on–board coolant system. This paper demonstrates a simple approach for quick estimation of the battery pack temperature rise under different operating conditions. A Saber–Simulink co–simulation modeling capability has been developed to virtually represent the thermal and electrical components of a typical battery pack. Cell heat source has been evaluated using a reduced order model based on Newman’s 1–D approach. The cell model for heat generation has been integrated with a virtual battery pack electrical schematic in SaberTM and pack heat generation simulated with varying ambient and fluid flow conditions.