A Novel Leak-Proof Thermal Conduction Slot Battery Thermal Management System Coupled with Phase Change Materials and Liquid-Cooling Strategies

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing explosive developments due to their advantages in energy conservation and environmental protection. As a pivotal component of EVs, the safety performance of lithium-ion batteries directly affects driving miles and even safety; hence, a battery thermal management system (BTMS) is especially important. To improve the thermal safety performance of power battery modules, first, a new leak-proof phase change material (PCM)-coupled liquid-cooled composite BTMS for large-scale battery modules is proposed in this research. Second, the numerical simulation analysis method was utilized to analyze the influences of the fluid flow channel shape, working fluid inlet temperature, inlet velocity, and reverse flow conditions on the BTMS. Eventually, the abovementioned performances were compared with the traditional PCM-coupled liquid-cooling strategy. The relative data indicated that the Tmax was reduced by 17.5% and the ΔTmax was decreased by 19.5% compared to the liquid-cooling approach. Further, compared with conventionally designed PCM composite liquid cooling, the ΔTmax was reduced by 34.9%. The corresponding data showed that, when using the e-type flow channel, reverse flow II, the inlet flow velocity was 0.001–0.005 m/s, and the inlet temperature was the ambient temperature of the working condition. The thermal performance of the anti-leakage system with a thermal conduction slot PCM-coupled liquid-cooling composite BTMS reached optimal thermal performance. The outcome proved the superiority of the proposed BTMS regarding temperature control and temperature equalization capabilities. It also further reduced the demand for liquid-cooling components, avoided the problem of the easy leakage of the PCM, and decreased energy consumption.