Passive Cooling Based Thermal Management System for Li-Ion Batteries Using Phase Change Materials /

Abstract

To improve the safety of Lithium-ion batteries, it is essential to comprehend their behavior when subjected to high temperatures. The safety of Lithium-ion batteries is closely linked to the structural arrangement and consistent cell spacing. In this study, a series of charge and discharge experiments were conducted on battery packs at various C-rates (1C, 1.5C, and 2C) to assess the impact of thermal management on battery performance. The temperature variation along the individual cells was examined using phase change materials to enhance thermal management. The general charging and discharging patterns of the cells revealed that the highest temperatures were recorded at 2C rate due to high current, with Cell 5 recording a temperature of 60.98 ℃. The utilization of zinc nitrate hexahydrate decreased the temperature by 18.98 ℃ to maintain it at 42 ℃, while the usage of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate resulted in a temperature reduction of 14.48 ℃ maintaining the temperature at 46.50 ℃. The eutectic mixture, which consisted of 45% zinc nitrate hexahydrate and 55% calcium nitrate tetrahydrate as a phase changing material, resulted in a temperature reduction of 21.97 ℃, maintaining the temperature at 39.01 ℃. These findings demonstrate that the use of eutectic mixtures is the most effective approach when utilizing phase change materials for the thermal management of Lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, this technique resulted in a significant decrease in temperature differences among the individual cells incorporated inside the battery pack. Hence, the utilization of phase change materials can be a viable method for enhancing the lifespan and safety of Lithium-ion batteries.