Abstract:
Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries have been utilized generally in electrical vehicles and
different applications because of their no memory effect, high specific energy, high
energy density, and high efficiency. However, these batteries generate a large amount
of heat when they are charged and discharged at a higher C-rate which eventually leads
them toward thermal runaway. To extend the lifespan, effectiveness, and capacity of
Li-ion batteries, a suitable Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) is
necessary. In this research work, the effect of active and passive cooling techniques
(i.e., natural convection cooling, forced cooling, and phase change material (PCM)
cooling) are studied on the charging and discharging of Li-ion cell at higher C-rate.
Lauric Acid is used as Organic PCM for cooling of single cell and its thermophysical
properties are obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In the absence
of natural convection cooling, experimental findings demonstrated that the highest cell
temperature during discharging at 3C, 2C, and 1C was 69oC, 60oC, and 38.7oC
respectively. The maximum increase in cell temperature using natural convection
cooling, forced cooling, and PCM cooling is 39.9oC, 20.1oC, and 20.8oC as compared
to the absence of natural convection at 3C discharge rate. The PCM cooling has shown
a temperature reduction of 7.2%, 25.3%, and 31% as compared to lack of natural
convection using a discharge rate of 1C, 2C, and 3C. Experimental results proved that
PCM cooling was most effective and capable of controlling the cell temperature
without any external power and assisting the Li-ion cells to operate within a safe
temperature range.
