Experimental study of a novel nanofluid cooling system based on fly ash and serpentine channels for modular lithium-ion battery thermal control

Abstract

In an effort to combat global warming, several countries have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. One of the most crucial and significant responsibilities in achieving carbon neutrality is transportation. The present generation of combustion-engine automobiles may be replaced by energy-efficient pure electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by green energy in response to global energy and environmental issues. More batteries are needed for EVs than ever before. According to this viewpoint, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are exceptional energy storage devices that have gained widespread usage because of their many outstanding advantages. EVs usually employ the battery thermal management system (BTMS) since LIBs are sensitive to temperature. With the aid of a BTMS, an electric car's lithium-ion battery may operate between 15 and 35 °C. The efficiency of LIBs is also impacted by the internal heat generated while charging and discharging. Thus, a battery heat control system is needed. Liquid-cooled systems can effectively regulate the LIB pack's temperature in both charge and discharge situations. The utilization of fly ash nanoparticles distributed in water-as a coolant in indirect liquid cooling systems is the primary objective of the current work. The fly ash nanoparticle concentration and the BTMS capacity to remove heat were found to be clearly correlated in the experimental findings of the fly ash-based nanofluid (NF). In comparison to the base fluid, the fly ash water-based NF was able to remove around 10.65% more heat at a concentration of 0.1% by volume of nanoparticles, and approximately 11.30% more heat at a concentration of 0.3% and 13.04% more heat at a concentration of 1% volume fraction of fly ash-based nanoparticles. Increased thermal conductivity and better convective heat transfer properties of the NF with a greater fly ash concentration are responsible for this improvement in thermal performance. Comparing these nanofluids to traditional coolants, experiments have shown that they can lower thermal resistance and increase heat transfer coefficients. According to the study's findings, fly ash-based NF perform better at cooling than traditional coolants like ethylene glycol and water.