Experimental Investigation on Modular Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Management Structure for Cylindrical Battery Cells

The effectiveness of a passive modular li-ion battery thermal management system (BTMS) comprising of a PCM and hexagonal aluminum fin structure was experimentally examined in this study. The maximum temperature rise of a li-ion cell attached to the prototype was recorded as it is discharged under a 1C, 2C and 3C discharge rate and its results are then compared to a li-ion cell cooled under natural convection conditions. From the results obtained, the prototype was able to maintain the cell temperature at its optimum temperature between 15°C to 35°C for all three discharge rates whereas the li-ion cell under natural convection was only able to maintain an optimal operating temperature at a 1C discharge rate. The Nusselt number of the prototype was also examined and it was determined that the Nusselt number decreases as the discharge rate of the battery increases signifying a reduction in the heat transfer rate of the prototype at higher discharge rates.