CFD-Based Analysis of Thermal Management in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrmeet.org.v10.i1.1

Akshit Kohli

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201009, India

Abstract

With the rapid evolution of electric vehicles (EVs), ensuring efficient thermal management for battery packs is a critical challenge for enhancing their performance, safety, and longevity. This manuscript explores the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model and analyze thermal behavior in EV battery packs. The study identifies the key factors influencing thermal performance, including cooling methods, battery cell arrangement, and material properties. By employing CFD simulations, this research evaluates the effectiveness of different thermal management strategies such as passive and active cooling systems. The results highlight the significance of optimal cooling system design in preventing overheating and ensuring uniform temperature distribution within the battery pack. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of more efficient, reliable, and safe battery systems for electric vehicles. With the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the efficiency, safety, and longevity of their battery systems are critically dependent on effective thermal management. The thermal management of EV battery packs is essential to optimize performance, prevent overheating, and enhance the lifespan of lithium-ion cells.

This manuscript focuses on the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate and analyze the thermal performance within electric vehicle battery packs under different operating conditions. By investigating multiple cooling strategies, including passive and active cooling systems, the research aims to identify the most effective methods for maintaining temperature stability. The study emphasizes the importance of uniform temperature distribution across the cells, especially under high charge and discharge cycles. Simulation results show that while passive cooling offers a simplified approach, active cooling systems, particularly liquid-cooling, deliver better results in preventing overheating and thermal gradients within the battery pack. Additionally, phase change materials (PCMs) are explored as a promising solution for mitigating temperature fluctuations. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for improving the thermal management of EV batteries, contributing to the development of safer, more reliable, and energy-efficient electric vehicles.

Keywords:

Thermal management, Electric vehicles, CFD simulations, Battery packs, Cooling systems, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Overheating, Battery performance, Safety, Energy efficiency

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Published Paper PDF: https://ijrmeet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Jan_2022_CFD-Based-Analysis-of-Thermal-Management-in-Electric-Vehicle-Battery-Packs-1-8.pdf

How to Cite:

Kohli, A. (2022). CFD-based analysis of thermal management in electric vehicle battery packs. International Journal of Research in Modern Engineering and Emerging Technology (IJRMEET), 10(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrmeet.org.v10.i1.1