Graphene or h-BN paraffin composite structures for the thermal management of Li-ion batteries: A multiscale investigation. (15th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mortazavi, Bohayra; Yang, Hongliu; Mohebbi, Farzad; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Rabczuk, Timon
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 202(2017)
• Page Start: 323
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2017-09-15
• Subjects: Lithium-ion batteries -- Thermal management -- Multiscale modelling -- Paraffin composite -- Polymer nanocomposites; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: Paraffin composite structures were explored for the batteries thermal management. Thermal properties of graphene or h-BN paraffin nanocomposite were simulated. Combined MD/FE multiscale modelling was conducted to evaluate thermal properties. Graphite network composites yield the best performance in thermal management. Heat generations during a battery service were simulated. Abstract: The reliability and safety of lithium-ion batteries can be affected by overheating issues. Phase change materials like paraffin due to their large heat capacities are among the best solutions for the thermal management of batteries. In this investigation, multiscale modelling techniques were developed to explore the efficiency in the thermal management of rechargeable batteries through employing the paraffin composite structures. A combined atomistic-continuum multiscale modelling was conducted to evaluate the thermal conductivity of paraffin reinforced with graphene or hexagonal boron-nitride nanosheet additives. In addition, heat generation during a battery service was simulated using the Newman's electrochemical model. Finally, three-dimensional heat transfer models were constructed to investigate the effectiveness of various paraffin composite structures in the thermal management of a battery system. Interestingly, it was found that the thermal conductivity of paraffin nanocomposites can be enhanced by several times but that does not yield significant improvement in the batteries thermal management over the pure paraffin. The acquired findings can be useful not only for the modelling of nanocomposites but more importantly for the improvement of phase change materials design to enhance the thermal management of rechargeable batteries and other electronic devices.