Experimental investigation on a novel phase change material composites coupled with graphite film used for thermal management of lithium-ion batteries. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Xiaohang; Guo, Quangui; Li, Xiangfen; Tao, Zechao; Lei, Shiwen; Liu, Junqing; Kang, Libin; Zheng, Dongfang; Liu, Zhanjun
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 145(2020)
• Page Start: 2046
• Page End: 2055
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Thermal management -- Paraffin -- Dual-phase transition ranges -- Graphite film -- Epoxy resin -- Mechanical properties; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.07.112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal management system is a key component to maintain the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Cooling technology based on phase change materials with single-phase transition range has been proposed by many researchers but the temperature control of batteries is not ideal for high charge/discharge rates and cycle tests. Herein, we designed a novel phase change material consisting of paraffin with dual-phase transition ranges (around 34 °C and 48 °C), expanded graphite (thermal conductivity = 40 W/m K), and epoxy resin with a mass ratio of 5:2:3. This material was combined with graphite film (in-plane thermal conductivity of 1400 W/m K) to prepare a thermal management module. Graphite film and expanded graphite form an excellent heat conduction structure. Epoxy resin endows this composite with satisfactory mechanical properties, even at 70 °C. The paraffin provides a double buffer effect that minimizes the temperature increase of the batteries and the temperature differences between the batteries in the pack due to the broad phase transition range. As a result, the maximum temperature of the batteries is 33 °C and the maximum temperature difference between the batteries is only 1.4 °C, even at the highest 4C discharge rate. In addition, the maximum temperature of the batteries is only 44.8 °C after six extreme cycles. Highlights: The chosen paraffin has a double buffer effect on temperature rising of batteries. Mechanical properties of this phase change material are prominent, even at 70 °C. The maximum temperature in battery pack is 33 °C at the highest 4C discharge rate. The maximum temperature difference is 2.8 °C under all charge/discharge rates. Highest temperature of the batteries is only 44.8 °C in the extreme cycle test.