Comparative study of fiber materials for enhanced performance of hybrid cooling in battery thermal management systems

• Published in: Applied energy 2024-10, Vol.371, p.123671, Article 123671
• Main Authors: Sutheesh, P.M., Atul, A.P., Rohinikumar, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Battery thermal management system; Fiber materials; Hybrid cooling; Hydrophilic fibers; Lithium-ion batteries
• ISSN: 0306-2619
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123671

Battery thermal management systems play a crucial role in maintaining the optimal temperature range of lithium-ion batteries, ensuring their efficient operation and prolonged lifespan. Hybrid cooling (HC) techniques, which involve the utilization of hydrophilic fibers, have shown promise in enhancing the thermal performance of these systems. The present study employs an experimental approach to investigate the impact of selected fiber materials on the thermal performance of a hybrid cooling system designed for battery thermal management. Parameters such as the time required for complete wetting of the fiber and the coolant absorption capacity of the fiber are considered during the fiber selection process. Findings reveal that the tissue paper fiber displayed superior water transfer capabilities, achieving a minimum wetting time of 46 s for a 75 mm fiber length. This characteristic positions it as a promising candidate for the subsequent hybrid cooling experiment. Noteworthy is its water holding capacity per unit volume, which surpassed that of cotton fiber by 40%. HC demonstrates the superior temperature uniformity and average battery pack temperature compared to simple air cooling (SAC) under varying velocities, emphasizing the pivotal role of HC. A remarkable improvement of 41.86% in temperature uniformity is obtained in HC over SAC. [Display omitted] •Hydrophilic fiber-based hybrid cooling significantly enhances battery thermal management.•Tissue paper-based fibers exhibit superior water transport and 40% higher water holding capacity, influencing efficient cooling.•Hybrid cooling's thermal performance under various velocities underscores its adaptability to different operational conditions.•Hybrid cooling surpasses simple air cooling, achieving a notable 41.86% improvement in temperature uniformity.•Cumulative quantity of water evaporated indicates a stable and reliable evaporation rate, which leads to the sustained performance of the hybrid cooling system.