Thermal Cooling Enhancement of 18650 Cylindrical Electric Vehicle Battery Module with Mini-channel Fins Heat Sink Units Using Nanofluids Mixed Flow Channel

Sarawut Sirikasemsuk1

Ponthep Vengsungnle2

Jarinee Jongpleampiti2

Smith Eiamsa-ard3

Phumisak Tangmunpoowadol4

Paisarn Naphon4,*,Email

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, Thailand
Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhonratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok, 10530, Thailand
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Srinakharinwirot University, 63 Rangsit-Nakhornnayok Rd., Ongkharak, Nakhorn-Nayok, 26120, Thailand

Abstract

Numerical analysis and testing were conducted to predict the cooling removal ability of a pack utilizing ferrofluid flowing via a channel lined with different mini-channel heat sink units. The battery module's components are made of aluminum blocks. In this study, sixty 18650 batteries are evaluated in a cylindrical form at a total voltage and current of 25.2V and 30A, respectively. This study selected improving the properties of the coolant and the flow surface area to improve the battery's thermal cooling. The integrated heat sink unit has a larger surface area and more flow disruption of the coolant running through it. As a result, Models I and II exhibit the greatest and lowest temperatures, respectively. The cell's maximum temperatures are 30.91 oC (Model I), 30.10 oC (Model II), 30.11 oC (Model III), and 30.12 oC (Model IV). Furthermore, Models I, II, III, and IV exhibit temperature gradients of 2.35 oC, 1.48 oC, 1.56 oC, and 1.61 oC, respectively. These findings have significant significance for the evolution of the battery thermal management system, as they explore several heat transfer enhancement approaches for improving thermal cooling to obtain safe and stable operation.