Research Projects

Lithium-ion batteries, a promising source of power for off-grid locations, have shown promise due to their lightweight and high energy density. This proposal aims to address Battery Thermal Management of lithium-ion batteries using a novel technique, mist jet impingement for evaporative cooling. The optimal working temperature for a Lithium-ion battery ranges between 15°-35°C, but higher temperatures can cause uneven distribution of temperatures, thermal runaway, decreased cycle efficiency, and explosion of the battery. Various methods have been researched to lower operating temperatures, including air cooling, liquid cooling, and the use of phase change materials (PCM). However, these methods have been complex, maintenance-intensive, and costly. Evaporative cooling is an effective, low-maintenance, straightforward system that can be effective with low maintenance. A Wick will be placed on top of the cells to collect water droplets, creating wettability over heated cell surfaces for longer periods. The combined effects of PCM (paraffin) and Wick covering the cells will be investigated to prevent local hotspot development and thermal runaway. Compared to liquid cooling systems, mist jet cooling manages the use of less water. The battery cell assembly coolant sub-channels will be the focus of this concept, using water droplets to cool the battery cell assembly together with a blower that blows the droplets through the cell assembly. The goal of this study is to build an effective battery heat control system using mist jet impingement (wick and paraffin covering over the Li-ion battery cells).