CFD-Based Thermal Analysis and Performance Evaluation of an Air-Cooled Battery Thermal Management System for Electric Vehicles
Author
Aman , Dr. Naveen Hooda
Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on conventional fossil fuels. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in EVs because of their high energy density, long cycle life, and superior energy storage capability. However, significant heat is generated during charging and discharging processes, which can adversely affect battery performance, safety, efficiency, and lifespan. Therefore, the development of an effective Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) is essential for maintaining battery temperature within the recommended operating range. The present study investigates the thermal performance of an air-cooled battery thermal management system for electric vehicles using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. A lithium-ion battery pack model was developed and analyzed using ANSYS Fluent software to evaluate temperature distribution, airflow characteristics, pressure variation, and cooling efficiency. The battery cooling system was designed with optimized airflow pathways to enhance heat dissipation and improve thermal uniformity among battery cells. CFD simulations were conducted under specified operating conditions, and the thermal behavior of the battery pack was examined through temperature contours, airflow streamlines, and pressure distribution profiles. The simulation results revealed that the proposed air-cooling configuration effectively reduced battery temperature and minimized thermal hotspots within the battery module. The optimized design achieved improved airflow distribution, lower pressure drop, and enhanced cooling performance compared to the initial configuration. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that CFD is a reliable and cost-effective tool for analyzing and optimizing battery cooling systems prior to physical implementation. The findings of this research contribute to the development of efficient thermal management solutions that can improve battery safety, operational reliability, energy efficiency, and service life in electric vehicle applications.
Keywords
Electric Vehicle (EV), Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Lithium-Ion Battery, Air Cooling System, Thermal Analysis, ANSYS Fluent
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