Numerical Study of Battery Pack Cooling for Electric Vehicles

Auto manufacturers are increasingly adopting lithium-ion batteries in response to the rapid evolution of electric vehicle technology. These batteries are being integrated into existing vehicles and planned as the primary power source for new models. Many lithium-ion batteries employ air cooling for safety reasons, due to convenience and cost-effective. This study investigates the cooling efficiency of electric vehicle battery packs using a U-shaped domain with various air-inlet sizes and velocities. Results indicate that air intake position and velocity significantly impact the ability to cool the battery pack. Shifting the air intake point from 30 mm to 20 mm lowers the highest temperature by 3.46 K. Increased air velocity causes a ripple-around effect, reducing the temperature in the second part of the battery pack. Balancing these variables can optimize air circulation and enhance convective heat transfer, potentially improving cooling effectiveness. These insights are valuable for designing air-cooling systems for electric automobiles.