The widespread adoption of electric vehicles is currently hindered by long charging durations and limited infrastructure. While fast-charging technologies address these issues, they impose significant thermal loads on high-voltage components. Within this architecture, the Battery Disconnect Unit plays a critical role as it monitors and controls the connection between the battery, powertrain, and charging system. However, the high currents required for fast-charging often drive these units' temperatures beyond safe operating limits, necessitating advanced thermal solutions that do not require extensive redesigns of the vehicle's electrical layout.
To address this challenge, this study proposes a passive thermal management solution using Phase Change Material heat transfer devices to enhance the thermal robustness of the component. The methodology employs a dual approach involving initial experimental testing to pinpoint specific thermal hotspots under high-power conditions, followed by detailed numerical simulations using GT-Power software to predict system behavior. Furthermore, the paper provides a comparative analysis of various configurations, assessing their impact on temperature reduction, response time, and thermal uniformity. The results demonstrate that appropriately designed passive solutions significantly improve thermal performance, effectively enabling higher charging power capabilities while minimizing system complexity and integration effort. This innovation provides a scalable and efficient path for improving overall vehicle performance and safety during rapid energy transfer events.