Enhancing Hybrid Train Battery Performance using Liquid-Based Battery Thermal Management with Mini Channels Cooling System

Electric vehicles (EV) are advancing rapidly, with increasing demand for enhanced technological support. One of the key challenges for EVs is ensuring adequate power storage, with a critical parameter being the battery pack's ability to support a high discharge rate. Achieving a high discharge rate requires proper cell design and efficient heat management within the battery pack. During discharge, heat generation becomes significant, necessitating an effective cooling system. Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) are employed to regulate battery temperatures, ensuring optimal performance. Among various cooling methods, liquid-based BTMS demonstrates superior performance compared to phase-change materials (PCM) and air cooling. However, the weight of liquid coolers, due to the volume of coolant required, can add substantial weight to the battery, impacting overall vehicle efficiency. This paper investigates the potential use of mini channels integrated into cooling plates for BTMS applications. The study utilizes the finite element method (FEM) to simulate fluid flow processes in battery systems operating at various C-rates. The findings show that this novel BTMS effectively maintains battery temperatures below 40ºC, offering a promising solution to current cooling limitations.