Experimental investigation of longevity and temperature of a lithium-ion battery cell using phase change material based battery thermal management system

Nowadays, conventional lead acid batteries are being replaced by Lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density, low cost, and high electric capacities. But when subjected to high discharge conditions, these batteries undergo a rapid increase in temperature which can make them unstable and change their internal chemistry to the point of fire or explosion due to thermal runaway and reduce their working life (electrical capacity). To prevent this, battery thermal management systems need to be used. The current work is focused on investigating the performance of a phase change material-based thermal battery management system for controlling battery temperature and battery life. In this experimental study, RT-47 Paraffin phase change material is wrapped around a 1.2Ah, 3.7 V lithium-ion battery cell with a thickness of 4 mm. The results of temperature and electrical current were recorded for 1200 s during which the battery was discharged at a constant resistance load. It was found that using a phase change material based thermal management system the temperature of the battery cell was better maintained and it lasted approximately double the time as compared to a bare battery cell under the same loading conditions.