The role of phase change materials in lithium-ion batteries: A brief review on current materials, thermal management systems, numerical methods, and experimental models

Phase change materials (PCMs) have been used as high-performance materials in various applications since they have great features such as low viscosity, low melting temperature and excellent wettability on the surfaces. Energy storage systems like Li-ion batteries are facing many challenges and one of the main challenges in these systems is their cooling component. PCMs could transfer the heat during their phase change from solid to liquid and be transferred to their solid phase below their melting point. In this paper, recent developments of PCMs on thermal management systems (TMS) in Li-ion batteries are investigated. The thermal performance of different PCMs in Li-ion batteries is compared with each. Different numerical and experimental models were reported to evaluate the PCMs' behavior in thermal management systems of Li-ion batteries. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview on the role of PCMs in the application of Li-ion batteries.