A novel cooling structure with a matrix block of microfibrous media / phase change materials for heat transfer enhancement in high power Li-ion battery packs

摘要: Abstract A novel thermal management structure has been developed for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs operated at extremely high power rates. This integrates copper microfibrous media (MFM) with conductivity (60–65 W m−1K−1) and porosity (70–90 vol%), active cooling structures (i.e. metal tubes), passive material phase change (PCM)). In this the PCM is embedded in MFM (MFM-PCM). drastically improves interfacial heat transfer efficiently conducts between Li-ion cells, tubes, PCM. regulates cell surface temperature, capping it near PCM's melting point. It stores excessive generated by cells under peak use releases to tubes during off-peak use. The MFM-PCM pack enables mid-form using lithium iron phosphate cathodes perform their maximum allowed discharge rates (15C) individual maintains temperature below 48 °C, which much lower than threshold of 60 °C. As a result, no derating necessary safe operations. COMSOL 2D model estimates that 58 W m−1K−1; close measured value. predicts can protect from catastrophic cascading failure if one experiences runaway up 130% its full electric energy (440 kJ) into 1 s.