Numerical Study on a Liquid Cooling Plate with a Double-Layer Minichannel for a Lithium Battery Module.

Area of Science:

• Thermal Management
• Energy Storage Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Liquid cooling systems are crucial for lithium battery module (LBM) safety, efficiency, and operational cost.
• Maintaining temperature uniformity within LBMs is essential to prevent overheating and ensure performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate an innovative liquid cooling plate design for LBMs.
• To optimize cooling performance based on discharge rates, coolant flow, and temperature.

Main Methods:

• A two-layer minichannel heat sink (MCHS) liquid cooling plate with a single inlet/outlet was designed.
• Simulations considered various discharge rates, coolant flow rates, and inlet temperatures.
• Performance was evaluated based on LBM temperature uniformity and maximum temperature.

Main Results:

• A mass outflow rate of 20 g/s and an inlet temperature of 20°C yielded optimal cooling with lower power consumption.
• The proposed MCHS design effectively reduced LBM maximum temperature (to ~28°C) and cell temperature differences (to ~4°C) during high discharge rates.
• Non-constant discharges showed increased temperature differences with maximum temperature, but rapid cooling occurred when discharge rates decreased.

Conclusions:

• The two-layer MCHS liquid cooling plate design effectively manages LBM temperature under various discharge conditions.
• Optimal coolant parameters (20 g/s outflow, 20°C inlet) enhance cooling efficiency and reduce power consumption.
• The findings provide valuable guidance for designing advanced LBM cooling systems.