Laserax explained that today’s technology allows a more efficient use and control of thermal energy in electric vehicles.
Temperature management is developing that links components like the battery. There is also the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), the electric motor, and the inverter. It is suitable to use what is called a Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS)
How can overheat affect EV batteries?
Overheating is one of the causes that speed up battery degradation in electric vehicles, so the heat generation pushes the battery to work hard. It causes its performance to degrade over time.
Li-ion batteries, commonly used in EVs, generate heat during charging and discharging, which can cause the battery to degrade more quickly if the temperature is not regulated. Additionally, high temperatures can cause safety issues and increase the risk of thermal runaway when the battery temperature rises uncontrollably and can lead to fires or explosions.
Importance of battery cooling system
As mentioned above, overheating can adversely affect EV batteries. That is why battery cooling systems in electric vehicles are crucial for a reliable mobility experience and critical for battery life and performance. And so, during operation, they can withstand temperatures linking -22°F and 140°F (-30°C and 50°C). During recharges, they can resist temperatures linking 32°F and also the 122°F (0°C and 50°C), according to Laserax.
Cadence noted that the battery cooling system in EVs regulates the battery pack’s temperature. Its thermal management applies cooling loops that contain liquid coolants such as ethylene glycol. An electric pump circulates the coolant through the batteries and radiators to release heat to the ambient.
Laserax further stated that the battery could be cooled using air cooling or liquid cooling:
● Air cooling has air to cool the battery and exists in either passive or active forms. Passive air cooling uses outdoor air to cool or heat the battery. And it is commonly limited to a few hundred watts of heat dissipation. Active air cooling obtains its air intake from an air conditioner that includes an evaporator and a heater to control its temperature. Usually, it is limited to 1kW of cooling and can either cool or heat the cabin.
● Liquid cooling is the most popular cooling technology. It has a liquid coolant such as water, a refrigerant, or ethylene glycol to cool the battery. Passive and active systems exist here as well. The passive fluid cooling system in which the cooling power depends on the difference between the ambient air and the battery. By connecting fans behind radiators, it can improve it. An active liquid cooling system is functional when the ambient temperature is much higher than the battery temperature or when the temperature difference is just minor. It consists of two loops. The primary loop is similar to a passive liquid cooling system. While the secondary coil is in the air conditioning loop.
See Also:
- CATL and UL Solutions are advancing battery safety and efficiency
- University researchers developed new battery tech that chargers EVs in 10 minutes
- TWAICE battery analytics platform guarantees immensely valuable insights at every point in a battery’s lifecycle
- Rivian patents a fast-charging air-conditioned electric vehicle charger
- Penn State researchers develop a new technique to charge EV batteries in 10 minutes
The cooling system can also help regulate the battery’s temperature during fast charging, generating even more heat and causing additional wear and tear on the battery. The cooling system can extend the storm’s lifespan and maintain its performance over time by keeping the battery temperature within an optimal range.
