Thermal Management of a Battery Pack Using a Phase Change Material

Application ID: 115571


Thermal management of a battery pack is simulated considering two scenarios, air (natural convection) and phase change material (PCM) in the gap between the batteries. The PCM considered is a composite material of paraffin wax and graphite additive. Graphite is typically added for improving the thermal conductivity of pure paraffin wax.

In this model, the temperature of the battery pack during a discharge operation is monitored. It is observed that the battery pack is maintained at a lower temperature and at a more uniform temperature with PCM cooling than with air cooling. The thermal safety of a battery pack can be improved by using PCMs.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: