Research: Thermal Performance Optimization of EV Battery Packs Using Phase-Change Mater...

Research question: How does the integration of phase-change materials with microchannel liquid cooling affect the thermal regulation and performance of electric vehicle battery packs under dynamic load conditions?

Background & Motivation: Electric vehicle (EV) battery packs are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can significantly impact both safety and performance. Traditional cooling methods often struggle to maintain uniform temperature distribution during rapid charging/discharging cycles. Recent advances suggest that combining phase-change materials (PCMs) with microchannel liquid cooling may offer enhanced thermal management for EV batteries.

Research Gap: While individual benefits of PCM and microchannel cooling are documented, their synergistic effect on transient and peak thermal loads in battery modules remains underexplored, especially under realistic automotive operating cycles.

Approach & Expected Contribution: This research will experimentally and numerically investigate battery pack mock-ups incorporating PCMs and microchannel cooling. The study will analyze temperature uniformity, peak temperature suppression, and thermal response under simulated drive cycles, using thermocouple arrays and CFD simulations. Results will be compared to conventional cooling baselines.

Significance: Insights gained will inform next-generation EV battery thermal management design, potentially improving battery lifespan, safety, and fast-charging capability—key barriers to widespread EV adoption.