1. As the inlet air velocity increases, the battery temperature decreases due to the enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient over the battery surface. This signifies the inverse relationship between inlet air velocity and battery temperature.Â
2. Effect of gap size on temperature: For a constant inlet air velocity of 10 m/s, an increase in the gap between the batteries leads to a reduction in the battery temperature.
3. The temperature difference between Case-6 (4mm gap) and Case-7 (6mm gap) is insignificant, indicating that further increasing the gap beyond 4mm does not provide substantial additional cooling benefits.
4. Optimal cooling configuration: Case-6, with a 4mm gap and an inlet air velocity of 10 m/s, can be considered the most effective cooling configuration for the given 4x2 battery pack, as it strikes a balance between adequate heat dissipation and efficient utilization of space.
Fin Cooling adds the most extra weight (approximately 40% more) among the methods tested when they occupy the same volume.
Air Cooling consumes the most energy, leading to higher operational costs and less effective temperature distribution.
Direct Liquid Cooling offers good cooling effectiveness and additional weight ( approx 3% extra weight), but is more complex due to the need for a circulation system for the coolant (dielectric mineral oil), which also raises concerns about potential leakage.
Indirect Liquid Cooling provides the best overall performance with the lowest maximum temperature rise and good temperature uniformity. It adds about 7% extra weight to the battery, which is acceptable in many applications but still involves complexity and potential leakage similar to direct liquid cooling.
Temperature Uniformity: Indirect liquid cooling and direct liquid cooling provide better temperature uniformity across the battery cells compared to air and fin cooling, which is crucial for safety and efficiency in battery operation.
Energy Efficiency: Air cooling consumes more energy to maintain the same average temperature compared to the liquid-based methods. Indirect liquid cooling is the most energy-efficient cooling method, effectively managing temperatures with minimal power consumption.
Operational Performance: Indirect liquid cooling is more practical than direct liquid cooling despite having slightly lower cooling performance, primarily due to its better management of maximum temperature rise and temperature distribution.