A review of thermal management and safety for lithium ion batteries

Decreasing of fossil fuel sources and ecological worries has spurred global attention in the expansion of developing energy storing systems for electric vehicles (EVs). As a consequence of escalating appeal on new dependable power supplier for hybrid electric vehicles, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have obtained much considerations in the previous decade. Their highest production rate among other types of batteries is because of their superior characteristics. Greater energy efficiency, lesser self-discharge rate, more lifespan and the nonexistence of the memory effect are the main reasons that make them interesting for researchers and producers.

Thermal problem related to electric vehicle (EV) battery packs has been a matter of contention and can considerably influence battery functioning and life cycle. Temperature variations from module to module in a battery pack could result in reduced performance. Therefore,thermal management of batteries is essential for various purposes containing thermal runaway and longstanding of cell functioning period. The favorable outcome of electricdriven vehicles (EDVs) depends on the lithium-ion battery technology. Notwithstanding, the safety concern is a considerable technical problem and has become an important factor which might postpones subsequent extension of lithium-ion batteries.

This paper reviews different methods for thermal management of lithium-ion batteries. Various methods such as using Phase change materials and using air cooling,
straight liquid cooling, ancillary liquid cooling, fin cooling have been considered to assess their usefulness from the viewpoint of coolant energy utilization, highest temperature growth, temperature alteration, and extra mass required for the cooling scheme.