Numerical Investigation of Nanofluid as a Coolant in a Prismatic Battery for Thermal Management Systems

Abstract

This study delves into the realm of numerical investigation of the heat transfer performance of nanofluids as coolants for prismatic batteries. Nanofluids are being employed in battery cooling systems to enhance overall thermal management and ensure the safe operation of batteries, particularly in situations involving high heat generation. In this study, different types of nanofluids were used along with a base fluid of ethylene glycol–water (EG–water 50%). The energy equations consider the effects of viscous dissipation and heat generation. The model generates a set of nonlinear partial differential equations, which can be transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using appropriate similarity variables. These ODEs are then solved numerically by employing the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method along with the shooting method to obtain solutions. The simulations in both 2D and 3D showcase the results for various parameters pertaining to thermal and velocity fields, heat transfer rate, and drag force. The findings reveal that heat generation leads to a staggering increase in temperature of 78.22%. However, using aluminum nanoparticles (NPs) as opposed to copper nanoparticles quickly reduced the battery’s maximum temperature by 9.31%. The exceptional heat generation strengths of CuO–EG and Al2O3–EG nanofluids also resulted in a significant increase in their heat transfer rates of around 40.42% and 42.13%, respectively. Additionally, the aluminum NPs exhibited a more rapid heat transfer rate of 4.06% when compared to the copper nanoparticles. This research contributes to the development of improved cooling strategies for prismatic battery applications, ultimately paving the way for enhanced battery performance, an extended lifespan, and improved safety in a wide range of industries and electric vehicles.