The temperature of battery modules in electric vehicles (EVs) must be
controlled adequately to remain within a specified range for optimum
performance. In this research work, thermal management of battery modules
with phase change materials (PCMs) was investigated experimentally and
computationally. lithium ion battery pack cooled with a phase change
material (PCM) for removing heat generated during the battery charging and
discharging cycles. Computations and experiments were carried out to
estimate the heat transfer, solidification and melting characteristics of
the PCM used in the thermal management of a Li-Ion cell module. Four PCM?s
(GR44, RT50, OM35 and paraffin wax) with different melting temperature were
used for the study. Battery operating temperature and melting point are the
key parameters for selection of PCM. Experiments have been carried out only
for OM35 & Paraffin Wax, because PCM OM35 melting point is within the
battery operating temperature and Paraffin Wax for considering harshest
condition. PCM OM 35 melting temperature range is below 35?C which is
accordance with a desire to keep battery temperature below 35?C. Based on
experimental & simulation results, it was found that OM35 is keeping battery
temperature range minimal, which was the ideal for Li-ion battery thermal
management.