The effect of phase change material (PCM) of paraffin and beeswax in battery pack cooling system

Battery-powered electric vehicles have gained traction as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. These vehicles rely on large battery packs to provide the necessary energy for their operation. However, the operation of these battery packs generates heat, which necessitates effective management to ensure the safe and reliable functioning of the electric vehicle. As the demand for higher energy density in lithium-ion power batteries increases, conventional cooling methods may no longer adequately meet the heat dissipation requirements under high-rate discharge and high ambient temperature conditions. Researchers are investigating alternative cooling techniques, such as phase change material cooling, to optimize heat dissipation in electric vehicle battery packs, including the use of paraffin and beeswax. The experimental results indicate that beeswax-based phase change material is a more effective thermal management solution for Li-ion battery packs compared to paraffin-based PCM and air cooling. The beeswax-based cooling system maintained consistently lower temperatures and slower temperature rises, leading to better control over battery pack heating. This system also demonstrated superior performance in terms of voltage stability and battery capacity retention, exhibiting lower voltage drops and a slower rate of battery depletion. These findings suggest that beeswax-based PCM offers significant advantages for the design and optimization of thermal management systems in high-power Li-ion battery packs, which could potentially enhance battery performance, longevity, and safety.