Thermophysical exploration: State-of-the-art review on phase change materials for effective thermal management in lithium-ion battery systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) energized with electricity derived from renewable energy power systems can aid in reducing carbon emissions from road transport. But to enable faster adoption of EVs, increasing the distance traveled when the battery is fully charged, and fast charging is necessary. At the same time, effective thermal management in battery systems plays a vital role in enhancing the performance, safety, and longevity of Li-ion batteries (LiBs). Thus, designing a cost-effective battery TM system is necessary for faster adoption of EVs. Among the various available TM systems for LiBs, the external thermal management technique was found to be more effective when compared to passive thermal management. The external LiB thermal management system incorporated with phase change material (PCM) can enable effective dissipation of heat from it with minimal energy requirement. However, the performance of these systems can be further enhanced by enhancing their thermal conductivity by suspending nanoparticles. However, the selection of appropriate PCM is essential to ensure effective thermal management. Hence, the central focus of this review is to identify the key parameters that affect the performance of PCM-based thermal management in LiBs. The paper also explores different battery thermal management (BTM) system architectures, encompassing carbon-based, metal-based, and hybrid solutions, delineating their respective strengths and limitations. The review integrates insights on thermal conductivity correlations established by previous research works. These correlations enable the prediction of thermal behavior in BTM materials, streamlining the design and optimization process. By addressing these limitations, the transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation systems is a global imperative to combat climate change.