Flow Channel Optimization and Performance Analysis of Forced Air-Cooling Thermal Management for Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Modules

The maximum temperature and the maximum temperature difference of lithium battery energy storage systems are of great importance to their lifespan and safety. The energy storage module targeted in this research utilizes a forced air-cooling thermal management system. In this article, the maximum battery temperature, temperature difference, and cooling fan power are used as evaluation indicators. The thermal–fluid coupling simulation technology is utilized to restore the real structure of the module, ensuring the reliability of the simulation results. The P-Q curve is introduced for the boundary conditions of the heat dissipation fan to investigate the influence of the flow channel structure on the airflow volume and distribution. First, the thermal–fluid coupling simulation results of the original structure were compared with the measured parameters. Subsequently, the study on the airflow and temperature distribution of the original flow channel structure reveals that a significant pressure drop occurs when the airflow passes through the energy storage module, and the high-temperature areas are concentrated in the middle and rear sections of the flow channel. Based on the above analysis, fluid simulation is employed to study and propose three improvement schemes. Scheme A involves adding an arc-shaped air duct at the right-angle bend of the air inlet; scheme B consists of increasing the opening area of the air inlet; and scheme C entails reducing the cross-sectional area of some flow channels. Eventually, the thermal–fluid coupling simulation is adopted to verify the individual schemes and the combined schemes. After comparing the results, the following improvement effects are obtained: a 4.591% reduction in the maximum temperature, a 31.144% reduction in the temperature range, and a 16.583% reduction in the static pressure power of the fan.