Parametric Analysis and Optimization of Long-Range Battery Electric Vehicle Thermal Management Systems
Abstract
Due to increasing regulation on emissions and shifting consumer preferences, the wide adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV) hinges on research and development of technologies that can extend system range. This can be accomplished either by increasing the battery size or via more efficient operation of the electrical and thermal systems. This thesis endeavours to accomplish the latter through comparative investigation of BEV integrated thermal management system (ITMS) performance across a range of ambient conditions (-20 °C to 40 °C), cabin setpoints (18 °C to 24 °C), and six different ITMS architectures. A dynamic ITMS modelling framework for a long-range electric vehicle is established with comprehensive sub models for the operation of the drive train, power electronics, battery, vapor compression cycle components, and cabin conditioning. This modelling framework is used to construct a baseline thermal management system, as well as for adaptation to four common systems. Additionally, a novel low-temperature waste heat recovery (LT WHR) system is proposed and shown to have potential benefits at low ambient temperatures through the reduction of the necessary cabin ventilation loading. While this system shows performance improvements, the regular WHR system offers the greatest benefit for long-range BEV drive cycles in terms of system range and transient response. With an optimal thermal management system found for long range BEV’s this system is then used as a boundary condition for a study on cooling of the battery. Battery conditioning, health, and as a result their along cell and system lifetime remains an additional concern of consumers as well as thermal systems engineers seeking to ensure safety and ensure longevity of EV battery cells. Three typical coolant flow orientations are studied to compare them under different flow conditions and thermal interface material performance. The battery cooling model is then coupled to the previously established dynamic modelling environment to demonstrate the added modelling capability (and necessity) for incorporating module-level cooling performance in both battery cooling studies and transient ITMS environments.
Degree
M.Sc.
Advisors
Ziviani, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Transportation
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