Design and simulation of battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles using MATLAB Simulink
Amin Rahmani, Mahdieh Dibaj, Mohammad Akrami
Abstract
This study focuses on the design and simulation of Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) for electric vehicles (EV) using MATLAB Simulink. The research investigates the performance of BTMS under various driving scenarios and road slopes to understand their impact on battery temperature regulation, pump power usage, and refrigerant power consumption. Three driving scenarios—highway driving, urban traffic, and road humps—and three slope angles (0°, 5°, and 10°) are analysed. Additionally, the study examines the effects of different coolant volume fractions and charge rates on BTMS performance. Results indicate that road humps and steep slopes (10°) impose the highest thermal loads, causing battery temperatures to reach up to 26.7 °C, with refrigerant power consumption rising by 39.3 % to 45,868.28 kW at 50 °C ambient temperature. Conversely, increased ethylene glycol volume in the coolant led to a 33.3 % reduction in refrigerant power demand, enhancing system efficiency. Furthermore, higher charge rates require more stable and efficient BTMS operation to maintain optimal battery temperatures. The study underscores the importance of robust and adaptable BTMS designs to ensure efficient thermal management and optimal battery performance under diverse driving conditions. This comprehensive analysis offers insights to optimize BTMS strategies, improving battery efficiency, safety, and lifespan under real-world conditions. • BTMS function is evaluated under highway driving, urban traffic, and road humps driving cycles. • Increasing ethylene glycol in the coolant improves thermal efficiency and reduces energy consumption. • Higher charge rates require stable and efficient BTMS to maintain optimal battery temperatures.