Development of the inorganic composite phase change materials for passive thermal management of Li‐ion batteries: material characterization

Abstract

Summary The battery thermal management system based on phase change materials (PCMs) has proven to be a safe, inexpensive, and high‐performance technology, which is currently gaining popularity over the other battery thermal management systems. PCMs are able to absorb heat generated by batteries, prolong battery life, and improve their performance. Organic compounds, such as paraffin, are widely used as phase change materials for the battery thermal management systems; however, there are no published data on the application of inorganic PCMs. Therefore, the main objective of this work is developing of two composite inorganic PCMs based on magnesium chloride hexahydrate and characterizing their properties for passive thermal control of lithium‐ion battery packs. Moreover, to have a valid baseline and compare the behavior of two inorganic PCMs with currently commercialized and well investigated organic PCM, paraffin wax was used as reference material for both mixtures. All three PCMs were impregnated into the expanded graphite matrix to enhance their thermal conductivity. The material characterization studies, including thermal properties investigation, density and viscosity measurements, soaking and compression testing, evaluation of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and micro X‐ray fluorescence analysis, were conducted for all PCMs. The results indicate that both inorganic mixtures are appropriate for thermal management of Li‐ion battery packs. Future work with the developed and characterized composite inorganic PCMs will include electrical cycling studies and nail penetration tests to reveal their effectiveness for passive thermal management of Li‐ion battery packs.

Recent progress on battery thermal management with composite phase change materials

“…All three PCMs were added with EG matrix to improve their thermal conductivity. It is revealed that both inorganic PCMs could be potential candidates for BTMS of LIB packs 98 . A composite matrix coupled with a mini‐channel‐based BTMS system is designed and studies the thermal performance at various discharge rates, air natural convection (ANC), and composite matrix (CM).…”

Recycling technologies, policies, prospects, and challenges for spent batteries

“…These techniques enable rapid and accurate identification of the elemental and molecular components present in the batteries. 98 The physical characteristics of the battery, including its appearance, marking information, battery voltage, and weight, are examined. Additionally, chemical analysis techniques are employed to determine the chemical composition of the battery, such as the positive and negative electrode materials and electrolyte composition.…”

Design and performance analysis of hydrogen-fueled micro combustion chamber with focus on back pressure minimization

“…Therefore, these devices urgently need micro energy or a power plant with high energy density, so that they can give full play to their advantages and further miniaturization and multifunction. However, the batteries commonly employed in micro electro mechanical systems have some problems, such as long charging times, large size, weight, and low energy density [7][8][9] . The MPGS is largely driven by the micro-combustion of hydrocarbon fuel in compact or restricted places, termed micro-combustors.…”