With the world focused on sustainable transportation, we can see a dynamic increase in electric vehicles (EVs) demands globally. Which makes understanding electric vehicles and their components a need of the hour. At the core of every EV is a battery back, typically made of lithium-ion cells and these are an integral part of making your EV drive smooth.
Li-ion batteries are temperature-sensitive and need to be maintained in an ideal range to provide maximum range and charging capacity, this is where electric car battery cooling comes into play. The global electric vehicle coolant market is worth around USD 2.12 billion as of recent studies, and is set to increase to USD 3.08 billion by 2034.
Unlock EV battery cooling secrets with our quick video! Learn how this systems protect your battery, extend your EV battery life, and maximize range. But still you have any questions? Comment below or share your thoughts.
Why EV Battery Cooling is Crucial
Colder regions like Washington or hotter ones like Florida can often deteriorate the battery faster due to the extreme temperatures. The basic chemistry behind this innovation is the flow of electricity using chemical reactions or in simpler terms, discharging the battery generates heat, especially if you are driving rashly. If not managed properly, the heat can deteriorate the battery capacity and damage the internal EV system.
Although rare, overheating is a cause of concern regarding electric vehicle fires as these contain extremely flammable materials. With a proper thermal cooling system in an EV, this can be mitigated by making your drive safer.
How Does EV Battery Cooling Work?
The optimal operating rage for EV battery is between 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and most electric cars have an inbuilt thermal battery management system that monitors and maintains the internal temperature of the vehicle, primarily between the major components such as the heating units, ventilation and air conditioning units, motors, inverters and battery pack.
Automotive giants like Tesla, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan have their own Thermal cooling systems for EVs.
Types of EV Battery Cooling Systems
With the advancements in technology, we are still looking for better ways to increase the safety and efficiency of our electric vehicles. However, EV battery maintenance is an important factor to consider if you need to maximize your EV lifespan.
There are mainly 2 major types of battery cooling systems i.e. air cooling and liquid cooling.
Air Cooling System
These systems are generally found in smaller EVs where the heat generated is manageable. This system uses airflow to cool down the battery pack with the help of fans or vents to facilitate natural airflow. The simplicity and lesser components make this a cost-effective option, however, these have their limitations when it comes to electric vehicles which generate higher heat output.
Liquid Cooling System
This system utilizes coolant or liquid to manage the temperature by systematically circulating the liquid (generally a mixture of water and glycol) through the system and often between the battery packs as well to regulate the temperature by cooling the heat generated during the discharge of the battery.
Engineers are in the developmental stage for an active liquid cooling system which will immerse the entire battery pack directly in the coolant, however, this is still a work in progress as the coolant and battery pack have to be compatible with each other and should not cause degradation or combustion.
Phase-Change Materials (PCM)
This is another cooling technique to watch out for in the future. This innovative method utilizes materials like paraffin wax which are integrated into battery packs. PCM has a huge heat absorbent capacity and will help maintain the temperature by absorbing the dissipation while melting and once temperature returns to normal the PCM solidifies and releases the energy in a controlled manner and can be utilized to power various electronic devices in the system.
The Role of Battery Management Systems (BMS) in Cooling
A battery management system (BMS) or thermal cooling system in EVs plays an integral role in keeping the battery packs from overheating. By optimizing the temperature, it reduces the preconditioning time, saving energy and increasing efficiency.
Without an EV battery cooling system, you may be subjected to spontaneous failures, the internal temperature dips might not be noticeable until the last moment, hence this system provides a safety blanket.
Battery replacements are costly, and heat dissipation often causes capacity degradation which in turn decreases the output. By investing in an electric vehicle with a good EV battery cooling system you can save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.
Challenges in EV Battery Cooling
Various challenges associated with air and liquid cooling systems are as below:
Air cooling:
- Inconsistency: This system is heavily dependent on the weather conditions as it is a natural process and hence cannot promise regulated cooling all the time.
- Small-scale uses: Cannot be used for electric vehicles with higher heat output.
Liquid Cooling:
- Leaks and Corrosion’s: Although the most widely popular method, they come with the risk of leaks and corrosion. Over time, with a lack of maintenance or due to the corrosive nature of the system, there could be potential leaks and corrosions in the pipe which could lead to dangerous scenarios.
- Blockages: Over a period of time, there could be interferences or sediments that could lead to clogging in the pipe leading to uneven cooling.
PCM Cooling:
- Like any developmental system, these are still under scrutiny and not yet ready for mass production. The research and studies are pointing to a greener future but the numbers are yet to show.
Future of EV Battery Cooling Technology
Just like the many in-progress designs mentioned earlier, new cutting-edge technologies are taking over the EV market globally and more are yet to come.
- Integrating Al and machine learning: AI and ML are revolutionizing various tech markets right now, and EV is no different. There are several studies going on to see how integrating AI and machine learning can help in reducing the battery cooling timing to better regulate the electric car.
- Solid-state batteries: Unlike lithium-ion battery, which is the current market leader, Solid-state Batteries are set to revolutionize the industry with their much stabler system, reducing the cooling system requirement as it has lesser heat dissipation in comparison to conventional batteries. Check out the differences between solid-state batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
- Hybrid cooling system: This is a much-awaited development, as it combines the best of all worlds by integrating air cooling, liquid cooling and PCM to create a combined system that uses the Pros of all three while negating the challenges each cooling method poses.
With the government focusing on a more sustainable future, EV Battery cooling systems are also changing accordingly. With proper care and maintenance, we can utilize the battery effectively without posing serious environmental impacts. Learn the environmental impact of electric car batteries.
Conclusion
EV batteries are the heart of the vehicle and if properly maintained can last you for decades. Despite the fact that most EVs have built-in preconditioning or cooling technology, with proper awareness and minor steps like avoiding extreme temperatures, following the manufacturer guidelines for routine maintenance, and adopting safe driving and charging practices for your EV, owners can maintain the optimum temperature without much effort while saving costly replacements.
As we look forward to the future, continuous advancements in the field of battery and cooling management systems are offering a much greener and safer world.
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