Thermal management systems based on heat pipes for batteries in EVs/HEVs

A thermal management system (TMS) is necessary for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) used in electric vehicles/hybrid electric vehicles (EVs/HEVs), which generate excessive heat during fast discharging and charging. In order to provide low power consumption and efficient heat transfer, finding the most efficient, cheapest, and lightest solution like phase change materials (PCMs) and heat pipes (HPs) is essential. In addition, heat pipe technology is a relatively efficient solution for the TMS for batteries, and it is important to explore the possibility of combining heat pipes with conventional cooling systems. Therefore, this paper focuses on the concept of using heat pipes for TMS in EVs/HEVs and highlights the work done in this field. Additionally, the utilization of TMSs for batteries in EVs/HEVs based on heat pipes combined with nanofluids and phase change materials (PCMs) is also reviewed and discussed. Using of heat pipes for TMS in batteries of EVs/HEVs is proposed to reduce the battery temperature as well as to distribute the temperature uniformly. Further enhancement of temperature distribution can be achieved using integrated HPs with phase change material as well as using nanofluids. Finally, the current study describes the opportunities, challenges, and future prospects for using heat pipes in TMS to enhance the technology and advancements of EVs/HEVs.

Automated summary

This study discusses the importance and research progress of using heat pipes for thermal management systems in electric vehicles/hybrid electric vehicles. Heat pipe technology is considered an efficient solution for reducing the temperature and achieving uniform temperature distribution in lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, combining nanofluids and phase change materials further improves the uniformity of temperature distribution.