Comparative Analysis of Battery Thermal Management System Using Biodiesel Fuels

Liquid fuel has been the main source of energy in internal combustion engines (ICE) for decades. However, lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have replaced ICE for environmentally friendly vehicles and reducing fossil fuel dependence. This paper focuses on the comparative analysis of battery thermal management system (BTMS) to maintain a working temperature in the range 15–35 °C and prevent thermal runaway and high temperature gradient, consequently increasing LIB lifecycle and performance. The proposed approach is to use biodiesel as the engine feed and coolant. A 3S2P LIB module is simulated using Ansys-Fluent CFD software tool. Four selective dielectric biodiesels are used as coolants, namely palm, karanja, jatropha, and mahua oils. In comparison to the conventional coolants in BTMS, mainly air and 3M Novec, biodiesel fuels have been proven as coolants to maintain LIB temperature within the optimum working range. For instance, the use of palm biodiesel can lightweight the BTMS by 43%, compared with 3M Novec, and likewise maintain BTMS performance.