Comparative study of fiber materials for enhanced performance of hybrid cooling in battery thermal management systems

Battery thermal management systems play a crucial role in maintaining the optimal temperature range of lithium-ion batteries, ensuring their efficient operation and prolonged lifespan. Hybrid cooling (HC) techniques, which involve the utilization of hydrophilic fibers, have shown promise in enhancing the thermal performance of these systems. The present study employs an experimental approach to investigate the impact of selected fiber materials on the thermal performance of a hybrid cooling system designed for battery thermal management. Parameters such as the time required for complete wetting of the fiber and the coolant absorption capacity of the fiber are considered during the fiber selection process. Findings reveal that the tissue paper fiber displayed superior water transfer capabilities, achieving a minimum wetting time of 46 s for a 75 mm fiber length. This characteristic positions it as a promising candidate for the subsequent hybrid cooling experiment. Noteworthy is its water holding capacity per unit volume, which surpassed that of cotton fiber by 40%. HC demonstrates the superior temperature uniformity and average battery pack temperature compared to simple air cooling (SAC) under varying velocities, emphasizing the pivotal role of HC. A remarkable improvement of 41.86% in temperature uniformity is obtained in HC over SAC.