System Level Simulation Technique for Optimizing Battery Thermal Management System of an Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries which require an effective but low power consuming thermal management system. 1D and 3D models help us to understand the influence of different parameters on system response and optimizing them. Even though modelling using 3D tools gives a more accurate and precise result, complexity and simulation time of 3D modelling gives 1D modelling an upper hand. The ease of 1D modelling also allows it to be used during concept development and in parameter tuning to choose the best components at its best operating point. This paper presents 1D system level modelling for optimizing battery thermal management for different load cases. The system level 1D model discussed here consists of a driver model, vehicle model, equivalent circuit model, battery box model and refrigeration cycle model. After validating the model with test data, thermal algorithms have been tested for optimizing energy requirements.