Multi-Objective Optimization for Battery Thermal Management in Electric Vehicles

In this study, the optimal design of an Energy Storage System (ESS) for automotive application is proposed with particular focus on thermal, geometrical and efficiency parameters. In particular, the evaluations are referred to the case study of a real urban electric vehicle, equipped with a Li-NMC battery pack and a forced air-based Battery Thermal Management System. This study starts from modelling activities, concerning the development of the ESS and vehicle propulsion system models using a multi-disciplinary approach. Then, a battery pack CAD model is developed for the evaluation of the space bulk inside the vehicle chassis. Exploiting these models, the battery pack design is obtained through a multi-objective optimization strategy, to minimize cells' temperature and power, required for cooling systems under different constraints. The procedures determine the best layout solution in terms of battery cells distance and cooling fan mass flow rate value in order to reach the optimization goals, mainly in terms of significant reductions in battery pack size and cooling power, while maintaining equal thermal performance.