Thermodynamic Analysis of Battery Thermal Management System in Electric Van for Tropical Climate: A Preliminary Study

This study provides further insights into the influence of ambient temperature on battery cooling. The focus is on the impact of ambient temperature on battery cooling using a steady-state approach. The system studied combines both cabin and battery cooling systems for an electric van. Observations involve the temperature difference among the inlet and outlet of the battery coolant (ΔT) influenced by ambient temperature, which varies from 22 °C to 40 °C. The discussion includes the effects of ambient temperature on the condenser, compressor, and ΔT; the impact of coolant and refrigerant flow rates on ΔT; the effect of battery discharge rate on ΔT; and the system’s coefficient of performance (COP) based on ambient temperature. A small temperature difference among the system and the environment reduces the heat that can be dissipated by the system. Therefore, battery cooling in regions with tropical climates must adapt to the ambient temperature where the device operates.