Article Details
  • Published Online:
    November  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Mechanical Engineering
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJME011125
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJMECH/2025.18.4.7-23
  • Author Name:
    Mohammed Asif Kattimani, Shaik Mohammed Hussain, M A Haleem Ather, Mohammed Burhan Saqib, Mohammed Aman and Mohammad Afnan
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Engineering
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    7-23
Volume 18, Issue 4, October-December 2025
Thermal Management System with Phase Change Materials for Improved Performance and Safety in Electric Vehicles
Abstract

The significant advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology has increased the demand for safe and reliable battery systems. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and even experience thermal runaway under high charge-discharge rates. The study aims to enhance battery safety and longevity by creating a passive thermal management system that incorporates a phase change material (PCM) made from expanded graphite and paraffin, which is applied around each battery pack cell to reduce heat-related failures. The experimental tests with thermocouples and a precise data acquisition system monitored cell temperature, terminal voltage and current. PCM-integrated module showed superior performance compared to the baseline pack, effectively demonstrating that paraffin/graphite PCM serves as an affordable passive cooling solution that enhances cycle life and minimizes the risk of thermal runaway in EV battery packs by reducing peak temperatures and promoting better temperature uniformity.

Introduction

An electric car operates without traditional gasoline or diesel engines, instead relying on battery-stored electricity to power an electric motor, though factors like battery degradation over time can lead to higher replacement costs and contribute to the vehicle’s overall expense, despite decreasing battery prices.