Graduate student Ethan Trulson, Master of Science in mechanical engineering, will be defending his thesis titled: The Study of Metal Enhanced Phase Change Materials for Heat Dissipation of Systems with Varying Heat Generation.
- Date: Wednesday, April 24
- Time: 1-2 p.m.
- Location: IST 1065
Abstract:
Lithium-ion batteries are an invaluable source of renewable energy in an age of depleting fossil fuels. In recent years, they have been vitally instrumental in the usage of solar power, wind power, and powering electric vehicles. While powerful and highly effective, they are required to be maintained within the temperature range of -15˚C to 40˚C to not deteriorate. Preventing the degrading of the lithium-ion batteries allows for the lifespan of the electric vehicles they power to be increased and in turn assist in reducing carbon emissions. Therefore, with their implementation comes the need for thermal management systems to maintain a safe maximum temperature during operation. Even though there are several methods of maintaining this maximum temperature range, such as air cooling, liquid cooling, phase change material, nanoparticles, and heat sinks, there is still a need to incorporate each of these systems into one novel battery thermal management system, optimize each factor, and best reduce the maximum temperature of lithium-ion battery cells. In this present study, several tests were conducted in order to develop a thermal management system comprised of eicosane, an organic phase change material, aluminum foam, and air cooling through forced convection. In addition to this, simulations and analytical calculations were also included to examine the potential maximum temperature outputs of the experimental setups.
For more information, please contact Dr. Gerardo Carbajal.