Energy density in EV batteries calls for sophisticated thermal management
Battery capacity has increased by more than 50 kW across plug-in hybrid/battery electric vehicles (PHEVs/BEVs), and even 150 kW and higher batteries are increasingly capable of fast charging. These advances in battery technologies are creating a parallel need for Battery Heat Management Systems (BTMS) – the only way to achieve greater range, longer life and better battery performance. While passive thermal management, such as air-cooled systems, will be the key technology for HEVs, liquid cooling and active thermal management will become common for PHEVs and BEVs, Frost & Sullivan experts estimate.
“The use of liquid glycol through cooling tubes and plates between the modules will not only help OEMs maintain battery efficiency, but also enable their vehicles to meet stringent battery standards,” says Arvind Noel Xavier Leo, Industry Analyst, Mobility. According to the analyst, OEMs will increasingly use active thermal management systems in the future that combine all thermal requirements for battery, engine, power electronics and cabin temperature.
The study also comments on the development of battery shapes. According to the study, prismatic cells are the preferred cell structure due to their high energy density and compact design. Since they are not very thermally stable, they require complex temperature management systems. “At the same time, this opens up considerable possibilities for high-quality passive BTMS,” says Leo. Most OEMs source battery cells for EVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) from suppliers and assemble the module and package themselves. LG Chem, Panasonic, Samsung SDI and Sanyo will be the main cell suppliers to Western OEMs, while BYD, CATL and CALB will dominate the Chinese battery market and seek to adopt Western OEM technology.
The study has a number of important pieces of advice for vehicle manufacturers. OEMs will be more successful by taking advantage of the growth opportunities arising from the following constellations:
- Stringent battery packaging standards that will drive the introduction of high-end BTMS.
- Introduction of active thermal management systems as central control units.
- Development of a modular rapid charging system that delivers high output power for both BEVs and PHEVs.
- Partner with aftermarket wireless charging technology providers to develop internal offerings that create incentives for the introduction of EV.
- Installation of fast chargers in any EV model.
- Focus on standardisation and cost reduction for BTMS.
The latest analysis by Frost & Sullivan, Global Analysis of Electric Battery Market and Battery Thermal Management System for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Forecast to 2025, covers markets in Europe (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), China, South Korea, Japan and North America (USA).
More information: https://go.frost.com/EI_PR_KCekani_MDD0_ElectricVehicle_Mar19
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