Improved Lithium-Ion Battery Design for Longer Service Life: A New Standard In Heat Control
- UM Research
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: May 9
A significant portion of the world's energy—about a quarter—is consumed by transportation, making it a leading contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) offers a promising long-term solution to reduce these environmental impacts. However, LIBs face critical challenges in managing the heat generated during charging and discharging cycles. Uncontrolled heat can lead to 'thermal runaway,' which reduces efficiency, compromises safety, and increases the risk of catastrophic failure. Addressing these issues is imperative for the broader adoption of LIB technology.
Innovation: Thermal Management System (TMS) with Nanofluids
Scientists have developed a ground-breaking innovation to overcome these heat management challenges: a lithium-ion battery integrated with a thermal management system (TMS) based on nanofluids. Nanofluids, liquids containing nanoparticles, exhibit exceptional thermal conductivity and efficiently dissipate heat during battery operation. This advancement significantly enhances safety, efficiency, and longevity, marking a significant leap forward in energy storage technology.
Lithium-ion Battery Prototype with Thermal Management System Development
Technical Specifications
The prototype features a 40Ah battery module comprising 12 cells per module with a nominal voltage of 36V. This configuration achieves 300 charging cycles without thermal cooling. When integrated with the nanofluid-based TMS, the battery's lifespan extends by approximately 30%, maintaining optimal performance within the 15-35°C temperature range. Compared to traditional water-based cooling systems, the nanofluid-based TMS provides a cost-effective solution for LIB heat management while ensuring long-term stability and safety.
The optimal temperature range for LIBs to get the best performance is 15°C to 35°C as shown below:
Performance Analysis
The effectiveness of this TMS is evident in its ability to reduce temperatures during charging and discharging cycles significantly. The battery's recorded temperature data, which compares performance with and without cooling, further illustrates this.
For instance, during charging, the maximum temperature dropped from 81.57°C to 47.84°C, a 41% reduction. Similarly, during discharging, the temperature decreased from 107.95°C to 54.23°C, a 50% reduction. These improvements ensure safer operating conditions and significantly prolong the battery's service life.
For instance, during charging, the maximum temperature dropped from 81.57°C to 47.84°C, a 41% reduction. Similarly, during discharging, the temperature decreased from 107.95°C to 54.23°C, a 50% reduction. These improvements ensure safer operating conditions and significantly prolong the battery's service life.
Benefits
This innovation delivers multiple benefits. Environmentally, it reduces the carbon footprint associated with battery production and usage while supporting global sustainability goals. In addition, the innovation of TMS enhanced performance metrics, including improved efficiency and extended lifespan, reduced overall costs as well as minimised risks linked to thermal runaway and explosions, providing a sense of reassurance and security. Economically, the technology offers a cost-effective heat management solution suitable for large-scale energy storage, lowering operational and maintenance expenses.
Future Applications
The commercial potential of this technology spans multiple industries. In electric vehicles, it extends battery life and improves safety. Consumer electronics benefit from enhanced reliability and performance, while the aerospace sector can leverage the system for heat management in compact, high-performance applications. Additionally, renewable energy storage systems stand to gain improved efficiency for large-scale operations.
Global Implications
The TMS technology facilitates the transition to low-carbon, clean, and resilient energy systems, and aligns with sustainability targets in the energy and transport sectors. It advances LIB technology to support global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions, instilling confidence in the feasibility of a sustainable energy future and inspiring optimism.
Strategies for Commercialisation
Collaboration with industry stakeholders is essential in bringing this cutting-edge technology to market. Partnerships with investors and manufacturers will accelerate adoption, scale production, and bridge the gap between innovation and real-world applications. Such collaboration is crucial for realising this innovation's full potential and advancing the global transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Conclusion
Malaysia's pioneering efforts in developing nanofluid-based TMS for LIBs position it as a global leader in energy storage technology. This innovation, which establishes a new benchmark for reliability, efficiency, and sustainability by addressing critical challenges in heat management, is a source of pride and inspiration. It paves the way for a cleaner, greener future in energy and transportation, offering hope for a lasting environmental impact.
#CleanEnergy #ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #Innovation #GreenTech #BatteryTech #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #FutureOfTransport #EcoFriendly #TechForGood
Researcher featured:
Professor Dr. Jeyraj Selvaraj
Universiti Malaya Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre
Universiti Malaya
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Author:
Ms Tan Wei Nie
With a keen interest, Tan Wei Nie, a PhD candidate in law, enriches her studies by fusing science with narrative, uncovering connections between the two fields. Her passion for nature and staying active fuels her enthusiasm for life and learning, infusing her journey with unexpected thrills and excitement.
Photo credit:
Creator: kynny from Getty Images/iStockphoto
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
Nurhazrin Zanzabir, Assistant Administrative Officer, UM
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