Exploring the Thermal Dynamics of a 48-V 30-Ah Lithium-ion Battery Pack Through Transient Thermal Analysis

  • Joseph BENNY KUDIYIRICAN ,
  • Raja KANNAN
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  • Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai (Tamil Nadu), 600062, India

Online published: 2025-10-29

Copyright

Science Press, Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, CAS and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries’ safe and effective functioning depends on reliable and precise heat control. In this study, we explore the thermal behaviour of a 48-V, 30-Ah LiCoO2 battery pack utilising an unconventional transient thermal analysis technique with a simplified constant heat-generating formula based on the Bernardi equation. This work assessed the effect of several discharge rates and heat transfer coefficients on thermal performance by modelling temperature distribution and heat dissipation inside the battery pack. Heat transfer coefficients 5 W/(m2·K) for natural air convection, 10 W/(m2·K) for forced convection of air and discharge rates 0.5C, 1C, 1.5C and 2C on thermal performance were investigated using a sensitivity analysis. The results show that forced convection improves temperature distribution and considerably enhances heat dissipation at a discharge rate of 0.5C. However, the study reveals that advanced thermal management techniques are especially vital. Even forced air convection finds it difficult to maintain temperatures within the optimal range at higher discharge rates, thus emphasizing the need to optimise cooling conditions to guarantee thermal stability and prevent hotspots. The findings underline and offer insightful analysis of the relative impact of discharge rates and cooling conditions on lithium-ion battery pack thermal behaviour.

Cite this article

Joseph BENNY KUDIYIRICAN , Raja KANNAN . Exploring the Thermal Dynamics of a 48-V 30-Ah Lithium-ion Battery Pack Through Transient Thermal Analysis[J]. Journal of Thermal Science, 2025 , 34(6) : 2087 -2103 . DOI: 10.1007/s11630-025-2089-2

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