A topology optimization for design of double input-single output battery module liquid cooling plate with improved thermal performance

In past studies, the designs of the liquid cooling channel for battery packs usually emphasized the parametric optimization of coolant and battery parameters on pre-defined or fixed geometric designs. This significantly restricts the possibilities for geometric modifications of cooling channels, consequently limiting the potential improvement in heat dissipation performance. Therefore, to address this problem, this work illustrates a topology optimization (TO) for the design of a double input single output battery module liquid cooling plate with improved Thermal Performance. This design aims to provide the most efficient heat transfer from the prismatic cells to the liquid flowing within the cooling plate. TO approach determines the optimal channel structure in a two-dimensional domain. The established two-dimensional structures create a pathway for the development of three-dimensional cold plate models. This article further comprehensively examines the impact of the location and velocity of the liquid inflow on the cooling process. The optimal input location has been determined by presenting ten case studies with different intake positions. Each of these instances has undergone testing under five different velocity settings for inputs. Consequently, the optimal cooling plate design has been identified based on its superior heat exchange capability. These experiments aid in determining the optimal cooling plate configuration, with the intake located 19.5 mm out from the center. The findings have been confirmed by comparing the thermal and pressure drop performance with the traditionally used straight channel design. The findings obtained suggest validating the module-level battery pack design suggests that the proposed design can be further extended at the battery pack level. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd.