Two phase heat transfer approaches for battery thermal management: Current status, challenges and future outlook

Despite the increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries for greener energy solutions, their thermal safety remains significant concern, specifically in energy storage power stations and electric vehicles with high energy storage density. As a result, Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) have been widely implemented, with growing attention on two-phase heat transfer based BTMS, which are rapidly advancing. Two-phase heat transfer technology, where the working medium absorbs and releases latent heat, is seen as a promising approach to improve the efficiency of current BTMS. This review article offers an in-depth analysis of the principal concerns of heat production and its effects on lithium-ion batteries, as well as the heat transfer mechanisms within battery cells. It offers a comprehensive review of recent advancements and challenges in thermal management, focusing on emerging two-phase heat transfer based BTMS. Additionally, the integration of nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) in lithium-ion battery systems is highlighted for their potential to improve performance. The article also presents a critical evaluation of the techno-economic benefits of PCM/NEPCM-based BTMS. Finally, it identifies potential areas for future research, emphasizing the importance of innovative thinking to enhance system resilience in two-phase heat transfer in lithium-ion batteries. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals involved in the development and optimization of BTMS, offering key insights into effective heat management to improve both safety and performance.