Hybrid Thermal Management Systems Using Nano-PCM for Battery Cooling in Electric and Solar Vehicles

Abstract

The advancement of electric and solar vehicles demands efficient and sustainable thermal management solutions to ensure optimal battery performance, safety, and longevity. This chapter presents a comprehensive exploration of hybrid thermal management systems (HTMS) employing nano-enhanced phase change materials (nano-PCMs) as a next-generation strategy for effective battery cooling. Nano-PCMs combine the latent heat storage capability of traditional PCMs with the superior thermal conductivity of nanomaterials, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional cooling systems. The integration of passive and active thermal control methods within HTMS is examined, highlighting improved temperature uniformity, accelerated heat dissipation, and enhanced energy efficiency under varying operational conditions. Emphasis is placed on material synthesis, thermophysical characterization, and system-level modeling of nano-PCM-based cooling architectures tailored for electric and solar-powered vehicle platforms. The role of nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxides in augmenting the thermal performance of PCMs is analyzed, along with techno-economic considerations and real-time testing data. The chapter also addresses design challenges, environmental impacts, and future research directions in scaling nano-PCM technologies for widespread vehicular deployment. By bridging material innovation with system integration, hybrid thermal management systems present a transformative pathway for advancing battery reliability and sustainability in modern transportation.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.71443/9789349552654-06

Journal

Solar Thermal Technologies and Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials for High-Efficiency Electric and Solar Mobility

Year

2025