Development of a Hybrid Battery Cooling Strategy Using Nano-Enhanced Coolants and Optimized Module Configuration for Electric Vehicles

About the Project

This experimental study develops a nano-enhanced coolant and an optimized liquid-cooled battery module, and evaluates performance using thermophysical tests, cycling experiments, and an exergy analysis to quantify useful thermal potential and irreversibilities. Nanofluids are synthesized and characterized for thermal conductivity, viscosity, stability and density; coolant pump power and pressure drop are measured experimentally. A compact module with thin cold-plates and embedded micro-channels will be fabricated so the cooling structure serves also as a load-bearing element, minimising additional mass.

Exergy analysis is performed from measured temperatures and flowrates to calculate exergy input, exergy destruction (irreversibilities) and system exergy efficiency — enabling direct comparison between nanofluid and conventional coolants in terms of useful cooling delivered per unit exergy input. Reduced exergy destruction indicates more effective cooling with lower entropy generation and lower parasitic losses.

Safety and fire-risk mitigation are assessed experimentally: the improved heat transfer and enhanced temperature uniformity reduce hot-spot formation and peak cell temperatures, lowering the probability of thermal runaway. Selection of chemically compatible, low-reactivity base fluids and corrosion inhibitors further reduces hazard. To avoid weight penalties, design strategies include low-mass micro-channel cold plates, minimized fluid inventory (lower volume required due to better heat transfer), and structural integration of cooling plates.

Finally, experiments will test heat recovery options: transferring extracted heat to cabin HVAC pre-heating, battery preconditioning, or a small PCM buffer for peak shaving—turning waste heat into useful energy while improving overall system exergy efficiency.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Information about the host department can be found by visiting:

http://www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering

http://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/

Funding Notes

This PhD project is initially offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with their own funding, or those applying to funding sources. However, excellent candidates will be eligible to be considered for a University scholarship. Students applying should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering/science discipline, and be highly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research.