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A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Management Based on Liquid Cooling and Its Evaluation Method

Author

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  • Hongkai Liu

    (National Key Laboratory of Automotive Chassis Integration and Bionics, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
    Department of Thermal Engineering, College of Automotive Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Chentong Shi

    (National Key Laboratory of Automotive Chassis Integration and Bionics, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
    Department of Thermal Engineering, College of Automotive Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Chenghao Liu

    (National Key Laboratory of Automotive Chassis Integration and Bionics, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
    Department of Thermal Engineering, College of Automotive Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China)

  • Wei Chang

    (National Key Laboratory of Automotive Chassis Integration and Bionics, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
    Department of Thermal Engineering, College of Automotive Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China)

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) provide a feasible solution for the electrification of the transportation sector. However, the large-scale deployment of EVs over wide working conditions is limited by the temperature sensitivity of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Therefore, an efficient and reliable battery thermal management system (BTMS) becomes essential to achieve precise temperature control of batteries and prevent potential thermal runaway. Owing to their high heat-transfer efficiency and controllability, liquid-based cooling technologies have become a key research focus in the field of BTMS. In both design and operation, BTMSs are required to comprehensively consider thermal characteristics, energy consumption, economics, and environmental impact, which demands more scientific and rational evaluation criteria. This paper reviews the latest research progress on liquid-based cooling technologies, with a focus on indirect-contact and direct-contact cooling. In addition, existing evaluation methods are summarized. This work proposes insights for future research on liquid-cooled BTMS development in EVs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongkai Liu & Chentong Shi & Chenghao Liu & Wei Chang, 2025. "A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Management Based on Liquid Cooling and Its Evaluation Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4569-:d:1736437
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    References listed on IDEAS

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