EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF HEAT TRANSFER IN BATTERY PACK OF A HOVERBOARD

Abstract

Li-ion cells are used for energy storage and conversion in electric vehicles and a variety of consumer devices such as hoverboards. Performance and safety of such devices is severely affected by overheating of Li-ion cells in aggressive operating conditions. Several accidents due to fire in the battery pack of a hoverboard have been reported in the recent past. Despite the large number of hoverboards in use worldwide, there is a lack of systematic research on heat transfer in battery packs of hoverboards. This study presents experimental and numerical analysis of heat transfer in Li-ion battery pack of a hoverboard to understand the effect of natural and forced cooling on the temperature of the battery pack. Experiments conducted on a roller conveyor set-up show that surface temperature of the cells improves by removing the metal casing around the pack and by providing openings on the hoverboard. A finite element simulation model is developed, the results of which are in good agreement with experimental data for both natural and forced convection. Experimental data and simulations indicate the need of removing the metal casing in addition to providing external air flow. The simulation model also indicates that providing holes in the casing can result in significant thermal benefit without the need to remove the casing completely. Results of this work improve our understanding of heat transfer in hoverboards and may contribute towards improved safety of hoverboards.