Optimal control of cooling performance using an active disturbance rejection controller for lithium-ion battery packs

The development of electric vehicles (EVs) contributes to reducing air pollution and the consumption of traditional fossil fuels. However, the battery thermal management system (BTMS) still faces challenges, such as slow cooling rates and poor environmental adaptability during high-rate charging and discharging. An Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) method is proposed to address these issues. This study investigates the cooling performance of a bidirectional convection cooling channel structure under constant discharge conditions, severe current driving conditions, and high-temperature environments. The results indicate that, at discharge rates of 0.5C, 1C, and 2C, ADRC exhibited the ideal temperature uniformity with maximum temperature differences of merely 1.3 degrees C, 1.33 degrees C, and 1.36 degrees C, respectively. Under NEDC and US06 driving conditions, the cooling rate of ADRC was increased by up to 54.5 % and 76.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, under US06 driving conditions characterized by high speeds and aggressive acceleration at an ambient temperature of 50 degrees C, ADRC demonstrated superior thermal management stability, with only one instance exceeding the target temperature threshold. The application of ADRC algorithms is anticipated to have significant implications in the EV field by ensuring precise temperature control, enabling the battery to operate in an optimal state, extending its service life, and enhancing the robustness and safety of the system under complex environmental conditions.