Optimization of Operating Conditions of Heat Pipes BTMS using Response Surface Method

This study aims to optimize operating parameters of copper-sintered-wick heat pipes used in thermal management of lithium-ion batteries in EV application. The optimization was accomplished by using D-optimal design in the Response Surface Method (RSM). There are three independent variables or factors considered in this study; battery heat generation rate, the condenser length of the heat pipes and the coolant water flow rate. ANOVA analysis was used to evaluate the effect of each factor and the significance of the interactions. Developed regression models for both the maximum surface temperature, T-max and the temperature difference, Delta T were significant (p<0.0001) with excellent adjusted coefficient of determination, R-2 of 0.9945 and 0.9981 respectively. The results were optimized with the goals of maintaining the battery surface temperature and the temperature difference within the battery below the desired limit at the maximum heat generation rate possible. It was found that the optimum conditions occurred when the heat generation rate is 20.834 W, the condenser length is 150 mm and the water flow rate is 0.90 LPM. The predicted T-max and Delta T at these optimized conditions were verified by a numerical simulation and the difference between the predicted and the simulated values were within the acceptable error range of 3.64% and 13.12% respectively