Effect of immersion cooling design optimization on thermal management for lithium battery module

Immersion cooling has attracted significant attention due to its excellent ability to exchange heat through direct contact with the battery surface. The design of the channels within the immersion system plays a crucial role in optimizing cooling efficiency. Therefore, this study explores various immersion system designs, focusing on parameters such as flow rate, inlet arrangements, and channel structures, in order to identify more effective methods for immersion cooling. The simulation results indicate that a flow rate of 1.5 × 10^-2 L·s⁻¹ provides a better balance between cooling performance and power consumption. The single inlet design offers superior cooling and lower power consumption compared to the double inlet, with a heat absorption capacity of up to 81.5 kJ. Regarding the channel structure, the baffle arrangements on both sides of the channel or on the outlet side are more effective in thermal management. Among these, the baffle arrangement on the outlet side uses fewer baffles, making it more cost effective. Specifically, it can maintain a temperature of 31.45 ℃ with a temperature difference of 6.16 ℃, while absorbing 83.2 kJ of heat. In addition, the cooling mechanism of immersion thermal management is revealed from a turbulence perspective. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation and offer improved design alternatives for the immersion thermal management of battery module.