Chapter 9: Thermal Management Systems in Electric Vehicles
Abstract: An EV Thermal Management System (TMS) is a complex network of cooling/heating loops (liquid, refrigerant, air) that maintains optimal temperatures for the battery, motor, and power electronics , crucial for performance, range, longevity, and safety by preventing overheating or performance loss in cold/hot conditions, often using heat pumps, valves, and heat exchangers to manage heat flow intelligently. Key Components & Functions: Battery Cooling/Heating: Prevents thermal runaway (overheating) and ensures efficiency in cold weather by heating cells. Motor/Inverter Cooling: Keeps the e-drive components within their ideal temperature range for maximum power and lifespan. Cabin Climate Control : Integrates with AC/heating to provide passenger comfort. Coolant Loops: Often uses multiple circuits (e.g., separate for battery, motor) that can switch between serial (heat sharing) and parallel (ind...