Liquid Cooling Effects on Battery Energy Storage Performance: A Simulation Study Using ANSYS<br />Eng. Nourhan Thamer Assi<br /><br />Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<br />Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy<br />Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure<br />Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production<br />Goal 13: Climate Action<br /><br />Article<br />The rapid growth of renewable energy sources has increased the demand for efficient and reliable energy storage systems. Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in energy storage applications, require effective thermal management to maintain performance, safety, and longevity. This article investigates the effects of liquid cooling on the thermal behavior and overall performance of battery energy storage systems (BESS) through simulation using ANSYS software.<br /><br />Thermal Management Challenges in Battery Packs<br />Battery cells generate heat during charge and discharge cycles, and excessive heat can degrade battery materials, reduce capacity, and lead to safety hazards such as thermal runaway. Conventional air cooling systems often fall short in managing high heat fluxes in large-scale battery packs. Liquid cooling has emerged as a promising technique due to its higher heat transfer capabilities and uniform temperature distribution.<br /><br />Simulation Setup and Methodology<br />The study uses ANSYS Fluent to perform a coupled fluid flow and heat transfer simulation on a battery module equipped with a liquid cooling jacket. The model includes detailed battery geometry, coolant flow channels, and material properties of the battery cells. Various coolant flow rates and inlet temperatures were tested to evaluate their impact on battery temperature distribution and heat dissipation efficiency.<br /><br />Key Findings<br />The simulation results demonstrated that liquid cooling significantly reduces the maximum temperature within the battery module compared to air cooling. At optimal coolant flow rates, the temperature difference across battery cells was minimized, improving thermal uniformity and preventing hotspots. Lower operating temperatures correlated with enhanced battery performance and longer cycle life. Additionally, the pressure drop and pumping power requirements were analyzed to ensure the cooling system’s energy efficiency.<br /><br />Implications for Battery Design and Renewable Energy<br />Implementing effective liquid cooling solutions can increase battery reliability and safety, which is critical for grid-scale energy storage and electric vehicles. The study’s insights guide the design of cooling systems that balance thermal management performance with energy consumption, supporting sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Liquid cooling is an effective approach to managing the thermal challenges of battery energy storage systems. ANSYS simulations provide valuable predictions of temperature fields and flow behavior, helping engineers optimize cooling designs. As renewable energy adoption grows, advanced thermal management solutions like liquid cooling will be essential in enhancing battery safety, performance, and sustainability.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq