Thermal Performance Analysis of Battery Cells Under Varying Operating Conditions 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 />The rapid expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems has intensified the need for efficient thermal management of battery cells. Maintaining optimal temperature ranges is critical to battery performance, safety, and longevity. This study focuses on the thermal behavior of lithium-ion battery cells under varying operating conditions using ANSYS simulation tools to assess heat generation, dissipation, and temperature distribution.<br /><br />Simulation Setup<br />A detailed three-dimensional model of a lithium-ion battery cell was developed in ANSYS Workbench, incorporating material properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, and density. The simulation analyzed different charge/discharge rates, ambient temperatures, and cooling conditions to replicate realistic operating scenarios. Conjugate heat transfer was modeled to capture interactions between the battery core and surrounding environment.<br /><br />Thermal Behavior Under Varying Conditions<br />Results showed that higher discharge rates significantly increase internal heat generation due to resistive losses. The temperature distribution inside the cell becomes non-uniform at elevated loads, with hotspots near electrode tabs and core regions. Ambient temperature variations directly influence cooling efficiency, with warmer environments leading to higher equilibrium temperatures.<br /><br />Cooling Strategies and Their Effects<br />The study evaluated passive and active cooling methods, including natural convection and forced liquid cooling. Forced cooling demonstrated superior capability in maintaining battery temperature within safe limits, reducing thermal gradients and minimizing risks of thermal runaway. The effectiveness of cooling strongly depended on flow rates and coolant properties.<br /><br />Implications for Battery Design and Safety<br />Understanding thermal dynamics assists in optimizing battery pack design to improve heat dissipation, reduce aging effects, and ensure operational safety. These insights contribute to extending battery life cycles and enhancing overall system reliability in electric vehicles and stationary storage applications.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />ANSYS-based thermal simulations provide a powerful tool for analyzing battery cell behavior under different operating conditions. The findings underscore the importance of effective thermal management in advancing battery technologies for sustainable energy solutions. Future work will integrate multi-physics approaches to include electrochemical and mechanical effects for comprehensive battery system optimization.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq