Parallel and Serial Battery Pack, ANSYS Fluent CFD Simulation

Parallel and Serial Battery Pack CFD Simulation in ANSYS Fluent: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the 7th chapter of our Battery Training Course, focusing on battery pack simulation with parallel and series connections using ANSYS Fluent. This advanced battery pack model builds upon the foundational concepts, offering a deep dive into practical CFD simulation techniques.

Understanding Battery

Before we delve into the simulation process, let’s establish a clear understanding of the battery system:

Battery Operation

• Batteries convert chemical energy into electric energy through electrochemical reactions


• A battery pack is a combination of individual cells connected in parallel or series connections.

Components of a battery

Key components include:

• Active components (battery cells)


• Passive components (tabs and busbars)

Understanding these components is crucial for accurate simulation modeling.

Battery Simulation Methodology

Our simulation approach utilizes ANSYS Fluent’s powerful CFD capabilities:

Geometry Design

• 3D model created using Design Modeler software


• case 1: battery pack design with parallel connection


• case 2: battery pack design with series connection

Meshing

• Unstructured meshing with ANSYS Meshing software


• case 1: 74,240 cells generated for precise simulation


• case 2: 73,216 cells generated for precise simulation

Simulation Setup in ANSYS Fluent

• Utilization of the Battery model


• Solution method: multi-scale multi-domain (MSMD)


• Electrochemistry model: equivalent circuit model (ECM)


• Using a Real Connection

Simulation Results and Analysis

Our comprehensive simulation yields valuable insights:

Results Analysis

Examination of contours for:

• Potential (Cell Voltage)


• Current Magnitude

Examination of plots for:

• Potential (Voltage) (for every battery cell) in the parallel connection case


• Potential (Voltage) (for every battery cell) in the serial connection case


• Current Magnitude (for every battery cell) in the parallel connection case


• Current Magnitude (for every battery cell) in the serial connection case

Thermal-Electrochemical Behavior Insights

• Constant voltage and current decrease during discharge in the parallel case


• Stable current and voltage drop during discharge in the series case

These results align with the expected functional mechanism of the battery system.

Why This Battery Simulation is Crucial

This simulation model offers:

• Practical application of advanced CFD techniques


• Deep understanding of battery system processes


• Insights into heat generation and potential distributions

Target Audience

This batter model is ideal for:

• CFD specialists focusing on different connections in the battery pack


• Researchers in thermal-electrochemical behaviors in battery systems


• Engineers developing battery pack systems

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this battery model, you will be able to:

• Set up and run battery pack simulations (parallel and serial connections) in ANSYS Fluent


• Interpret complex CFD results related to battery processes


• Apply advanced modeling techniques to optimize battery pack designs

Elevate your battery simulation skills with this comprehensive guide to battery pack (parallel and series) modeling in ANSYS Fluent!