Battery Pack, Virtual Connection, ANSYS Fluent CFD Simulation

Battery Pack (Virtual Connection) CFD Simulation in ANSYS Fluent: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the 9th chapter of our Battery Training Course, focusing on battery pack simulation with virtual connection 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 pack system:

Battery Operation

• Batteries convert chemical energy into electric energy through electrochemical reactions


• A battery pack is a combination of battery cells connected in parallel or serial.


• 4P6S battery pack consists of 6 battery series stages and 4 batteries in parallel per series stage.

Key components include:

• Active components (24 battery cells)


• Passive components (24 positive tabs and 24 negative tabs)

Understanding these components is crucial for accurate simulation modeling.

Battery Simulation Methodology

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

Geometry Design and Meshing

• 3D model created using Design Modeler software


• Unstructured meshing with ANSYS Meshing software


• 485,797 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 Virtual Connections by defining virtual connection definition text

Simulation Results and Analysis

Our comprehensive simulation yields valuable insights:

Results Analysis

Examination of contours for:

• Potential (Cell Voltage)


• Temperature


• State of Charge (SoC)

Examination of plots for:

• Potential (Voltage) over time


• Maximum Temperature over time

Thermal-Electrochemical Behavior Insights

• Overall voltage decreases during discharge


• Battery cells' temperature increases during discharge

These results align with the expected functional mechanism of the battery pack 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 battery pack designs without real connections


• 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 4P6S battery pack simulations without real connection 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 modeling in ANSYS Fluent!