We interviewed Amin Moosavi, PhD student in fluid mechanics at Luleå University of Technology, about Green Transition North’s sub-project
5 “Optimised power storage in mobile battery units”, which addresses key challenges in battery storage, including safety, cost, lifetime,
limited energy density and environmental impact. In particular, the project aims to improve the thermal management of batteries in mobile
applications.

Why the focus on lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries have become the focus of attention due to the increasing global demand for electric vehicles and mobile applications. The advantages
of lithium batteries include higher energy density, specific energy, compactness, lower self-discharge and fast charging capability, making them ideal for energy storage in mobile applications.

What are the research questions?
The research project aims to answer four main questions. These include understanding the thermal behaviour of lithium battery cells, investigating the thermo-fluid behaviour of battery cooling systems, evaluating the expected thermal performance of the cooling system and improving the thermal performance of the system to increase efficiency and reliability.

What results do you expect?
The research aims to develop a high-performance, cost-effective battery cooling system that takes into account safety aspects, cost considerations, energy density constraints and environmental impacts. Computer models will also be developed to enable further investigation and optimisation of mobile battery units, contributing to advances in the field of electromobility.

What about the challenges and obstacles?
A major challenge is the large computational domain of the thermal management system of batteries. To overcome this, techniques need to be developed to split the model into sub-models to reduce computational costs and still obtain reliable results.

What are the benefits for industry and society?
Optimised storage of electricity in mobile battery units benefits industry and society by increasing safety, reducing costs, extending battery life and reducing waste generation. It enables electric vehicles to become more economical and accessible, while supporting the transition to a greener transport system.

What are the practical applications and implementation?
Discussions have started with Northvolt AB about a possible industrial implementation of the research results. Practical applications go beyond the automotive sector and benefit companies involved in the electrification of boats and aircraft.

And what are the contributions to battery technologies and energy storage systems?
The project contributes to the general understanding and further development of battery technologies by providing a simulation model for battery packs. This enables in-depth analysis, optimisation of design and operation and serves as a valuable tool for future research and development in this field.