Thermal model
Thermal models predict how heat transfers and the resulting local temperatures. Batteries both generate heat and are very sensitive to temperature. The result is that heat generated has a significant impact on the electrical/electrochemical properties of the cell making thermal modelling essential.
Applications
Thermal management system design
Understand the expected temperature gradients within the pack and couple this with electrical models to see the effect on non-uniform current.
Cell Design
Use thermal models to optimise the thermal properties of the cell and avoid large thermal resistances.
Fast charging
Evaluate charging profiles to check the pack temperature gradients and maximum temperatures throughout the pack.
Cell selection
Asses the thermal performance for a range of cells, back to back.
Key features
2D and 3D temperature gradients
Model temperature gradients in multiple dimensions and observe how the heat dissipates throughout the cell.
Flexible boundary conditions
Add boundary conditions that are representative of your system - liquid cooling plate, free convection, fixed temperature or controlled heat flux.
Query temperature at any point
Use our user interface to probe the temperatures at any point(s) you like. Build arrays to plot in the axis or locations that you care about.
Industry leading accuracy
We developed patent protected measurement methods to accurately measure the thermal properties. We overcame previous errors typically around 50%.
Full model report
All of our models come with a full report detailing the model framework, parameters, implementation and validation. Use the table of parameters to import them into the platform you need.
Works standalone
Our thermal models only need heat generation as an input meaning they don’t need to be coupled to an electrical model.
Easily create a pack
Simply drag and drop multiple blocks into your Simscape environment to model pack behaviour.
Integrate with electrical/electrochemical models
Our models plug together for electro-thermal simulation. Model how the increasing cell temperature changes the heat generation and voltage response of the cell.
Validation
Using our proprietary Peltier element controller we are able to validate our thermal models with tightly controlled boundary conditions ensuring accuracy.
Optional extras
Custom Validation
We also work with our customers to tailor our model validation to their specific use cases.
Proprietary cells
We are trusted by some of the world’s biggest OEMs to keep proprietary data safe.
Downloadable as
Look-up table
Parameters only
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Simscape
Object file
BPX
Battery Parameter Exchange
Cells available
We have Thermal models available for a wide range of commercial cells. If you don't see the cell you need, please get in touch with Tim to find out if we have it. We also make Thermal models for proprietary cells under NDA.
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Molicel P45B
& more
What is a Thermal model?
Thermal models allow engineers to evaluate their design’s thermal management and pack safety. The 2D models capture temperature gradients axially and radially through the cell and the thermal performance is described using a 2D axisymmetric model. For pouch and prismatic cells, these are across each cardinal direction instead.
Predicts
Bulk temperature
Heat flux
Temperature gradients
Accounts for
Anisotropic thermal conductivity
Jelly-roll / can cap structure
Ohmic heating in cap
User-specified thermal boundary conditions
Accuracy
Our best-in-class thermal models come fully validated. Check out the accuracy of our temperature predictions!
