Critical Review on Internal and External Battery Thermal Management Systems for Fast Charging Applications

Carbon‐free and safe power solutions, such as fast charging batteries for mid‐to‐large applications, are viable alternatives to address ever‐increasing energy demand while reducing environmental pollution. However, the self‐generated heat produced during the charge/discharge process severely hampers the performance, stability, and safety of fast charging batteries. Thus, a suitable working temperature range must be maintained to maximize efficiency. Well‐designed battery thermal management systems (BTMSs) can provide an appropriate temperature environment for maximizing battery performance with superior stability and safety. The objective of this study is to present a clear and detailed discussion on this ability of BTMSs, battery materials, and the effects of temperature on battery performance during rapid charging. Furthermore, battery modeling methods are highlighted, and the existing BTMSs are comprehensively reviewed and categorized according to their components and preparation processes. Additionally, the methods of cooling such systems based on phase change materials (PCMs), heat pipes, and thermoelectric elements, are explored. In addition, BTMSs based on air, liquids, and PCMs that undergo solid–liquid, liquid–gas, and solid–gas transitions are also discussed. This article summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art technology for battery thermal management system (BTMSs) and discusses the methods to design suitable temperature environments for ensuring the safety of batteries during fast charging. The objective is to highlight the various categories of BTMSs in terms of the materials used and mechanisms along with their effects on controlling temperature to maintain the battery performance.