Automotive Experiences
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): Issue in Progress

Effect of Curvature on the Thermal-Hydraulic Performance of Serpentine Battery Cooling Channels

Teguh Hady Ariwibowo (Electronic Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Surabaya, Indonesia)
Lucky Pradigta Setiya Raharja (Electronic Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Surabaya, Indonesia)
Satworo Adiwidodo (State Politechnic of Malang, Indonesia)
Fengky Adie Perdana (State Politechnic of Malang, Indonesia)
Nila Alia (State Politechnic of Malang, Indonesia)
Burniadi Moballa (Shipbuilding Institute of Polytechnic Surabaya, Indonesia)
Muh. Anis Mustaghfirin (Shipbuilding Institute of Polytechnic Surabaya, Indonesia)
Arya Rafi Abrari (PT. Guntner Indonesia)
Muhammad Aghist Fitrony (Pohang University of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea)
Charitsma Tsani (Electronic Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Surabaya, Indonesia)
Probo Yekti Salsabilla Adelwise (Electronic Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Surabaya)
Putri Dwi Imandini (Electronic Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jun 2026

Abstract

Efficient battery thermal management systems (BTMS) are essential for ensuring the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. This study numerically investigates the influence of serpentine channel curvature on the thermal and hydraulic characteristics of a liquid-cooled prismatic battery module. Four channel designs were evaluated: a base case and three serpentine configurations with curvature values of 0.075 mm⁻¹, 0.1 mm⁻¹, and 0.15 mm⁻¹. Simulations were conducted under steady-state and transient conditions with discharge rates of 0.5C–2C and mass flow rates of 2.41 × 10⁻³ – 3.61 × 10⁻² kg/s. The results show that higher curvature and mass flow rates reduce maximum battery temperature and improve temperature uniformity, but at the expense of increased pressure drop and pumping power. At 3.61 × 10⁻² kg/s, the base-case channel exhibited a 28% increase in pressure drop compared to 2.41 × 10⁻² kg/s, while the 0.15 mm⁻¹ channel recorded up to a 60% rise under the same condition. Transient analysis revealed that curved channels enhanced heat dissipation, achieving up to 8.56% higher cooling performance than the base case. These findings highlight the trade-off between thermal improvement and hydraulic penalty, providing valuable guidance for optimizing liquid-cooled BTMS in electric vehicle applications.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

AutomotiveExperiences

Publisher

Subject

Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering

Description

Automotive experiences invite researchers to contribute ideas on the main scope of Emerging automotive technology and environmental issues; Efficiency (fuel, thermal and mechanical); Vehicle safety and driving comfort; Automotive industry and supporting materials; Vehicle maintenance and technical ...