Polymer Hollow Fiber Heat Exchanger

Polymeric heat exchangers (PHEs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, including corrosion resistance, lightweight construction, and design flexibility. This chapter explores the innovative applications and advantages of PHEs in lithium-ion battery thermal management. The initial focus of the chapter is on modeling and assessment of heat generation, subsequently novel design of PHEs for cooling cylindrical lithium-ion cells in electric vehicle battery packs is discussed, highlighting its lightweight, non-conductive, and cost-effective polymeric construction compared to traditional metallic designs. The cooling performance and temperature homogeneity achieved through computational fluid dynamics and experimental validation underscore the potential of PHEs in enhancing battery efficiency. Further, we examine the application of PHEs in automotive cooling systems, including oil coolers for vehicles, emphasizing their superior heat transfer efficiency and manufacturability. Current research and applications, including fiber orientation, pressure drop, thermal analysis, fouling, mechanical durability, and numerical results, are reviewed in the chapter aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of polymer hollow fibers, illustrating their versatility, efficiency, and promise in advancing sustainable technologies. Challenges and opportunities for the development of advanced membrane structures are discussed, paving the way for further innovations in this dynamic field.