Poor heat dissipation and thermal runaway are most common in batteries subjected to fast charge or discharge and forced to work in hot or subzero ambient temperatures. For the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries throughout their lifecycle, a reliable battery thermal management system (BTMS) is required. A novel hybrid BTMS with a nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated smart wire and phase change material (PCM) with expanded graphite (EG) is proposed in this study. A lumped electrochemical-thermal battery model is developed to analyze the efficiency of the proposed hybrid BTMS. The multiphysics BTMS is investigated by discharging at various electrical currents in both off-modes (inactivated SMA) and on-modes (activated SMA). Under on-mode BTMS operation, temperature elevation is reduced by 4.63 °C and 6.102 °C during 3 C and 5 C discharge, respectively. The proposed hybrid BTMS can be considered a competitive alternative for use in electrical vehicles due to its smart, compact, safe, and efficient performance in both cold and hot environments.

This study explores the impact of key factors on Project Management (PM) strategies within R&D units of SMEs. We present a case study of an SME engaged in the manufacturing of battery packs highlighting the critical need for adaptable PM methodologies to the specific characteristics of the company. Facing dynamic market conditions due to its growth rate, the SME sought a sustainable and flexible PM approach. The implementation of a hybrid Agile-Stage-Gate methodology demonstrates the practical integration of identified parameters, offering valuable insights for SMEs navigating R&D challenges