Electrochemical-thermal coupled modelling of lithium-ion batteries is used to simulate battery performance. Modelling can be used to investigate the effects of different materials and design parameters on battery performance and safety. Numerous models exist for lithium-ion batteries¹ from microscopic through to module scale simulations. Majority of these models simulate cell performance under normal charge and discharge operation. Generally these models do not accurately predict cell behaviour outside of normal conditions, such as at high temperatures. Operating lithium-ion cells at high temperatures can lead to an internal thermal event and ultimately cell failure. A number of models have been developed to simulate cell behaviour outside normal conditions however these models do not include the performance of cells during normal operation. A model that simulates cell performance over a range of conditions is necessary to make an informed decision regarding material and design changes. This work aims to combine two existing models to create a new model for simulation of cell performance under normal and high temperature conditions.

Two existing models were chosen to create the new model. The models were selected to meet the following criteria: 1) single cell model 2) stacked plate configuration 3) individual component layers modelled (no homogeneous core assumption) 4) includes temperature dependent material properties (or able to be included). The first is a 1D electrochemical-thermal reduced order model developed by Gambhire et al.² for simulation under normal charge and discharge operation. The second is a 1D electrochemical-thermal coupled model developed by Wang et al.³ for simulating internal thermal events including decomposition reactions for each cell component. Key aspects of both models have been used to create a new model implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics®. The new model is expected to more accurately describe cell behaviour over a range of conditions. The results of this study will be presented at the conference.

Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge the funding support provided by the ARC Research Training Centre for Naval Design and Manufacturing, PMB Defence Engineering, and the CSIRO Manufacturing High Performance Metal Industries Program.

References:

1. D. Miranda, C.M. Costa, S. Lanceros-Mendez, J. Electroanal. Chem, 739, 97 (2015).
2. P. Gambhire, N. Ganesan, S. Basu, K.S. Hariharan, S.M. Kolake, T. Song, D. Oh, T. Yeo and S. Doo, J. Power Sources, 290, 87 (2015).
3. S. Wang, L. Lu and X. Liu, J. Power Sources, 244, 101 (2013).