Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries

A special issue of Batteries (ISSN 2313-0105). This special issue belongs to the section "Battery Performance, Ageing, Reliability and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2024) | Viewed by 38362

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: thermal safety and thermal disasters of batteries; thermal management; fire prevention and control
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

At present, thermal safety issues, such as thermal runaway, fire, and the explosion of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), have attracted public attention. Many accidents show that the thermal runaway of LIBs is currently the main cause of most fire and explosion accidents. On the other hand, the risk of the thermal runaway propagation of battery modules is high and the propagation speed is fast, which often causes serious loss of life and property, as well as adverse social impacts. Therefore, avoiding the thermal runaway of LIB modules and inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway is an important requirement for the development of LIBs. In-depth research on thermal runaway risk management and control methods has important scientific significance and is also an international hot frontier. 

This Special Issue will address the development of the thermal safety of LIBs. Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

  • High-safety and high-performance battery design;
  • The development of safety additive materials for LIB;
  • Insights into thermal runaway mechanisms and thermal propagation mitigation;
  • Safety tests (mechanical, electrical, thermal abuse);
  • Degradation mechanisms and identification, elucidation, and diagnosis technology;
  • Thermal management (liquid cooling, air cooling, phase change materials cooling, coupled cooling, etc.);
  • Mechanism, characteristics, and propagation of battery thermal runaway, fire, and explosion;
  • Risk assessment and optimal safety control and emergency management;
  • The development, design, and utilization of detection and early-warning systems;
  • Thermal runaway propagation, fire, and explosion suppression.

Dr. Mingyi Chen
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • safety design
  • safety materials
  • thermal runaway mechanism
  • safety tests
  • degradation diagnosis
  • thermal management
  • thermal runaway propagation
  • risk assessment
  • early warning
  • fire suppression

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3920 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Emissions—Part 2: Particle Size Distributions and Emission Factors
by Matthew Claassen, Bjoern Bingham, Judith C. Chow, John G. Watson, Pengbo Chu, Yan Wang and Xiaoliang Wang
Batteries 2024, 10(10), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10100366 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 483
Abstract
The lithium-ion battery (LIB) thermal runaway (TR) emits a wide size range of particles with diverse chemical compositions. When inhaled, these particles can cause serious adverse health effects. This study measured the size distributions of particles with diameters less than 10 µm released [...] Read more.
The lithium-ion battery (LIB) thermal runaway (TR) emits a wide size range of particles with diverse chemical compositions. When inhaled, these particles can cause serious adverse health effects. This study measured the size distributions of particles with diameters less than 10 µm released throughout the TR-driven combustion of cylindrical lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and pouch-style lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) LIB cells. The chemical composition of fine particles (PM2.5) and some acidic gases were also characterized from filter samples. The emission factors of particle number and mass as well as chemical components were calculated. Particle number concentrations were dominated by those smaller than 500 nm with geometric number mean diameters below 130 nm. Mass concentrations were also dominated by smaller particles, with PM1 particles making up 81–95% of the measured PM10 mass. A significant amount of organic and elemental carbon, phosphate, and fluoride was released as PM2.5 constituents. The emission factor of gaseous hydrogen fluoride was 10–81 mg/Wh, posing the most immediate danger to human health. The tested LFP cells had higher emission factors of particles and HF than the LCO cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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24 pages, 7412 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Emissions—Part 1: Chemical Composition of Fine Particles (PM2.5)
by Matthew Claassen, Bjoern Bingham, Judith C. Chow, John G. Watson, Yan Wang and Xiaoliang Wang
Batteries 2024, 10(9), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10090301 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1321
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) pose a safety risk due to their high specific energy density and toxic ingredients. Fire caused by LIB thermal runaway (TR) can be catastrophic within enclosed spaces where emission ventilation or occupant evacuation is challenging or impossible. The fine smoke [...] Read more.
Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) pose a safety risk due to their high specific energy density and toxic ingredients. Fire caused by LIB thermal runaway (TR) can be catastrophic within enclosed spaces where emission ventilation or occupant evacuation is challenging or impossible. The fine smoke particles (PM2.5) produced during a fire can deposit in deep parts of the lung and trigger various adverse health effects. This study characterizes the chemical composition of PM2.5 released from TR-driven combustion of cylindrical lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and pouch-style lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) LIB cells. Emissions from cell venting and flaming combustion were measured in real time and captured by filter assemblies for subsequent analyses of organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), elements, and water-soluble ions. The most abundant PM2.5 constituents were OC, EC, phosphate (PO43−), and fluoride (F), contributing 7–91%, 0.2–40%, 1–44%, and 0.7–3% to the PM2.5 mass, respectively. While OC was more abundant during cell venting, EC and PO43− were more abundant when flaming combustion occurred. These freshly emitted particles were acidic. Overall, particles from LFP tests had higher OM but lower EC compared to LCO tests, consistent with the higher thermal stability of LFP cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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19 pages, 8996 KiB  
Article
Study on Thermal Runaway Behavior and Jet Characteristics of a 156 Ah Prismatic Ternary Lithium Battery
by Huipeng Zhang
Batteries 2024, 10(8), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10080282 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 945
Abstract
Ternary lithium batteries have been widely used in transportation and energy storage due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, safety issues arising from thermal runaway (TR) need urgent resolution. Current research on thermal runaway in large-capacity ternary lithium batteries [...] Read more.
Ternary lithium batteries have been widely used in transportation and energy storage due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, safety issues arising from thermal runaway (TR) need urgent resolution. Current research on thermal runaway in large-capacity ternary lithium batteries is limited, making the study of hazard indicators during the thermal runaway ejection process crucial. This study places a commercial 156 Ah prismatic battery (positive electrode material: Li(Ni0.8Mn0.1Co0.1)O2, negative electrode material: graphite) in a nitrogen-filled sealed container, triggering thermal runaway through lateral heating. The experimental results show that the battery’s maximum surface temperature can reach 851.8–943.7 °C, exceeding the melting point of aluminum. Temperature surge inflection points at the battery’s bottom and near the small side of the negative electrode coincide with the inflection point on the heated surface. The highest jet temperatures at three monitoring points 50 mm, 150 mm, and 250 mm above the safety valve are 356.9 °C, 302.7 °C, and 216.5 °C, respectively. Acoustic signals reveal two ejection events. The average gas production of the battery is 0.089 mol/Ah, and the jet undergoes three stages: ultra-fast ejection (2 s), rapid ejection (32 s), and slow ejection (47 s). Post-thermal runaway remnants indicate that grooves from internal jet impacts are mainly located at ±45° positions. This study provides valuable insights for the safety design of batteries and the suppression of thermal runaway propagation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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22 pages, 13498 KiB  
Article
Experimental Research on Thermal-Venting Characteristics of the Failure 280 Ah LiFePO4 Battery: Atmospheric Pressure Impacts and Safety Assessment
by Yu Wang, Yan Wang, Jingyuan Zhao, Hongxu Li, Chengshan Xu, Yalun Li, Hewu Wang, Languang Lu, Feng Dai, Ruiguang Yu and Feng Qian
Batteries 2024, 10(8), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10080270 - 29 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1041
Abstract
With the widespread application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) energy storage stations in high-altitude areas, the impact of ambient pressure on battery thermal runaway (TR) behavior and venting flow characteristics have aroused wide research attention. This paper conducts a lateral heating experiment on 280 [...] Read more.
With the widespread application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) energy storage stations in high-altitude areas, the impact of ambient pressure on battery thermal runaway (TR) behavior and venting flow characteristics have aroused wide research attention. This paper conducts a lateral heating experiment on 280 Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFPs) and proposes a method for testing battery internal pressure using an embedded pressure sensor. This paper analyzes the battery characteristic temperature, internal pressure, chamber pressure, and gas components under different chamber pressures. The experiment is carried out in a N2 atmosphere using a 1000 L insulated chamber. At 40 kPa, the battery experiences two instances of venting, with a corresponding peak in temperature on the battery’s side of 136.3 °C and 302.8 °C, and gas generation rates of 0.14 mol/s and 0.09 mol/s, respectively. The research results indicate that changes in chamber pressure significantly affect the center temperature of the battery side (Ts), the center temperature of the chamber (Tc), the opening time of the safety valve (topen), the triggering time of TR (tTR), the time difference (Δt), venting velocity, gas composition, and flammable limits. However, the internal pressure and gas content of the battery are apparently unaffected. Considering the TR characteristics mentioned above, a safety assessment method is proposed to evaluate the TR behavior and gas hazard of the battery. The results indicate that the risk at 40 kPa is much higher than the other three chamber pressures. This study provides theoretical references for the safe use and early warning of energy storage LIBs in high-altitude areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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19 pages, 6540 KiB  
Article
Advanced Thermal Management of Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Battery Packs in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative CFD Study of Vertical, Horizontal, and Optimised Liquid Cooling Designs
by Michael Murphy and Mohammad Akrami
Batteries 2024, 10(8), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10080264 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Battery packs found in electric vehicles (EVs) require thermal management systems to maintain safe operating temperatures in order to improve device performance and alleviate irregular temperatures that can cause irreversible damage to the cells. Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are widely used in the electric [...] Read more.
Battery packs found in electric vehicles (EVs) require thermal management systems to maintain safe operating temperatures in order to improve device performance and alleviate irregular temperatures that can cause irreversible damage to the cells. Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are widely used in the electric vehicle industry due to their high energy density and extended life cycle. This report investigates the thermal performance of three liquid cooling designs for a six-cell battery pack using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The first two designs, vertical flow design (VFD) and horizontal flow design (HFD), are influenced by existing linear and wavy channel structures. They went through multiple geometry optimisations, where parameters such as inlet velocity, the number of channels, and channel diameter were tested before being combined into the third and final optimal design (OD). All designs successfully maintained the maximum temperature of the cells below 306.5 K at an inlet velocity of 0.5 ms−1, meeting the predefined performance thresholds derived from the literature. The HFD design was the only one that failed to meet the temperature uniformity goal of 5 K. The optimal design achieved a maximum temperature of 301.311 K, which was 2.223 K lower than the VFD, and 4.707 K lower than the HFD. Furthermore, it produced a cell temperature difference of 1.144 K, outperforming the next-best design by 1.647 K, thus demonstrating superior temperature regulation. The OD design can manage temperatures by using lower inlet velocities and reducing power consumption. However, the increased cooling efficiency comes at the cost of an increase in weight for the system. This prompts the decision on whether to accommodate the added weight for improved safety or to allocate it to the addition of more batteries to enhance the vehicle’s power output. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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14 pages, 4124 KiB  
Article
The Suppression Effect of Water Mist Released at Different Stages on Lithium-Ion Battery Flame Temperature, Heat Release, and Heat Radiation
by Bin Miao, Jiangfeng Lv, Qingbiao Wang, Guanzhang Zhu, Changfang Guo, Guodong An and Jianchun Ou
Batteries 2024, 10(7), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10070232 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 995
Abstract
Thermal runaway (TR) is a serious thermal disaster that occurs in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) under extreme conditions and has long been an obstacle to their further development. Water mist (WM) is considered to have excellent cooling capacity and is widely used in the [...] Read more.
Thermal runaway (TR) is a serious thermal disaster that occurs in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) under extreme conditions and has long been an obstacle to their further development. Water mist (WM) is considered to have excellent cooling capacity and is widely used in the field of fire protection. When used in TR suppression, WM also exhibits strong fire-extinguishing and anti-re-ignition abilities. Therefore, it has received widespread attention and research interest among scholars. However, most studies have focused on the cooling rate and suppression effect of TR propagation, and few have mentioned the effect of WM on flame heat transfer, which is a significant index in TR propagation suppression. This study has explored the suppression effect of WM released at different TR stages and has analyzed flame temperature, heat release, and heat radiation under WM conditions. Results show that the flame extinguishing duration for WM under different TR stages was different. WM could directly put out the flame within several seconds of being released when SV opened, 3 min after SV opening and when TR ended, and 3 min for WM when TR was triggered. Moreover, the heat radiation of the flame in relation to the battery QE could be calculated, and the case of WM released 3 min after SV opening exhibited the greatest proportion of heat radiation cooling η (with a value of 88.4%), which was same for the specific cooling capacity of WM Qm with a value of 1.7 × 10−3 kJ/kg. This is expected to provide a novel focus for TR suppression in LIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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14 pages, 3080 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Run-Off Waters Resulting from Lithium-Ion Battery Fire-Fighting Operations
by Arnaud Bordes, Arnaud Papin, Guy Marlair, Théo Claude, Ahmad El-Masri, Thierry Durussel, Jean-Pierre Bertrand, Benjamin Truchot and Amandine Lecocq
Batteries 2024, 10(4), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10040118 - 31 Mar 2024
Viewed by 5700
Abstract
As the use of Li-ion batteries is spreading, incidents in large energy storage systems (stationary storage containers, etc.) or in large-scale cell and battery storages (warehouses, recyclers, etc.), often leading to fire, are occurring on a regular basis. Water remains one of the [...] Read more.
As the use of Li-ion batteries is spreading, incidents in large energy storage systems (stationary storage containers, etc.) or in large-scale cell and battery storages (warehouses, recyclers, etc.), often leading to fire, are occurring on a regular basis. Water remains one of the most efficient fire extinguishing agents for tackling such battery incidents, and large quantities are usually necessary. Since batteries contain various potentially harmful components (metals and their oxides or salts, solvents, etc.) and thermal-runaway-induced battery incidents are accompanied by complex and potentially multistage fume emissions (containing both gas and particles), the potential impact of fire run-off waters on the environment should be considered and assessed carefully. The tests presented in this paper focus on analyzing the composition of run-off waters used to spray NMC Li-ion modules under thermal runaway. It highlights that waters used for firefighting are susceptible to containing many metals, including Ni, Mn, Co, Li and Al, mixed with other carbonaceous species (soot, tarballs) and sometimes undecomposed solvents used in the electrolyte. Extrapolation of pollutant concentrations compared with PNEC values showed that, for large-scale incidents, run-off water could be potentially hazardous to the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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26 pages, 4899 KiB  
Article
Innovative Early Detection of High-Temperature Abuse of Prismatic Cells and Post-Abuse Degradation Analysis Using Pressure and External Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
by André Hebenbrock, Nury Orazov, Ralf Benger, Wolfgang Schade, Ines Hauer and Thomas Turek
Batteries 2024, 10(3), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10030092 - 4 Mar 2024
Viewed by 2187
Abstract
The increasing adoption of lithium-ion battery cells in contemporary energy storage applications has raised concerns regarding their potential hazards. Ensuring the safety of compact and modern energy storage systems over their operational lifespans necessitates precise and dependable monitoring techniques. This research introduces a [...] Read more.
The increasing adoption of lithium-ion battery cells in contemporary energy storage applications has raised concerns regarding their potential hazards. Ensuring the safety of compact and modern energy storage systems over their operational lifespans necessitates precise and dependable monitoring techniques. This research introduces a novel method for the cell-specific surveillance of prismatic lithium-ion cells, with a focus on detecting pressure increases through the surface application of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor on a rupture disc. Commercially available prismatic cells, commonly used in the automotive sector, are employed as test specimens and equipped with proven pressure and innovative FBG sensors. Encompassing the analysis capacity, internal resistance, and pressure (under elevated ambient temperatures of up to 120 °C), this investigation explores the thermal degradation effects. The applied FBG sensor on the rupture disc exhibits reversible and irreversible state changes in the cells, offering a highly sensitive and reliable monitoring solution for the early detection of abuse and post-abuse cell condition analysis. This innovative approach represents a practical implementation of fiber optic sensor technology that is designed for strain-based monitoring of prismatic lithium-ion cells, thereby enabling customized solutions through which to address safety challenges in prismatic cell applications. In alignment with the ongoing exploration of lithium-ion batteries, this research offers a customizable addition to battery monitoring and fault detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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12 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
Monitoring of Thermal Runaway in Commercial Prismatic High-Energy Lithium-Ion Battery Cells via Internal Temperature Sensing
by Niklas Kisseler, Fabian Hoheisel, Christian Offermanns, Moritz Frieges, Heiner Heimes and Achim Kampker
Batteries 2024, 10(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10020041 - 23 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3610
Abstract
The temperature of a lithium-ion battery is a crucial parameter for understanding the internal processes during various operating and failure scenarios, including thermal runaway. However, the internal temperature is comparatively higher than the surface temperature. This particularly affects cells with a large cross-section, [...] Read more.
The temperature of a lithium-ion battery is a crucial parameter for understanding the internal processes during various operating and failure scenarios, including thermal runaway. However, the internal temperature is comparatively higher than the surface temperature. This particularly affects cells with a large cross-section, which is due to heat development within the cell and lower heat dissipation due to a poorer ratio of volume to surface area. This paper presents an approach that enables real-time monitoring of the behavior of a commercial prismatic high-energy battery cell (NMC811/C, 95 Ah, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (Ningde, China)) in the event of thermal runaway induced by overcharging. The internal cell temperature is investigated by the subsequent integration of two hard sensors between the two jelly rolls and additional sensors on the surface of the aluminum housing of the battery cell. The sensor’s signals show a significant increase in the temperature gradient between the temperature in the core of the cell and the cell casing surface until the onset of venting and thermal runaway of the battery. The data enable a detailed investigation of the behavior of the battery cell and the comparatively earlier detection of the point of no return in the event of thermal runaway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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33 pages, 9144 KiB  
Article
The Impact of a Combined Battery Thermal Management and Safety System Utilizing Polymer Mini-Channel Cold Plates on the Thermal Runaway and Its Propagation
by Henrik-Christian Graichen, Gunar Boye, Jörg Sauerhering, Florian Köhler and Frank Beyrau
Batteries 2024, 10(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10010001 - 20 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2871
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in mobile applications because they offer a suitable package of characteristics in terms of specific energy, cost, and life span. Nevertheless, they have the potential to experience thermal runaway (TR), the prevention and containment of which require safety [...] Read more.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in mobile applications because they offer a suitable package of characteristics in terms of specific energy, cost, and life span. Nevertheless, they have the potential to experience thermal runaway (TR), the prevention and containment of which require safety measures and intensive thermal management. This study introduces a novel combined thermal management and safety application designed for large aspect-ratio battery cells such as pouches and thin prismatics. It comprises polymer-based mini-channel cold plates that can indirectly thermally condition the batteries’ faces with liquid. They are lightweight and space-saving, making them suitable for mobile systems. Furthermore, this study experimentally clarifies to which extent the application of polymer mini-channel cold plates between battery cells is suitable to delay TR by heat dissipation and to prevent thermal runaway propagation (TRP) to adjacent cells by simultaneously acting as a thermal barrier. NMC pouch cells of 12.5 Ah capacity were overcharged at 1 C to induce TR. Without cold plates, TR and TRP occurred within one hour. Utilizing the polymer mini-channel cold plates for face cooling, the overcharge did not produce a condition leading to cell fire in the same time frame. When the fluid inlet temperature was varied between 5 and 40 °C, the overcharged cell’s surface temperature peaked between 50 and 60 °C. Indications were found that thermal conditioning with the polymer cold plates significantly slowed down parts of the process chain before cell firing. Their peak performance was measured to be just under 2.2 kW/m2. In addition, thermal management system malfunction was tested, and evidence was found that the polymer cold plates prevented TRP to adjacent cells. In conclusion, a combined thermal management and safety system made of polymer mini-channel cold plates provides necessary TR-related safety aspects in lithium battery systems and should be further investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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14 pages, 6518 KiB  
Article
Organic and Inorganic Hybrid Composite Phase Change Material for Inhibiting the Thermal Runaway of Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Jie Mei, Guoqing Shi, He Liu and Zhi Wang
Batteries 2023, 9(10), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9100513 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1916
Abstract
To deal with the flammability of PA (paraffin), this paper proposes a CPCM (composite phase change material) with a high heat-absorbing capacity for mitigating the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries. Two heating power levels were used to trigger thermal runaway in order to [...] Read more.
To deal with the flammability of PA (paraffin), this paper proposes a CPCM (composite phase change material) with a high heat-absorbing capacity for mitigating the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries. Two heating power levels were used to trigger thermal runaway in order to investigate the influence of heating power on thermal runaway characteristics and the mitigation effect of the PCM (phase change material). Thermal runaway processes and temperature changes were recorded. The results showed that heating results in a violent reaction of the battery, generating a high temperature and a bright flame, and the burning of PA increases the duration of a steady flame, indicating an increased threat. SA (sodium acetate trihydrate) effectively inhibited PA combustion, and the combustion time was reduced by 40.5%. PA/SA effectively retarded the rise in temperature of the battery, and the temperature rise rate was reduced by 87.3%. Increased heating power caused faster thermal runaway, and the thermal runaway mitigation effect of the CPCM was dramatically reduced. This study may provide a reference for the safe design and improvement of thermal management systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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15 pages, 2415 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Safety Behavior of High-Power and High-Energy Commercial Li-Ion Cells after Electric Vehicle Aging
by Pierre Kuntz, Loïc Lonardoni, Sylvie Genies, Olivier Raccurt and Philippe Azaïs
Batteries 2023, 9(8), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9080427 - 16 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1687
Abstract
The Li-ion battery is one of the key components in electric car development due to its performance in terms of energy density, power density and cyclability. However, this technology is likely to present safety problems with the appearance of cell thermal runaway, which [...] Read more.
The Li-ion battery is one of the key components in electric car development due to its performance in terms of energy density, power density and cyclability. However, this technology is likely to present safety problems with the appearance of cell thermal runaway, which can cause a car fire in the case of propagation in the battery pack. Today, standards describing safety compliance tests, which are a prerequisite for marketing Li-ion cells, are carried out on fresh cells only. It is therefore important to carry out research into the impact of cell aging on battery safety behavior in order to ensure security throughout the life of the battery, from manufacturing to recycling. In this article, the impact of Li-ion cell aging on safety is studied. Three commercial 18,650 cells with high-power and high-energy designs were aged using a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) aging profile in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 62-660. Several thermal (Accelerating Rate Calorimetry—ARC) and standardized safety (short-circuit, overcharge) tests were performed on fresh and aged cells. This study highlights the impact of aging on safety by comparing the safety behavior of fresh and aged cells with their aging conditions and the degradation mechanisms involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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16 pages, 8298 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on the Thermal Management for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on the Novel Flame Retardant Composite Phase Change Materials
by Yue Yu, Jiaxin Zhang, Minghao Zhu, Luyao Zhao, Yin Chen and Mingyi Chen
Batteries 2023, 9(7), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9070378 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2156
Abstract
Thermal management systems are critical to the maintenance of lithium-ion battery performance in new energy vehicles. While phase change materials are frequently employed in battery thermal management systems, it’s important to address the concerns related to their leakage and flammability, as they can [...] Read more.
Thermal management systems are critical to the maintenance of lithium-ion battery performance in new energy vehicles. While phase change materials are frequently employed in battery thermal management systems, it’s important to address the concerns related to their leakage and flammability, as they can pose hazards to the safety performance of batteries. This paper proposes a novel flame retardant composite phase change material (CPCM) consisting of paraffin, high-density polyethylene, expanded graphite, ammonium polyphosphate, red phosphorus, and zinc oxide. The performance of CPCMs containing different ratios of flame retardants is investigated, and their effects when applied to battery thermal management systems are compared. The results demonstrate that the leakage rate of the flame retardant CPCMs is maintained within 1%, indicating excellent flame retardant performance and thermal management efficiency. The combination of ammonium polyphosphate and red phosphorus in the flame retardant exhibits effective synergistic effects, while zinc oxide may help phosphate compounds create their bridging bonds, which would then make it possible to construct a char layer that would separate heat and oxygen. Under a 2C discharge rate, the maximum temperature of the battery pack remains below 50 °C, and the temperature difference can be controlled within 5 °C. Even under a 3C discharge rate, the maximum temperature and temperature difference are reduced by 30.31% and 29.53%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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Review

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28 pages, 36512 KiB  
Review
Recent Advancements in Battery Thermal Management Systems for Enhanced Performance of Li-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review
by Amin Rahmani, Mahdieh Dibaj and Mohammad Akrami
Batteries 2024, 10(8), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10080265 - 26 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2239
Abstract
Li-ion batteries are crucial for sustainable energy, powering electric vehicles, and supporting renewable energy storage systems for solar and wind power integration. Keeping these batteries at temperatures between 285 K and 310 K is crucial for optimal performance. This requires efficient battery thermal [...] Read more.
Li-ion batteries are crucial for sustainable energy, powering electric vehicles, and supporting renewable energy storage systems for solar and wind power integration. Keeping these batteries at temperatures between 285 K and 310 K is crucial for optimal performance. This requires efficient battery thermal management systems (BTMS). Many studies, both numerical and experimental, have focused on improving BTMS efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest BTMS designs developed in 2023 and 2024, with a focus on recent advancements and innovations. The primary objective is to evaluate these new designs to identify key improvements and trends. This review categorizes BTMS designs into four cooling methods: air-cooling, liquid-cooling, phase change material (PCM)-cooling, and thermoelectric cooling. It provides a detailed analysis of each method. It also offers a unique examination of hybrid cooling BTMSs, classifying them based on their impact on the cooling process. A hybrid-cooling BTMS refers to a method that combines at least two of the four types of BTMS (air-cooling, liquid-cooling, PCM-cooling, and thermoelectric-cooling) to enhance thermal management efficiency. Unlike previous reviews, this study emphasizes the novelty of recent designs and the substantial results they achieve, offering significant insights and recommendations for future research and development in BTMS. By highlighting the latest innovations and providing an in-depth analysis, this paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers aiming to enhance battery performance and sustainability through advanced thermal management solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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37 pages, 9937 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress and Prospects in Liquid Cooling Thermal Management System for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Jiahao Liu, Hao Chen, Silu Huang, Yu Jiao and Mingyi Chen
Batteries 2023, 9(8), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9080400 - 1 Aug 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8051
Abstract
The performance of lithium-ion batteries is closely related to temperature, and much attention has been paid to their thermal safety. With the increasing application of the lithium-ion battery, higher requirements are put forward for battery thermal management systems. Compared with other cooling methods, [...] Read more.
The performance of lithium-ion batteries is closely related to temperature, and much attention has been paid to their thermal safety. With the increasing application of the lithium-ion battery, higher requirements are put forward for battery thermal management systems. Compared with other cooling methods, liquid cooling is an efficient cooling method, which can control the maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference of the battery within an acceptable range. This article reviews the latest research in liquid cooling battery thermal management systems from the perspective of indirect and direct liquid cooling. Firstly, different coolants are compared. The indirect liquid cooling part analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different liquid channels and system structures. Direct cooling summarizes the different systems’ differences in cooling effectiveness and energy consumption. Then, the combination of liquid cooling, air cooling, phase change materials, and heat pipes is examined. Later, the connection between the cooling and heating functions in the liquid thermal management system is considered. In addition, from a safety perspective, it is found that liquid cooling can effectively manage thermal runaway. Finally, some problems are put forward, and a summary and outlook are given. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Safety of Lithium Ion Batteries)
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