Abstract
Lithium-ion-based battery cells are widely diffused in the automotive industry. These cells are extremely sensitive to ambient temperature. Exceeding the operating temperature range affects life, performances and safety. An accurate description of cell heat generation and temperature distribution is essential. Providing such a model was the objective of this work. A modular approach was proposed. Lumped volume elements represent anode, cathode, separators and current collectors. Each element features chemical, electrical and thermal simulation, taking into account anisotropy of materials. An equivalent circuit model provides information on heat generation depending on the load. Assembling more elements provides models of different cells Elements are arranged in layers exchanging heat with one another in a multi-physics platform. In the case study of a pouch cell the evolution in time of the temperature profile is shown. An accurate representation of heat generation and temperature distribution within battery cell is provided at a low computational effort. This methodology can represent a wide range of cells, providing data for the dimensioning of thermal management systems.Battery thermal models currently available are either specific to a cell geometry and a chemistry, or start from very restrictive assumptions. This work provides a flexible and adaptable model simulating the thermal behavior for different cells, improving the effectiveness of thermal management design.
Keywords: battery, cell, Lithium-ion, thermal, modelling