Augmenting Li-ion Electrochemistry through Modulation of Thermal Gradients
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are being developed and used to power a range of applications, but their safety and reliability concerns are currently limiting their integration into Naval platforms. Li-ion battery failures are most often triggered by nucleation and growth of dendritic protrusions and have resulted in significant financial loss and operational disruptions. The thermo-electrochemical coupling of Li-ion cells is of critical importance because of its influence on Li plating (e.g., dendrites) and operational characteristics. Traditionally, low temperatures and high C-rates have been correlated with dendrite exacerbation. However, our recent findings also suggest that the influence of thermal gradients and transients, while significantly less understood, are equally (or more) important to the electrochemistry. Moreover, they can either augment or degrade cell performance and safety. Thus, there is an urgent need to quantify the sensitivity of Li-ion electrochemistry to thermalgradients and transients, and to increase the performance and safety of Li-ion batteries by providing recommended thermal design and operational strategies.The overall objective of this study is to quantify the sensitivity of Li-ion battery performance and safety to interelectrode thermal gradient magnitude and direction. The central hypothesis is that appropriately modulated interelectrode thermal gradients in synchronization with cell cycling will augment thermo-electrochemical coupling phenomena and improve the performance and safety of Li-ion batteries. The overall objective of this project will be realized by pursuing three specific aims: (i) actively modulate the magnitude and direction of the interelectrode thermal gradient, in synchronization with cell cycling; (ii) quantify electrochemical augmentation/degradation when subjected to synchronized thermal gradients; and (iii) develop thermal design and operational strategies to increase Li-ion battery performance and safety.Upon successful completion of this project, we expect to have quantified the sensitivity of Li-ion electrochemistryto interelectrode thermal gradients and yielded thermal design and operational strategies that increase the performance and safety of Li-ion batteries. We also expect this project to lead to a new class of smart batteries that can perform self-diagnostics and self-prognostics and, when combined with next-generation battery and thermal management systems, enable self-healing batteries that can be safely integrated into Naval platforms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112307
Entities
People
- Todd A. Kingston
Organizations
- Iowa State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy