Purushottam Kumar* and BP Singh
Department of Physics, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, India
*Corresponding author:Purushottam Kumar, Department of Physics, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, India
Submission: July 03, 2024;Published: July 24, 2024
ISSN: 2576-8840 Volume 20 Issue 3
Lithium-Ion Batteries (Li-ion) are the advance form of batteries recently utilized in various applications. Li-ion batteries are the preferred technology for hybrid and fully electric vehicles, power tools, and portable gadgets due to their unmatched combination of high energy and power density. In this battery the electrolyte acts as a conduit for the ion exchange that generates electricity. Batteries of all shapes and sizes are thought to be one of the best methods for storing energy; nonetheless, the environmental effects of widespread battery use continue to be a significant issue that needs further research. The high-energy materials and the organic components of a Li-ion battery are unstable at temperatures above 130-150 °C and are prone to produce greater heat. The battery temperature will rise further and the heat-releasing process will quicken if the created heat is not expelled. The main Li-ion battery components are presented and contrasted in this study, along with the accompanying battery management systems and methods for enhancing battery efficiency, capacity, and lifespan. The thermal runaway mechanism is discussed in this work, along with a number of thermal runaway mitigation strategies, such as separators, flame retardants, and safety vents.
Keywords:Battery efficiency; Li-ion batteries; Battery management systems; Electrode materials; Thermal runaway
The invention of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries has completely changed a number of markets and uses, including consumer electronics, electric cars, renewable energy storage, and more. Li-ion batteries provide many benefits over conventional energy storage technologies, such as a long cycle life, high energy density, and lightweight construction. Li-ion battery thermal behavior must be understood in order to maximize performance, guarantee safety, and customize the battery for various uses. This introduction acts as a bridge to a thorough examination of the development of Li-ion batteries for a range of applications and their thermal behavior. It describes the role Li-ion batteries play in modern society, identifies the critical elements influencing their thermal performance, and emphasizes how important it is to take thermal management into account when designing batteries [1].
With the ability to power a vast array of products and systems, including laptops, electric vehicles (EVs), and smartphones, lithium-ion batteries have become essential in today’s environment. They are essential for storing energy produced by renewable sources like solar and wind power, hence their contribution to the shift to sustainable energy sources cannot be overstated. The need for high-performance Li-ion batteries is growing as we move away from fossil fuels, which emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and development in this area. The kind of active materials used in the battery’s electrodes, the battery’s level of charge, current rates, and the surrounding temperature all have an impact on how Li-ion batteries behave thermally. Together, these elements affect the battery’s overall performance, safety, and efficiency. Comprehending these affects is essential to creating batteries that may satisfy the particular requirements of various applications. Li-ion battery safety and performance optimization depend on efficient temperature control. Problems like overheating, capacity loss, and even safety risks like thermal runaway can result from inadequate thermal control. For high-demand applications like electric vehicles (EVs) and grid storage systems, where Li-ion batteries are subjected to variable ambient conditions and heavy usage, temperature control is especially important [2].
We shall examine the thermal behavior of Li-ion batteries in various applications as well as the relevant development and enhancement techniques in this series of papers. We will investigate the special difficulties and demands that Li-ion batteries encounter in a variety of industries, such as consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and more [3]. Our objective is to offer insightful information about the state of Li-ion battery technology today and the breakthroughs propelling its progress. In the pages that follow, we will examine the particular thermal issues and solutions for Li-ion batteries in each application area, providing a thorough summary of the ongoing research and development activities. By the time this investigation is through, readers will know more about the significance of thermal management in Li-ion battery design and how it affects a variety of businesses.
Types of batteries
There are several different battery kinds, each with different
chemistries and properties:
Primary batteries: Also known as non-rechargeable batteries,
these are single-use batteries. If their chemical reactions stop
working, they cannot be regenerated.
Secondary batteries: Also known as rechargeable batteries,
these batteries may be recharged by reversing the chemical
reactions with the help of an external power source (Figure 1).
Figure 1:Different types of secondary batteries.
Alkaline batteries: They use an alkaline electrolyte, are reasonably long-lasting, and are commonly found in household appliances.
Lithium-Ion batteries: These batteries are commonly found in electric cars and portable devices due to their high energy density and several recharge cycles (Table 1, [4,5]).
Table 1:Primary batteries components.
Because they provide portability, convenience, and sustainability in a wide range of technological applications, batteries are indispensable to modern life. Experts are investigating novel materials and designs in an effort to increase battery longevity, safety, and efficiency as technology develops [6]. Lithium-ion (Liion) batteries are a type of rechargeable energy storage technology that has become indispensable to modern living due to their high energy density, efficiency, and versatility. They provide power to a wide range of devices, such as laptops, telephones, renewable energy systems, and electric cars [7]. Because lithium-ion batteries are so good at storing and releasing electrical energy, they are becoming more and more common.
There are the Fundamental Elements Li-ion batteries are made up of numerous essential parts, including (Figure 2; Table 2, [8]):
Figure 2:Lithium-ion cell batteries.
Table 2:Batteries component.
Principal of lithium-ion batteries
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy by storing it. During chemical reactions in batteries, electrons flow from one substance (electrode) to another through an external circuit. The movement of electrons can produce an electric current, which can then be used to carry out operations. The electrolyte, which separates the two terminals and is composed of various substances (often metals), the anode, and the cathode are the three essential components of a battery. Between the cathode and anode, an electrical charge can flow through the electrolyte, a chemical medium [9]; (Figure 3).
Figure 3:Charge and discharge lithium-ion batteries.
Battery power
The battery’s storage capacity is measured in Ampere hours, or Ah. If V is the battery voltage, then the energy storage capacity of the battery can be Ah x V = Watt-hour. Usually, battery capacity will be specified for a given discharge/charge rating or C rating. The actual capacity depends on operating conditions such as load, temperature, etc.
Depth of Discharge (DOD)
It provides a measurement of the amount of energy expended from a battery in relation to its maximum capacity. The state of charge of a battery is the difference between the full charge and the depth of discharge of the battery in percentage.
If the DOD is 25% then the state of charge is (100 - 25) = 75% (Figure 4).
Figure 4:Lithium & solar power lifepo4 -Depth of Discharge (DOD) all battery.
SOC estimation methodologies
Various battery frameworks can be monitored to monitor the health of a battery in an EV, while the vital parameters considered are the State of Charge (SOC) and the State of Health (SOH). SOC is described as the ratio of the available battery storage capacity to the nominal battery storage capacity [10].
SOC=Q (capacity of the battery available now)/Q nominal capacity of the battery)
While SOH is supposed to be an indicator of state, it is yet to be discovered, Rahimi-Eichi et al. says. The reason for SOH deterioration is the aging of battery which leads to increased internal resistance and increased terminal voltages.
Health estimation
The methods previously discussed are used to determine the SOC of a battery, which is the capacity of a battery at a given point. SOH is a somewhat ambiguous term, but here, the focus is on monitoring battery performance over time, including parasitic cell resistances, bad wire connections, and degradation in cell capacity. Detecting an unhealthy battery pack provides awareness of a battery pack’s capabilities, allowing for the proper battery pack to be selected for a given mission. It may also allow detection and replacement of defective cells before they cause a dangerous event, such as a battery fire [11].
Recalibration capacity
The easiest method of checking degradation in battery capacity is to monitor it for a full charge cycle. The BMS’ microcontroller can be set up to detect whether or not the battery is full or empty based on the voltage thresholds. When one of these thresholds is reached, the BMS can begin coulomb counting until the other threshold is reached. This will give an approximation of the capacity, which will reduce as the battery health degrades. The BMS needs to provide a notification when the capacity drops below a predetermined threshold [12]. If recalibration is occurring, and the pack alternates between charging and discharging too many times before reaching the opposite threshold, calibration needs to stop. Charging and discharging the battery too many times before the battery reaches the opposite threshold results in the coulomb counting slowly accumulating errors. These errors can distort battery capacity measurements.
An important consideration for calculating a battery’s SOH is capacity measurement. Battery cycle life is often calculated as the number of cycles required to recover 80% of the battery’s initial capacity. This takes from several hundred to several thousand cycles, depending on the battery. Capacity fade is typically slow; however, battery health can change more rapidly, and assessing this before high consequence applications of batteries is important. Other tools can be used to make this sort of assessment [13].
Battery voltage
Working voltage or nominal voltage refers to the terminal
voltage under normal operating conditions. Manufacturers will
specify this voltage.
It could be 3V, 6V, 12V, 24V, etc.
Cycle of a battery
A battery’s nominal capacity is the number of full charges and
discharges it can withstand before falling below 80% of its rated
initial capacity. The battery will continue to function with decreased
capacity after the designated life cycle. Although it can be used, the
capacity will be reduced.
Charge rate, discharge rate, or C-rate: C rating is the result of
dividing the battery’s capacity by the number of hours required for
a full charge or discharge, expressed as C/X, where X is the required
amount of time in hours. The C-rating is C/10 or 0.1C if X = 10h [14].
Electrode materials: Electrical components are made up of
electrodes and electrode materials, which might be made of metals
or other materials. They serve as the parts of a system that conduct
electrical current and are used to establish contact with a circuit’s
nonmetallic elements. Metallic electrodes with coated carbon are
widely accepted as a good option for BES because of the enhanced
conductivity and resilience of metals and the high biocompatibility
of carbon-based materials [15]. Copper and stainless steel are
inappropriate anode materials because of their toxicity and
tendency to corrode. Platinum is a commonly used electrode
material because of its endurance, despite its high cost. Alkaline
water electrolyzes usually use metals based on nickel as a point of
reference for the remaining elements. Graphite is a stable material
but not very catalytic. The most popular materials for working
electrodes are platinum, gold, carbon, and mercury. A standout
candidate among them, platinum is perhaps the easiest to produce
in a range of forms and has a good electrochemical inertness [16].
Among the materials used as electrolytes are LiPF6, LiClO4, LiAsF6, and Li CF3SO3. In addition to these main ingredients, there are additional ones including a binder, flame retardant, gel precursor, and electrolyte solvent. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are used extensively and have proven to be more environmentally friendly and energy dense than a variety of portable electronic devices. Notwithstanding these benefits, further development is still needed in the cycle life and power density for use in largescale energy storage systems, electrically driven vehicles (EVs), and other diverse applications [17].
Despite major advancements in battery technology, modern batteries are still far from meeting the energy consumption requirements of electric vehicles. This is mostly because of the battery’s inherent risk as a result of its non-monotonic energy consumption and abrupt fluctuations during the discharge process [18]. One of the most reliable ways to solve this issue is to combine the battery with a super capacitor, which has a similar architecture to the battery but a longer life cycle, higher energy density, and the ability to provide additional energy in the event that the battery runs out. Another option is to create electrode materials with low diffusion distances, high mechanical strength, high surface to dimension ratios in bulk, and fully exposed active surfaces in order to improve the electrochemical performance of LIBs [19-21].
Two more significant issues with Li-ion batteries are their unsteady high-temperature behavior and a reduction in their lowtemperature charge-discharge performance. Furthermore, it has been found that a decrease in temperature leads to a fall in the charge-discharge performance of Li-ion batteries. The main causes of this include a slowdown in reaction kinetics, a decrease in Li+ ion transport, and an increase in SEI layer resistance. In this succinct overview, we go over a number of cutting-edge methods for creating lithium-ion battery electrodes as well as recent developments in electrode composition. Other promising materials with enhanced electrochemical performance have also been demonstrated [22], in addition to the traditional electrodes, which have been modified to improve their performance and stability.
Thermal runaway
A potentially dangerous situation known as “thermal runaway” occurs when a system or process encounters an uncontrollably high temperature rise that could have catastrophic consequences. This behavior is common in many various situations, such as electronics, chemistry, and engineering. The concept of “thermal runaway” refers to a self-reinforcing process in which temperature increases cause additional temperature increases, creating a feedback loop that could lead to the collapse of the system in a number of situations.
Several instances of thermal runaway are given below:
Chemical reactions: In chemistry, thermal runaway can
happen when an exothermic reaction generates more heat than it
can possibly escape. The additional heat may speed up the response
rate and produce even more heat. If the heat is not effectively
extinguished, the temperature may rise uncontrollably and could
cause explosions or flames. When using reactive substances in
industrial processes, this is a serious concern [23].
Batteries: Rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion
batteries, are susceptible to thermal runaway from internal short
circuits, overcharging, and physical damage. Increased chemical
reactions may result from the battery heating up, which would
release more heat. This cycle has the potential to intensify quickly,
swelling, leaking, or in extreme situations blowing up the battery
[24].
Electronics: Transistors and integrated circuits, for example,
are susceptible to thermal runaway when exposed to high voltages,
high currents, or inadequate cooling. These components’ electrical
resistance may decrease with temperature, increasing current flow
and producing more heat. The components may be harmed or
destroyed as a result of this self-sustaining cycle [25].
Power Systems: Inadequate design or maintenance can lead
to thermal runaway in power distribution systems. Transformers
or electrical lines that are overloaded can produce an excessive
amount of heat, which could cause failures that spread throughout
the system. Widespread power disruptions, fires, and other dangers
may arise from this [26].
It is imperative to include appropriate design, monitoring, and safety procedures in order to minimize or mitigate the risks associated with thermal runaway. Incorporating cooling systems, utilizing suitable materials, putting safety interlocks in place, and adopting thermal management techniques, for example, can all assists reduce or eliminate the effects of thermal runaway. In general, thermal runaway is a phenomenon that emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend and control heat creation and dissipation in a variety of systems in order to guarantee security and avert disastrous failures [27].
Including separators
In rechargeable batteries, such lithium-ion batteries, separators are essential because they keep the positive and negative electrodes from coming into direct contact while yet enabling ion flow. In order to enable the passage of ions during charging and discharging, the separator is typically a thin, porous, insulating substance put between the electrodes [28].
Here now the thermal runaway in batteries can be exacerbated
by separator-related issues.
a) Direct contact between the electrodes may become
possible if the separator material degrades or is weakened.
An internal short circuit, in which current moves straight
between the positive and negative electrodes without going
via the external circuit, may arise from this. Because of the high
current flow in this short circuit, heat is produced, which may
cause thermal runaway or localized heating [29].
b) If the battery sustains physical damage, the separator
may become perforated or deformed, resulting in direct contact
between the electrodes. External forces, improper handling, or
manufacturing flaws can all result in this damage. Once more, a
short circuit and thermal runaway may be caused by this direct
contact [30].
c) During normal operation and especially during
overcharging, some lithium-ion batteries can generate gases. If
the separator becomes compromised, these gases can lead to
swelling or pressurization within the battery cell. The increased
pressure can further damage the separator, exacerbating the
potential for thermal runaway [31].
d) In addition to its other function as a thermal insulator,
the separator also helps to shield the electrodes from direct
heat transmission. The risk of thermal runaway increases if the
insulating qualities of the separator are weakened because heat
produced during regular operation can more readily transfer
between the electrodes [32]. Manufacturers use a number of
precautions to lessen the possibility of thermal runaway in
separators.
e) The overall safety and dependability of the battery can be
improved by using superior separator materials that are both
mechanically strong and chemically stable [33].
f) Protective coatings can be applied to separators to
increase their thermal stability and resistance to harm. Design
and Manufacturing: Defects that could jeopardize the integrity
of the separator can be avoided by making sure batteries are
designed and manufactured in accordance with strict guidelines
[40[By controlling and dispersing heat, efficient thermal
management systems can help lower the risk of temperaturerelated
problems in battery designs [34].
g) Another factor influencing overall battery safety is the
selection of electrode materials that are less prone to thermal
runaway [35].
h) Without a doubt, safety vents and flame retardants are
extra parts and techniques that help reduce the danger of
thermal runaway in a variety of systems, including batteries
[36].
Flame retardants
Flame retardants are chemicals or materials that are designed to reduce a material’s combustibility and to slow down or stop the spread of flames. In the context of thermal runaway and battery safety, flame retardants can be added to battery designs to lessen or completely prevent fires that could come from overheating or other issues [37]. It is possible to add flame retardant chemicals to the electrolyte or other battery components in lithium-ion batteries to increase their fire resistance. In the unlikely event that thermal runaway occurs and the battery overheats, these additives can help suppress the combustion of volatile components within the battery, reducing the risk of a fire or explosion.
Safety vents
Safety vents, sometimes referred to as pressure relief vents, are made to let go of pressure that has accumulated inside a system in order to stop disastrous malfunctions like explosions. Safety vents are crucial for controlling the pressure created during thermal runaway in the context of batteries [38]. The pressure inside a battery cell can rise dramatically when it experiences thermal runaway and releases gases. If the pressure is not released, it may cause additional harm to the separator or other parts, which can have more dire consequences. When a battery’s internal pressure rises above a predetermined point, safety vents are meant to open, letting gases out and releasing pressure. By doing this, the battery may be kept from exploding or rupturing [39]. Particularly prevalent in lithium-runaway. Thermal runaway-prone devices can be made safer overall by incorporating safety vents and flame retardants in addition to other safety precautions like highquality materials, appropriate manufacturing procedures, thermal management systems, and separator integrity. Together, these tactics reduce the risks that could arise from producing too much heat and the possibility of cascading consequences that could result in disastrous failures [40].
Working
There are the three fundamental parts of a battery Anode, cathode, and electrolyte. If the electrolyte is insufficient, a separator is frequently utilized to keep the anode and cathode from coming into contact. Batteries typically have some sort of housing to store these parts [41]. The study of the thermal behavior of Li-ion batteries is essential for understanding and ensuring the safe operation of these energy storage devices. Li-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems, and their thermal behavior is of paramount importance to prevent overheating, thermal runaway, fires, and explosions [42]; (Table 3, [43-50)).
Table 3:Thermal behavior of Li-ion batteries working.
By combining experimental observations, mathematical modeling, and simulations, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the thermal behavior of Li-ion batteries. This knowledge is crucial for improving battery design, enhancing safety measures, and developing effective thermal management strategies to ensure the reliable and safe operation of these energy storage devices in various applications [51]; (Table 4, [52]); (Table 5, [53]); (Figure 5).
Table 4:Advantages.
Figure 5:Probing the complexities of structural changes in layered oxide cathode materials for Li-ion batteries during fast charge–discharge cycling and heating.
Table 5:Challenges: While Li-ion batteries offer numerous benefits, they also face certain challenges.
Li-ion battery technology continues to evolve, driven by research and innovation aimed at improving safety, energy density, lifespan, and sustainability. As technology advances, Li-ion batteries are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing energy storage needs in various sectors, including transportation, electronics, and renewable energy integration [54].
Batteries are essentially a form of storage that consists of an electrolyte and two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. This electrolyte acts as a conduit for the ion exchange that generates electricity. There are Batteries use and Primary and Secondary data base introduction. In this use the Lithium-ion batteries are different components, using Challenges applications and different type Principal of lithium-ion batteries- Battery power, Depth of discharge (DOD), SOC Estimation Methodologies, Health Estimation, Recalibration Capacity, Battery voltage, Cycle of a battery, Charge rate, discharge rate, or C-rate, Electrode materials. In This case study The Thermal runaway is the different components-Including separators, Puncture or Damage, Gas Generation, Heat Insulation, High-Quality Materials, Separator Coatings, Thermal Management, Electrode Materials, Flame Retardants, and Safety Vents, Flame Retardants, Safety Vents. This is the working principal are use- Temperature Monitoring and Measurement, Thermal Imaging, Calorimetry, Thermal Modeling, Cycling and Abuse Tests, Material Characterization, Safety Mechanisms and Strategies, Environmental Factors in using batteries.
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