Term of Award

Fall 2024

Degree Name

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair

Hayri Sezer

Committee Member 1

Hossain Ahmed

Committee Member 2

David Calamas

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are central in numerous high-demand applications due to their high energy density and prolonged cycle life. Despite these advantages, their susceptibility to thermal runaway (TR) poses a significant safety risk, with the potential for catastrophic failures. This study focuses on the thermal behavior of prismatic lithium-ion cells, using a finite volume-based partial differential equation (PDE) solver developed in MATLAB and JULIA to model TR behavior. This solver accurately simulates transient behaviors, convection, diffusion, and source terms across various coordinate systems. By engaging in a series of increasing complex case studies, this research aims to identify the critical ambient temperatures that can induce TR in LIBs. It thoroughly investigates the decomposition kinetics of cell components and examines the impact of inter-cell contact resistance on TR progression. Furthermore, through comparative analyses with industry-standard tools like GPYRO and COMSOL Multiphysics, alongside precise experimental validations, the study confirms the consistency of its findings. These insights are crucial for enhancing large-scale energy storage systems. The outcomes of this research are instrumental in informing the development of effective cooling mechanisms, robust insulation materials, and advanced thermal management strategies. Such enhancements are vital for sustaining the safety and reliability of lithium-ion battery applications, thereby supporting their broader adoption in technology-dependent sectors. This study not only furthers our understanding of thermal processes in LIBs but also contributes significantly to the field by suggesting practical solutions to mitigate risks associated with thermal runaway.

OCLC Number

1478273884

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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