On The Impact of the Locality on Short-Circuit Characteristics: Experimental Analysis and Multiphysics Simulation of External and Local Short-Circuits Applied to Lithium-Ion Batteries. Issue 9 (20th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sturm, J.; Rheinfeld, A.; Buzon, D.; Jossen, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Volume 167:Issue 9(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04-20
• Subjects: lithium-ion battery -- internal short-circuit -- external short-circuit -- calorimetry -- nail-penetration -- rate capability; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.3705
• DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ab8873
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4651

Abstract

Abstract : Emulating true, field-like internal short-circuits (ISCs) by experimental methods is a complex task with mostly unsatisfactory outcome. However, understanding the evolution and impact of ISCs is crucial to mitigate safety issues related to lithium-ion batteries. Local short-circuit (LSC) conditions are applied to single-layered, small-sized (i.e. <60 mAh), and single-side coated graphite/NMC-111 pouch-type cells in a quasi-isothermal test bench using the nail/needle penetration approach. The cell's impedance, capacity, and the contact resistance at the penetration site mainly define the short-circuit current and, hence, the terminal voltage and heat generation rate associated with polarization effects and electrochemical rate limitations, which are correlated to the cell's behavior during external short-circuits (ESCs) at various short-circuit resistances. Measuring the electrical potential between the needle and the cell's negative tab allows to evaluate the polarization across the electrodes and to estimate the short-circuit intensity. LSC simulation studies are used to correlate current flux and resistance to ESC conditions. Double-layered cells are penetrated to create short-circuit conditions within either a single or both electrode stacks to study the difference between multiple LSCs (e.g. during a nail penetration test) and a single LSC (e.g. due to a particle/dendrite). Post-mortem analysis reveals copper dissolution/deposition across both electrodes.