This paper presents a novel model for analyzing thermal runaway in Li-ion battery cells with an internal short circuit device implanted in the cell. The model is constructed using Arrhenius formulations for representing the self-heating chemical reactions and the State of Charge. The model accounts for a local short-circuit, which is triggered by the device embedded in the cell windings (jelly roll). The short circuit is modeled by calculating the total available electrical energy and adding an efficiency factor for the conversion of electric energy into thermal energy. The efficiency factor also accounts for the energy vented from the cell. The results show good agreement with the experimental data for two cases – a 0D model and a 3D model of a single cell. Introducing the efficiency factor and simplifying the short-circuit modeling by using an Arrhenius formulation reduces the calculation time and the computational complexity, while providing relevant results about the temperature dynamics. It was found that for an 18650 NCA/graphite cell with a 2.4 Ah capacity, 28% of the electrical energy leaves with the effluent.

This paper presents a mathematical model developed for predicting the temperature-pressure behavior and gas generation inside 18650 LCO/Graphite cells with a DMC (Dimethyl Carbonate) electrolyte. The cell was modeled using oven heating conditions, and the analysis was done at time intervals around the venting event. The paper also presents the thermodynamic property table for DMC, as extracted from different resources and calculated using various assumptions. The model was developed by deriving the energy balance for an unsteady-flow control volume and applying the isentropic flow equations corresponding to the venting of gas. The results show that the model fails to predict the pressure measured experimentally when no gas is generated inside. When adding the gas generation due to pre-venting reactions occurring, the model can predict the pressure profile measured experimentally.

An experimental study of the module-to-module thermal runaway (TR) propagation in a multi-modular battery pack is presented here. During the experiment a cell in one of the modules is triggered by heating to study both cell-to-cell and module-to-module propagation. In order to understand the mechanism and gain insight into the thermal hazards of a battery pack system, the thermal characteristics of the cells in different modules are analyzed in detail. Although the TR-propagations are all triggered from the side next to the heater, the results indicate that the thermal characteristics of the modules vary in different phases. The upward direction of burning flame and heat flow highlight the importance of design considerations in a multi-modular battery pack.