A 3D simulation model of thermal runaway in Li-ion batteries coupled particles ejection and jet flow

Abstract

A coupled simulation model of the 18650 lithium-ion batteries (LIB) thermal runaway (TR) is presented in this study, which includes TR decomposition reaction, gas generation and combustion processes, solid particles ejection and particles heat transfer process. The model considers a combination of solid heat conduction, gas convection, flame and particles radiation, which is validated to accurately capture the temperature evolution and two typical jet processes during TR. Model validation conducts with experimental measurements for the temperature of the battery surface. The simulation results show that the “ignition” time of the flammable gas mixture is delayed and the rate of flame temperature increase is slowed down when the effect of solid particles is considered. The radiation heat transfer rate and convection heat transfer rate on the adjacent battery surfaces are 80.3W and 12.76W, and are approximately 4.29 times and 1.76 times larger than the results calculated by the model without solid particles, respectively. The difference between these two can be further magnified in confined space. The model developed in this study combines the effect of the solid particles’ radiation into the TR simulation innovatively. It can provide a more accurate calculation method for the prediction of TR propagation.