Capacity Fading Rules of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Multiple Thermoelectric Aging Paths

Abstract

The ambient temperature and charging rate are the two most important factors that influence the capacity deterioration of lithium-ion batteries. Differences in temperature for charge–discharge conditions significantly impact the battery capacity, particularly under high-stress conditions, such as ultrafast charging. The combined negative effects of the ambient temperature and a high charging rate on the capacity of a lithium-ion battery require further research. Here, multiple scenarios of different temperatures and charging rates were considered to examine their influence on battery capacity deterioration, focusing on the effect of high charging rates above 2 C. Three test temperatures and three charging rates were selected, and experiments were performed to evaluate the battery capacity over several charge–discharge cycles. A comparative analysis was performed on the capacity, impedance, and probability density function (PDF). The results showed that increasing the charging rate delayed the response of the phase change reaction to the voltage, which accelerated the corresponding capacity deterioration. At high charging rates, the main causes of capacity deterioration were the loss of active lithium in the battery and the loss of active material from the negative electrode. Most of the product from the side reaction between the lithium coating and electrolyte remained in the electrolyte and had no evident effect on impedance. Therefore, high charging rates significantly increase the temperature of the battery, and a high charging rate and temperature exert a coupled negative effect on the battery capacity. Thermal management strategies for lithium-ion batteries must comprehensively optimize the temperature and charging rate in real time.