Experimental Study on High-Temperature Cycling Aging of Large-Capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

Abstract

Large-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are widely used in energy storage systems and electric vehicles due to their low cost, long lifespan, and high safety. However, the lifespan of batteries gradually decreases during their usage, especially due to internal heat generation and exposure to high temperatures, which leads to rapid capacity degradation. In-depth research is needed on the degradation characteristics of large-capacity LFP batteries under high temperatures. To study the degradation characteristics of large-capacity LFP batteries at high temperatures, a commercial 135Ah LFP battery is selected for 45°C high-temperature dynamic cycling aging experiments and 25°C reference performance experiments. A detailed analysis of the degradation process is conducted by examining the patterns of changes in charge-discharge voltage curves, capacity, internal resistance, open circuit voltage (OCV), and incremental capacity curve. The study uncovers that the OCV displays diverse degradation patterns at different states of charge (SOC). Furthermore, it identifies the loss of lithium inventory and active material as the fundamental factors contributing to the degradation observed during high-temperature cycling. This study provides references for developing battery life prediction algorithms and designing long-cycle-life battery cells.