Simulation of temperature rise in Li-ion cells at very high currents

Abstract

The Dualfoil model is used to simulate the electrochemical behavior and temperature rise for MCMB/LiCoO2 Li-ion cells under a small constant-resistance load, approaching a short-circuit condition. Radial mass transport of lithium from the center of the pore to the pore wall has been added to the model to describe better current limitations at very high discharge currents. Electrolyte and solid-surface-concentration profiles of lithium ions across the cell at various times are developed and analyzed to explain the lithium-ion transport limitations. Sensitivity tests are conducted by changing solution and solid-state diffusion coefficients, and the heat-transfer coefficient. Because diffusion coefficients increase at high temperature, calculated discharge curves can show currents dropping initially but then rising to a second peak, with most of the available capacity being consumed in the second peak. Conditions which lead to such a second peak are explored.