Thermal runaway propagation characteristics of lithium-ion battery modules in a restricted channel with different longitudinal wind velocities

Abstract

Thermal runaway (TR) and its propagation (TRP) in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) present safety challenges, especially in confined spaces where wind speed's impact on TRP remains poorly understood. This study investigates the influence of longitudinal wind speed on TRP in LIBs within restricted channels. Results reveal a decreased incidence of TR with higher wind speeds. At 0 m/s, all cells in the two types of modules sequentially trigger TR, while speeds above 4 m/s prevent TR in any cells. TR onset temperature decreases, and onset time increases with wind speed. In the four-cell module, as wind speed rises from 0 m/s to 3 m/s, the TR onset for cell #1 increases from approximately 355 s to about 786 s. Dimensionless maximum remaining heat and dimensionless TR rate display a negative linear relationship with dimensionless wind speed. Dimensionless maximum remaining heat and TR rate exhibit a negative linear relationship with dimensionless wind speed. Additionally, the dimensionless TRP rate follows a power function with dimensionless wind speed. Energy flow distribution at different wind speeds is calculated, showing effective heat dissipation by longitudinal wind, delaying or preventing TRP. This research advances TRP theory and proposes a novel approach to mitigate TRP in LIBs.