Short-circuit Research Articles

Experimental analysis and safety assessment of thermal runaway behavior in lithium iron phosphate batteries under mechanical abuse

Mechanical abuse can lead to internal short circuits and thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, causing severe harm. Therefore, this paper systematically investigates the thermal runaway behavior and safety assessment of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries under mechanical abuse through experimental research. Mechanical abuse experiments are conducted under different conditions and battery state of charge (SOC), capturing force, voltage, and temperature responses during failure. Subsequently, characteristic parameters of thermal runaway behavior are extracted. Further, mechanical abuse conditions are quantified, and the relationship between experimental conditions and battery characteristic parameters is analyzed. Finally, regression models for battery safety boundaries and the degree of thermal runaway risk are established. The research results indicate that the extracted characteristic parameters effectively reflect internal short circuit (ISC) and thermal runaway behaviors, and the regression models provide a robust description of the battery's safety boundaries and thermal runaway risk degree. This work sheds light on understanding thermal runaway behavior and safety assessment methods for lithium-ion cells under mechanical abuse.

Quantifying the Inverter-Interfaced Renewable Energy Critical Integration Capacity of a Power Grid Based on Short-Circuit Current Over-Limits Probability

Power systems with a high proportion of inverter-based sources like photovoltaics require a substantial short-circuit current ratio to ensure strong voltage support capabilities. However, this also increases the system’s short-circuit current capacity and levels, which may potentially affect the safe operation of system equipment and current-carrying conductors. To evaluate the operational risks, this paper proposes a quantitative calculation model for the critical integration proportion of grid-connected inverter-interfaced power sources based on short-circuit current over-limit probability. Firstly, according to the verification criterion about short-circuit current during the selection of the switching equipment and conductors in the power system, the short-circuit current over-limit probability evaluation system with five indices is established. Secondly, considering the impact of the increased grid integration proportion of inverter-based power sources on short-circuit currents, an evaluation process for operational risk probabilities is proposed. Based on this, the critical access proportion for inverter-based power source integration in the power grid can be calculated. Finally, the proposed model is used to assess the operational risk probability for a 220 kV system which includes a high proportion of inverter-based power sources in the Anhui area, China. Through the analysis of cumulative probability distribution curves, the critical grid integration proportion interval for the transition from normal to high proportion stages of inverter-based power sources is determined.

A Comprehensive Investigation into Bidirectional DC-DC Converters with Soft Switching for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the the promising solutions for the environmental issues such as carbon emission and global warming. The high voltage traction battery in EVs is charged from utility grid by an EV charger. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standardize EV charges into two categories on-board chargers and off-board chargers. Usually, the on-board chargers are located inside the vehicle whereas, off-board chargers are not mounted on the vehicle. For onboard chargers, size and power density of charger become a prior matter of concern. The only way to reduce the size of a converter and thereby increase the power density is to operate power electronic conversion system (PECS) at very high switching frequency (HSF) resulting in reduced size of magnetic component in the charger configuration. However, HSF operation may lead to a high electromagnetic interference (EMI), loss in switch and switch duty. The work in this paper is focused on the development of high frequency bi-directional DC-DC converter (BD2C) stage priory used in on-board chargers due to distributed sources of energy as well as to manage the power distribution in the configuration. The power electronic BDCs are derived from boost and buck unit. The boost derived converter are current fed converters and offers advantages in terms of inherent voltage gain, short circuit protection and lower input current ripple. The voltage spikes across switches, high rated device selection, hard switching, snubber and auxiliary circuit requirements are some of the undesirable factors. This occurrence happened due to unbalance power transfer by the power electronics converter. Similarly, voltage fed converter offers good voltage control during power transfer.   

Wind-Induced Cooling Effects on Photovoltaic Panel Performance

This investigation evaluated the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) panel system under varied cooling speeds of a calibrated wind generator. The objectives encompassed the calibration of wind speed, integration of the wind generator with the PV panel system, monitoring the performance of the PV panel with wind-induced cooling, and analyzing overall performance under different wind generator settings. Parameters assessed included open circuit voltage, short circuit current, PV panel surface temperature, and power output. The tests were carried out both with and without wind cooling and under artificial and natural lighting conditions. Under artificial lighting conditions, the solar PV panel demonstrated suboptimal short circuit current compared to natural lighting conditions, leading to an overall decrease in power output. Moreover, the findings revealed a significant relationship between simulated wind speed and the overall performance of the PV panel, with notable variations in surface temperature, voltage level, current level, and power output. The statistical analysis supported these findings, with all dependent variables exhibiting statistically significant differences. The practical implications of these observations are pertinent to the design of more efficient and sustainable PV and PV-wind cooling systems. By comprehending the influence of wind on PV panel performance, system designers and operators can make informed decisions to maximize energy production and enhance the overall efficiency of the PV system.

Strengthening distribution systems after earthquakes with a new analytical model

This study highlights that earthquakes can lead to short-circuit faults, power outages, and equipment damage in distribution systems. Based on the observation of the effects of two major earthquakes that occurred in Turkey (February 6, 2023), a new analytical model for strengthening distribution systems against natural disasters is proposed in this study. In this model, the distribution system is analyzed, and the fragility index of the buses is determined. The technical condition of the distribution system is assessed using fragility indexes, and integration and sizing of Distributed Generation (DG) and energy storage units are performed to ensure energy continuity after an earthquake. This fragility index takes into account both the operation of the distribution system in island (microgrid) mode and its operation connected to the main grid. In addition, with the fault index recommended within the scope of the analytical model, the vulnerable points of the distribution system against short circuit faults are analyzed and short circuit fault currents are limited at these points. Thus, the resilience of distribution systems against natural disasters such as earthquakes can be enhanced with the proposed analytical model.

Stronger Coupling of Quantum Dots in Hole Transport Layer Through Intermediate Ligand Exchange to Enhance the Efficiency of PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells.

Nowadays, the extensively used lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dot (QD) hole transport layer (HTL) relies on layer-by-layer method to replace long chain oleic acid (OA) ligands with short 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT) ligands for preparation. However, the inevitable significant volume shrinkage caused by this traditional method will result in undesired cracks and disordered QD arrangement in the film, along with adverse increased defect density and inhomogeneous energy landscape. To solve the problem, a novel method for EDT passivated PbS QD (PbS-EDT) HTL preparation using small-sized benzoic acid (BA) as intermediate ligands is proposed in this work. BA is substituted for OA ligands in solution followed by ligand exchange with EDT layer by layer. With the new method, smoother PbS-EDT films with more ordered and closer QD packing are gained. It is demonstrated stronger coupling between QDs and reduced defects in the QD HTL owing to the intermediate BA ligand exchange. As a result, the suppressed nonradiative recombination and enhanced carrier mobility are achieved, contributing to ≈20% growth in short circuit current density (Jsc) and a 23.4% higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.2%. This work provides a general framework for layer-by-layer QD film manufacturing optimization.

Sheet Resistance Optimization in (Al)GaInP Solar Cells for Concentrator Quadruple–Junction Solar Cells

The reduction of the series resistance in multi‐junction solar cells is of high importance for attaining peak efficiencies in concentrator photovoltaics. This study showcases strategies to reduce the sheet resistance of the uppermost subcell of a direct wafer bonded four–junction devices, since it contributes significantly to the series resistance. Therefore, electron mobilities in n–type AlGaInP, lattice matched to GaAs, are investigated across bandgap energies between 1.9 eV and 2.1 eV and for various doping concentrations. The sheet resistances for AlGaInP rear heterojunction cells are determined for the integration in a two terminal four‐junction solar cell. The rear heterojunction cell architecture effectively addresses the sheet resistance optimization because it features a thick n‐type doped absorption layer. The sheet resistance of our current world record quadruple‐junction solar cell with 47.6% efficiency under the 665‐fold concentrated AM1.5d spectrum is 550 Ωsq–1. Here, we show how optimizing the n‐absorption layer in the 1.90 eV GaInP top cell can reduce the sheet resistance to 250 Ωsq–1 without deteriorating the short–circuit current density and current matching. This reduction corresponds to a 5 mΩcm2 improvement in specific series resistance, which would elevate the efficiency of this device to 48.2%.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Laser-induced damages to charge coupled devices with combined nanosecond/picosecond short-pulse lasers

The research on laser induced breakdown mechanism of charge coupled devices (CCDs) brings new insights into photoelectric countermeasures. So far combined laser irradiation has been proved to be a more effective measure to destroy CCD. Due to the limitation of short-pulse laser combination method, the mechanism of CCD damage caused by combined short-pulse laser remains unexplored. Here, the distribution of temperature and stress field during the interaction between a combined short-pulse laser and a CCD is analyzed. A nanosecond/picosecond combined short-pulse laser system based on Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) pulse compression technique is designed. The damage threshold (DT) and properties of CCD by combined laser irradiation are characterized. The results show that the complete DT of combined laser induced CCD breakdown is only 103 mJ/cm2, which is only 44% of that of picosecond laser. The main cause of combined short-pulse laser induced CCD breakdown is short circuit (SC) between silicon substrate and silicon electrode.

Der ‚digital-öffentliche Raum‘ als kommunikative Figuration und vergemeinschaftungsideologische Imagination

Abstract This paper assesses the notion of ‘digital public spaces’ and grasps it as a discursive conglomerate which combines multiple ideology-laden concepts: the ‘public sphere’ as an ‘open’ and ‘democratic’ space (as opposed to closed private ‘bubbles’), and ‘digital communication’, which is often strictly divided from the non-digital and perceived as either a threat or the great promise of social assemblage. From the perspective of metapragmatic sociolinguistics and the sociology of knowledge, we follow discursive traces of the ‘the public sphere’ and its suturing with ‘digital communication’ within and outside of our own fields in order to show how the conceptual conglomerate ‘digital public spaces’ is bound to evaluations, expectations and projections which need more critical reflection in media studies in order to escape ideological short circuits and simplifications that haunt the field. On the other hand, we argue that the notion of ‘digital publics spaces’ serves important discursive functions in the lifeworlds of media users, as it fuels into contingency-reducing ideological complexes: ideologies of communication (Kommunikationsideologien) which guide social actors’ interaction, and related ideologies of communification (Vergemeinschaftungsideologien) which guide them in the ways they socially align with each others.

All Wood‐Based Water Evaporation‐Induced Electricity Generator

AbstractWater evaporation‐induced electricity generators (WEIGs) are promising as self‐powered electronic devices, as they can harvest green, small‐grade, and ubiquitous hydrovoltaic energy in ambient environment to electricity. Here, biodegradable wood‐based WEIGs with high performance are reported by removing lignin and hemicellulose from balsa wood (BW) with more exposed cellulose nanofibrils. Delignified BW (DBW) and cellulosic BW (CBW) display significant enhance in open circuit potential (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc) due to increased specific surface area, hydrophilicity, and surface charge density. The electricity‐generating performance of CBW‐based WEIG (CBWG) is not stable due to its structural collapse. DBW‐based WEIG (DBWG) shows a steady electricity output and fast responsivity to ambient environments, such as humidity, temperature, light, and wind. Therefore, DBWGs can be employed as self‐powered environmental sensors. The effects of different kinds of electrolytes with varied concentrations on the performance of DBWG are also studied. The DBWG (40 mm × 40 mm × 2 mm) displays a Voc of 0.77 V and Isc of 148 µA in 1.2 m CaCl2 solution. In this study, all wood‐based sustainable WEIGs with high electricity generating performance are facilely prepared and are promising for remote self‐powered environmental sensors and power sources.

Comparative Study on the Electrochemical Behaviors of Positive Electrode Materials of Lithium-ion Batteries during Overdischarge

Abstract As lithium-ion battery (LIB) use rises, recycling becomes imperative. Efficiently overdischarging LIBs for residual energy extraction is crucial for safe recycling. Our study analyzes the electrochemical behavior during overdischarge for positive electrode materials, including LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622), LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), LiFePO4 (LFP), LiCoO2 (LCO), and LiMn2O4 (LMO). Electrochemical evaluations involve half cells and full cells subjected to constant current overdischarge beyond normal operating ranges. In positive electrode half-cells, a material-dependent conversion reaction was observed, while full cells exhibited similar behaviors during overdischarge to 0 V due to increasing voltage at the negative electrode. Distinct electrochemical variations emerged under forced discharge below 0 V, particularly in the NCM series, showing a gradual voltage decrease to -2 V followed by an internal short circuit. In contrast, LFP, LCO, and LMO swiftly stabilized near 0 V, attributed to the lower initial Coulombic efficiency of NCM materials leading to an early rise in negative electrode potential. To recycle used lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), it's crucial to optimize conditions that ensure both efficient and safe overdischarge, considering the characteristics of positive electrode materials.

A DC fault current fast-computing method of MMC-HVDC grid with short circuit protection equipment

The multi-terminal modular multi-level converter-based high voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) grid with short circuit protection equipment (SCPE) is so complex that it is difficult to estimate its fault current and analyze the performance of SCPE by conventional time-domain numerical calculation method, it meets three big obstacles. This paper has made significant progress in overcoming these obstacles. 1). By applying the modern electrical circuit theory, a systematic formulation of the differential equation set for fault current calculation is developed to avoid a lot of complex and cumbersome matrix manual calculations. 2). A novel Y-Delta transformation in the s-domain is proposed to develop an eliminating virtual node approach for a complex MMC-HVDC grid, including the ring, radial, and hybrid topologies. 3). It is difficult to solve the equivalent circuit of MMC-HVDC grid with SCPE since SCPE is a time-variable-nonlinear circuit. A canonical voltage source model of SCPE is established to transform the time-variable-nonlinear circuit into a piecewise linear circuit. Based on the three significant progresses, a DC fault current fast-computing method of MMC-HVDC grid with SCPE is put forward to deal with all kinds of MMC-HVDC grids with several kinds of SCPEs. Then, the performance of several kinds of SCPE is analyzed and compared by this method. Consequently, the proposed DC fault current fast-computing method is a new powerful tool to estimate the fault current of MMC-HVDC grid and analyze the performance of SCPE.

Application of Static Synchronous Compensator for Improvement of Power System Transient Stability

Transient stability is the power system’s ability to maintain synchronism when exposed to severe disturbances such as loss of generation, rapid load changes, transmission lines tripping, switching operations and faults. Transient instability causes cascading outages, system collapse and economical losses. This study employed static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) for power system transient stability improvement. The system’s steady state and transient responses were respectively modelled with Newton-Raphson power flow and modified-Euler linearized swing equations. A balanced three-phased short circuit fault was introduced on selected buses for transient stability analysis. The steady state and transient responses of the system were simulated with and without STATCOM. The critical fault clearing time (CFCT) was obtained from the generators’ swing curves. The IEEE 9-bus and 14-bus power networks were used as test cases. The voltage magnitudes of all buses in both networks fell within the specified 0.95 to 1.1 p.u. voltage limit with and without compensation. The total active line loss on IEEE 9-bus and 14-bus networks which were 4.641 and 13.514 MW without compensation reduced to 4.600 and 13.014 MW, respectively with STATCOM’s application. The total reactive line losses of both networks which were 92.160 and 31.393 MVAr without compensation decreased to 90.160 and 30.693 MVAr, respectively with STATCOM’ utilization. The CFCT for fault on bus 8 of the IEEE 9-bus system without compensation were 0.2100 and 0.2700 s for generators 2 and 3, respectively. The system’s stability was, however, extended beyond 0.2700 s due to compensation from STATCOM. In the case of IEEE 14-bus system, the CFCT for fault on bus 6 was 0.36364 s for generators 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively without compensation. The STATCOM inclusion, however, enhanced the system’s stability beyond 0.36366 s where all the four had lost synchronism. This work established that the use of STATCOM on the considered networks appropriately extended the CFCT such that the stability of the systems was not lost in the event of fault application via robust compensation of reactive power.

Fault Prediction and Awareness for Power Distribution in Grid Connected RES Using Hybrid Machine Learning

This study addresses defects in electrical power systems, focusing on short circuits that can disrupt normal operation. The method emphasis is on hybrid microgrid systems connected to the grid, crucial for efficient power management. The novel method proposes an adaptive electricity management technique for fault scenarios in grid-tied conversions, minimizing sensor requirements. Power flow involves the hybrid energy storage system (HESS), renewable energy sources (RES), the electrical grid, and loads through a parallel hybrid RES arrangement. Semiconductor switch failures are common vulnerabilities, impacting grid functionality. The novel electricity management technique considers converter failures, renewable energy availability, and HESS state of charge restrictions. Power quality goals such as harmonic reduction, reactive power support, and a power factor of one are addressed. The proposed method was evaluated using MATLAB–based Simulink, showcasing its performance. The approach employs an Adaptive Power Management Strategy (APMS) in a hybrid renewable energy system, integrating wind and solar sources with battery and supercapacitor storage. A Hybrid Machine Learning-based Active Power Management System (HML-APMS) optimizes energy production, storage, and distribution for stability, reliability, and efficiency in the power utility system. The study underscores the significance of technology integration in achieving sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective power solutions.

METHODOLOGY FOR EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF THE FIRE HAZARD OF POWER LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A HEATING PANEL

Even though lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the subject of various tests and research at the production stage, there are no isolated cases of electric vehicle fires, and the development dynamics are unpredictable. The particular danger of such fires lies in the oxygen release during an irreversible exothermic reaction in LIBs, which creates new challenges for fire and rescue services when extinguishing such fires. The study aims to develop the main provisions of the methodology for experimental studies of electric vehicle power batteries in terms of fire hazards using an electric heating panel. The ultimate goal of the study is to determine the temperatures at which an irreversible exothermic reaction, the opening of ventilation holes, and the combustion (explosion) of electric vehicle power batteries begin, as well as the time parameters at which such processes occur. Taking into account the peculiarities of the occurrence and course of the irreversible exothermic reaction, we have developed a methodology, the essence of which is to determine the temperatures of the onset of the irreversible exothermic reaction of the electric vehicle power battery, the opening of ventilation holes, and the combustion (explosion) of electric vehicle power batteries, the combustion temperatures of ventilation gases, as well as the time parameters at which these processes occur, which may change during battery operation and not correspond to the declared parameters of the manufacturer. For this purpose, we exposed LIBs to thermal energy from an electric heating panel and recorded the temperature and time during which an irreversible exothermic reaction occurs from the moment of an internal short circuit to a fire or explosion. The use of the proposed methodology of experimental studies of the elements of power batteries of electric vehicles regarding the fire hazard of an electric heating panel will make it possible to determine the temperature limits of the occurrence of irreversible exothermic reactions in LIBs, as well as the time parameters under which these processes occur. Keywords: electric vehicle fire, irreversible exothermic reaction, lithium-ion battery.

Porous Ceramic Metal-Based Flow Battery Composite Membrane.

In metal-based flow battery, membranes significantly impact energy conversion efficiency and security. Unfortunately, damages to the membrane occur due to gradual accumulation of metal dendrites, causing short circuits and shortening cycle life. Herein, we developed a rigid hierarchical porous ceramic flow battery composite membrane with a sub-10-nm-thick polyelectrolyte coating to achieve high ion selectivity and conductivity, to restrain dendrite, and to realize long cycle life and high areal capacity. An aqueous zinc-iron flow battery prepared using this membrane achieved an outstanding energy efficiency of >80%, exhibiting excellent long-term stability (over 1000 h) and extremely high areal capacity (260 mAh cm-2). Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, in situ infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR analysis, and nano-computed tomography revealed that the rigid hierarchical pore structures and numerous hydrogen bonding networks in the membrane contributed to the stable operation and superior battery performance. This study contributes to the development of next-generation metal-based flow battery membranes for energy and power generation.

Effects of Trigger Method on Fire Propagation during the Thermal Runaway Process in Li-ion Batteries

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries are prone to fire hazards due to the possibility of thermal runaway propagation. During battery product development and subsequent safety tests for design validation and safety certification, the thermal runaway onset is triggered by various test methods such as nail penetration, thermal ramp, or external short circuit. This failure initiation method affects the amount of heat contributions and the composition of gas generations. This study compares two such trigger methods, external heating and using a thermally-activated internal short circuit device (ISCD). The effects of the trigger method on total heat generation are experimentally investigated within 18650 cylindrical cells at single cell level as well as at multiple cell configuration level. The severity of failure was observed to be worse for cells with ISCDs at single cell level, whereas quite the opposite results were observed at multiple cell configuration level. A preliminary numerical analysis was performed to better understand the battery safety performance with respect to thermal runaway trigger methods and heat transfer conditions.

Porous Ceramic Metal‐Based Flow Battery Composite Membrane

AbstractIn metal‐based flow battery, membranes significantly impact energy conversion efficiency and security. Unfortunately, damages to the membrane occur due to gradual accumulation of metal dendrites, causing short circuits and shortening cycle life. Herein, we developed a rigid hierarchical porous ceramic flow battery composite membrane with a sub‐10‐nm‐thick polyelectrolyte coating to achieve high ion selectivity and conductivity, to restrain dendrite, and to realize long cycle life and high areal capacity. An aqueous zinc‐iron flow battery prepared using this membrane achieved an outstanding energy efficiency of >80%, exhibiting excellent long‐term stability (over 1000 h) and extremely high areal capacity (260 mAh cm−2). Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, in situ infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state NMR analysis, and nano‐computed tomography revealed that the rigid hierarchical pore structures and numerous hydrogen bonding networks in the membrane contributed to the stable operation and superior battery performance. This study contributes to the development of next‐generation metal‐based flow battery membranes for energy and power generation.

The advances and opportunities of developing solid-state battery technology: Based on the patent Information Relation Matrix

There is a long way for solid-state batteries from the laboratory to large-scale application and commercialization. To overcome a series of challenges, researchers and innovators seek to further understand the processing-structure-properties relationships of solid-state batteries. However, less literature explores the advances and opportunities in solid-state battery technology based on patent analysis. The paper adopts the technology of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze patent documents and reveal the advances and opportunities for developing solid-state battery technology by constructing the patent Information Relation Matrix (IRM). This paper finds innovation activities in developing solid-state batteries have been increasingly active in recent decades, but are uneven across organizations. The electrolyte is a priority area of technology development, and the advances in developing solid-state batteries are perfecting conductivity, reducing interfacial resistance, and improving density and stability. By contrast, the opportunities are to reduce cost, prevent short circuits, and prolong the life cycle. The paper perfects the extant method of constructing IRM and gives insight into the advances and opportunities for developing solid-state batteries. Our findings can help innovators better understand advances in solid-state batteries or opportunities for developing solid-state batteries, from a global perspective.

Halide Engineering in Mixed Halide Perovskite-Inspired Cu2AgBiI6 for Solar Cells with Enhanced Performance.

Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI) is a promising perovskite-inspired absorber for solar cells due to its direct band gap and high absorption coefficient. However, the nonradiative recombination caused by the high extrinsic trap density limits the performance of CABI-based solar cells. In this work, we employ halide engineering by doping bromide anions (Br-) in CABI thin films, in turn significantly improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE). By introducing Br- in the synthetic route of CABI thin films, we identify the optimum composition as CABI-10Br (with 10% Br at the halide site). The tailored composition appears to reduce the deep trap density as shown by time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy characterizations. This leads to a dramatic increase in the lifetime of charge carriers, which therefore improves both the external quantum efficiency and the integrated short-circuit current. The photovoltaic performance shows a significant boost since the PCE under standard 1 sun illumination increases from 1.32 to 1.69% (∼30% relative enhancement). Systematic theoretical and experimental characterizations were employed to investigate the effect of Br- incorporation on the optoelectronic properties of CABI. Our results highlight the importance of mitigating trap states in lead-free perovskite-inspired materials and that Br- incorporation at the halide site is an effective strategy for improving the device performance.