Small-scale Battery Research Articles

A Review on Thermal Management of Li-ion Battery: from Small-Scale Battery Module to Large-Scale Electrochemical Energy Storage Power Station

A Review on Thermal Management of Li-ion Battery: from Small-Scale Battery Module to Large-Scale Electrochemical Energy Storage Power Station

Small-Scale Battery Energy Storage System for Testing Algorithms Aimed at Peak Power Reduction

Small-Scale Battery Energy Storage System for Testing Algorithms Aimed at Peak Power Reduction

A resilience enhanced hierarchical strategy of battery energy storage for frequency regulation

Battery energy storage system (BESS) has been regarded as an effective technology to regulate system frequency for power systems. However, the cost and the system security of battery energy storage are the bottle necks for the battery energy storage system to be applied to practical projects for frequency regulation. Comparing with the large-scale battery energy storage system, the small-scale energy storage system has better robustness and could reduce the cost and improve the system security with lower energy capacity and wider regional distribution. However, coordinating the state of charge (SOC) of a large number of small-scale battery storage system to provide effective frequency regulation service is a challenge for the operation of power systems. In this paper, a hierarchical energy management strategy, which can be applied to different scenarios with and without limited communication systems, has been proposed to coordinate a large number of small-scale energy storage systems to regulate frequency for power systems. The rated power capacity, energy capacity, and SOC of the BESS are considered in the proposed strategy to maximize the capability of frequency regulation for power systems. The proposed strategy can be applied to power systems without powerful and expensive communication systems and coordinate BESS according to SOC of the BESS and the quality of communication system. The resilience of power systems after extreme natural events can be enhanced by the frequency regulation service of BESS under proposed strategy.

Environmental life cycle implications of upscaling lithium-ion battery production

PurposeLife cycle assessment (LCA) literature evaluating environmental burdens from lithium-ion battery (LIB) production facilities lacks an understanding of how environmental burdens have changed over time due to a transition to large-scale production. The purpose of this study is hence to examine the effect of upscaling LIB production using unique life cycle inventory data representative of large-scale production. A sub-goal of the study is to examine how changes in background datasets affect environmental impacts.MethodWe remodel an often-cited study on small-scale battery production by Ellingsen et al. (2014), representative of operations in 2010, and couple it to updated Ecoinvent background data. Additionally, we use new inventory data to model LIB cell production in a large-scale facility representative of the latest technology in LIB production. The cell manufactured in the small-scale facility is an NMC-1:1:1 (nickel-manganese-cobalt) pouch cell, whereas in the large-scale facility, the cell produced in an NMC-8:1:1 cylindrical cell. We model production in varying carbon intensity scenarios using recycled and exclusively primary materials as input options. We assess environmental pollution–related impacts using ReCiPe midpoint indicators and resource use impacts using the surplus ore method (ReCiPe) and the crustal scarcity indicator.Results and discussionRemodelling of the small-scale factory using updated background data showed a 34% increase in greenhouse gas emissions — linked to updated cobalt sulfate production data. Upscaling production reduced emissions by nearly 45% in the reference scenario (South Korean energy mix) due to a reduced energy demand in cell production. However, the emissions reduce by a further 55% if the energy is sourced from a low-carbon intensity source (Swedish energy mix), shifting almost all burden to upstream supply chain. Regional pollution impacts such as acidification and eutrophication show similar trends. Toxic emissions also reduce, but unlike other impacts, they were already occurring during mining and ore processing. Lastly, nickel, cobalt, and lithium use contribute considerably to resource impacts. From a long-term perspective, copper becomes important from a resource scarcity perspective.ConclusionsUpscaling LIB production shifts environmental burdens to upstream material extraction and production, irrespective of the carbon intensity of the energy source. Thus, a key message for the industry and policy makers is that further reductions in the climate impacts from LIB production are possible, only when the upstream LIB supply chain uses renewable energy source. An additional message to LCA practitioners is to examine the effect of changing background systems when evaluating maturing technologies.

A Wind-Storage Combined Frequency Regulation Control Strategy Based on Improved Torque Limit Control

The doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) uses the rotor’s kinetic energy to provide inertial response for the power system. On this basis, this paper proposes an improved torque limit control (ITLC) strategy for the purpose of exploiting the potential of DFIGs’ inertial response. It includes the deceleration phase and acceleration phase. To shorten the recovery time of the rotor speed and avoid the second frequency drop (SFD), a small-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) is utilized by the wind-storage combined control strategy. During the acceleration phase of DFIG, the BESS adaptively adjusts its output according to its state of charge (SOC) and the real-time output of the DFIG. The simulation results prove that the system frequency response can be significantly improved through ITLC and the wind-storage combined control under different wind speeds and different wind power penetration rates.

Power Line Communications for Automotive High Voltage Battery Systems: Channel Modeling and Coexistence Study with Battery Monitoring

As electric vehicles are gaining increasing worldwide interest, advances in driving range and safety become critical. Modern automotive battery management systems (BMS) compete with challenging performance and safety requirements and need to monitor a large amount of battery parameters. In this paper, we propose power line communications (PLC) for high voltage (HV) traction batteries to reduce the BMS wiring effort. By modeling a small-scale battery pack for frequencies up to 300 MHz, we predict the PLC channel transfer characteristics and validate the results using a PLC hardware demonstrator employing a narrowband single-carrier modulation. The results demonstrate that battery PLC is a demanding task due to low access impedances and cell coupling effects, yet transfer characteristics can be improved by optimal impedance matching. PLC for HV BMS not only saves weight and cost, but also improves flexibility in BMS design. PLC enables single-cell monitoring techniques such as online electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) without additional wiring. Online EIS can be used for in-situ state and temperature estimation saving extra sensors. This work unveils possible coexistence issues between PLC and battery monitoring. In particular, we demonstrate that certain PLC data or packet rates have to be avoided not to interfere with EIS measurements.

Research on the Influence of Battery Cell Static Parameters on the Capacity of Different Topology Battery Packs

The parameter inconsistency of the battery cells and the series-parallel connection mode are closely related to the battery pack capacity. Studying the degree of influence of battery pack capacity by battery cell parameters is of great significance to the series-parallel design of battery packs. This paper establishes battery cell models and battery pack models with different topologies. In the MATLAB/Simulink environment, simulation studies were conducted to study the influence of the battery pack capacity by the monomer parameters as the number of cells in series and parallel in the topology changes. Then, from a statistical point of view, the simulation results were analyzed in principle. Finally, a small-scale battery pack experimental platform was built in the laboratory environment to verify the correctness of the simulation conclusions and theoretical analysis.

Robots fuel up

Microrobots Batteries are a convenient source of energy for untethered miniature robots. However, the low specific energy of small-scale batteries sets limits on how long such a robot can operate. Yang et al. report an insect-scale robot called RoBeetle that is powered by the controlled catalytic combustion of methanol, a fuel with more than 10 times the specific energy of a small-scale battery. RoBeetle, with size and mass comparable to a small insect, can carry payloads of up to 2.6 times its body weight, crawl on rough surfaces, and ascend inclines of 15 degrees. Sci. Robot. 5 , eaba0015 (2020).

Adsorption of Pb(II) form battery recycling unit effluent using granular activated carbon (GAC) and steam activated GAC

ABSTRACT The effluent of the lead-acid battery recycling unit contains a significant amount of Pb(II). Small scale battery recyclers are discharges this effluent without treatment, which is harmful to the environment. This effluent was treated by adsorption as an alternative technique to remove Pb(II) using granular activated carbon (GAC) and steam activated granular activated carbon (SGAC). Both adsorbents were characterised by using BET, SEM, FTIR and XRD techniques. Batch adsorption studies were performed to understand the effect of parameters like pH, contact time and adsorbent dose on percent removal of Pb(II) from effluent. The best result was observed at pH 4.5, time 60 min and an adsorbent dose of 2 g/L for SGAC with over 95% removal of Pb(II). Isotherm studies were carried out by testing the experimental data using Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models. Pseudo first and second order, intra-particle diffusion and Elovich kinetic models were used to understand the mechanism of adsorption. A Regeneration study was also performed to reuse the SGAC for Pb(II) adsorption.

Blood lead level, cognitive and psychomotor activity in lead exposed battery workers

Lead, a systemic toxicant affecting virtually every organ system, primarily affects the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare blood lead level, cognitive and psychomotor ability level in the non-exposed subjects and lead-exposed battery workers and to find out the relationship between these parameters in the lead-exposed battery workers. This cross-sectional study included 28 non-exposed subjects and 28 lead-exposed battery workers from small-scale battery workplaces in Insein and North Okkalapa Townships. The blood lead level (BLL) was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The cognitive ability was assessed by using three subtests from the General Memory Scale (GMS). The psychomotor ability tests composed of digit symbol, Bourdon-Wiersma vigilance test and the Santa Ana dexterity test. The mean BLL of the lead-exposed battery workers (4.25±3.87 μg/dL) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of the non-exposed subjects (2.14±1.02 μg/dL). After matching age, sex, socio-economic status and educational level, it was found that mean scores of cognitive and psychomotor ability tests (digit span, paired associate learning and Santa Ana dexterity) of the lead-exposed battery workers were significantly lower than those of the non-exposed subjects. It was concluded that even low lead exposure could reduce the cognitive and psychomotor abilities, especially in attention, concentration, short-term memory and perceptual motor ability domains in adult male workers.

Battery Storage for Resilient Homes

Small-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), especially for behind-the-meter applications, are still relatively expensive, but we show that it can be a potent solution to render homes resilient to storm related power outages. We present a stochastic programming model formulation to optimize PV/BESS explicitly accounting for resilience benefits these investments entail, over and above their ability to reduce cost of supply. The stochastic optimization considers uncertainties around storm related grid supply failures as well as variability of solar PV. The model includes an embedded Monte Carlo simulation module that considers storm related outage risks using climate model reanalysis data. It is a least-cost planning framework that optimizes selection of BESS, solar PV, grid supply, and diesel generator, from a home-owner’s perspective. We present two case studies with low and high storm risks that demonstrate how different risk exposures can impact on the selection of alternative options to build resilience. Duals, or shadow prices, of demand-supply constraints from the model for both normal days and for storm related contingencies, provide interesting insights into the marginal cost of supply that can inform innovative pricing schemes to promote customer level resilience measures. The case study results reveal significant merits of BESS, in combination with PV, to enhance resilience. We find that in low-risk areas like Bethesda, MD, incremental PV and BESS required for a more resilient system can add $79 (4%) to annual electricity costs for a typical household, and a considerably higher $208 (10.6%) in Miami, FL which is at a much greater risk. These options are, however, 27% (in Bethesda) and 20% (in Florida) less expensive than the conventional solution of installing a diesel generator. These results provide insights into the value of BESS as part of a resilient and clean energy solution for households.

Drop-on-Demand 3D Printing of Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathodes

Printed secondary batteries have market potential in two main fields – highly customized personal electronic devices, and small-scale battery production. While many different technologies may be utilized to produce a printed battery, drop-on-demand (DoD) dispensing has the advantage of being highly tailor-made, notably with the ability to produce both very thin and thick batteries. We report the cathode printing protocols, morphology and electrochemical properties of patterned electrodes. Our electrode inks are aqueous, with obvious environmental and processing benefits. We chose to study the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode because of its excellent electrochemical performance. DoD-printed LFP cathodes exhibit close to theoretical capacity value, high-rate capability and close to 100% coulombic efficiency. The similarity of the voltage profiles, electrochemical performance and impedance components of the AC spectra of lithium cells with printed LFP cathodes to those of commercial electrodes, indicates that printing does not alter the charge/discharge mechanism of active electrode material.

Control of Energy Storage

In the attempt to tackle the issue of climate change, governments across the world have agreed to set global carbon reduction targets. [...]

Coordinated Control Strategy of Battery Energy Storage System and PMSG-WTG to Enhance System Frequency Regulation Capability

A novel inertial control method based on the torque limit control (TLC) is proposed in this study for the purpose of maximizing the temporary inertial response of permanent magnet synchronous generator-wind turbine generator (PMSG-WTG) over a wide range of variable wind speed conditions. To eliminate the secondary frequency drop issue during the rotor speed restoration, a small-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) is utilized by adopting the coordinated control strategy between BESS and PMSG-WTG. For the sake of minimizing the excessive use of BESS energy, this control strategy can smoothly discontinue the participation of BESS once the system frequency restores to the specified value. The simulation results conclude that the overall system frequency regulation performance can be significantly improved through such coordination control of BESS, PMSG-WTG, and conventional generators for the enhanced inertial response under different wind power penetration levels as well as variable wind speed conditions. Furthermore, the potential impact of TLC on the mechanical structures of wind turbine throughout the inertial response is investigated by using the CART2-PMSG integrated model.

Multi-agent-based sharing power economy for a smart community

Summary In this paper, a multi-agent-based locally administrated power distribution hub (PDH) for social welfare is proposed that optimizes energy consumption, allocation, and management of battery energy storage systems (ESSs) for a smart community. Initially, formulation regarding optimum selection of a power storage system for a home (in terms of storage capacity) is presented. Afterwards, the concept of sharing economy is inducted in the community by demonstrating PDH. PDH is composed of multiple small-scale battery ESSs (each owned by community users), which are connected together to form a unified-ESS. Proposed PDH offers a localized switching mechanism that takes decision of whether to buy electricity from utility or use unified-ESS. This decision is based on the price of electricity at ‘time of use’ and ‘state of charge’ of unified-ESS. In response to power use or share, electricity bills are created for individual smart homes by incrementing or decrementing respective submeters. There is no buying or selling of power from PDH; there is power sharing with the concept of ‘no profit, no loss’. The objective of the proposed PDH is to limit the purchase of electricity on ‘high priced’ hours from the utility. This not only benefits the utility at crucial hours but also provides effective use of power at the demand side. The proposed multi-agent system depicts the concept of sharing power economy within a community. Finally, the proposed model is analyzed analytically, considering on-peak, off-peak, and mid-level (mid-peak) prices of a real-time price signal during 24 h of a day. Results clearly show vital financial benefits of ‘sharing power economy’ for end users and efficient use of power within the smart community. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Association between Soil and Blood Lead Levels of Small Scale Battery Repair Workers in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

Association between Soil and Blood Lead Levels of Small Scale Battery Repair Workers in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

A low-cost green technology for recovering lead paste and lead-alloy grid materials for spent lead acid batteries

ABSTRACTA new method, currently under industrial trial, consists in dissolving the hard-to-recover lead-bearing active components of battery paste in an aqueous solution of carboxylic acids, derived from plants, and precipitating the lead as organic crystal plates. The lead organic material is self-combusting, generating leady oxide as desired for direct new battery paste preparation. The organics, embodied in the precursor, serve as the fuel by combustion to aid calcination. The lead grids are refined separately using heat from the first process. The use of acids from plants which is produced using a renewable stock, not only as a reagent but also as source of energy, will result in a very low-carbon footprint. Since economy of scale is not a limiting factor, such a technology will offer the vision for nucleating/retrofitting many small-scale lead battery operations in rural industry in rapidly growing economies.

A Simple Operating Strategy of Small-Scale Battery Energy Storages for Energy Arbitrage under Dynamic Pricing Tariffs

Price arbitrage involves taking advantage of an electricity price difference, storing electricity during low-prices times, and selling it back to the grid during high-prices periods. This strategy can be exploited by customers in presence of dynamic pricing schemes, such as hourly electricity prices, where the customer electricity cost may vary at any hour of day, and power consumption can be managed in a more flexible and economical manner, taking advantage of the price differential. Instead of modifying their energy consumption, customers can install storage systems to reduce their electricity bill, shifting the energy consumption from on-peak to off-peak hours. This paper develops a detailed storage model linking together technical, economic and electricity market parameters. The proposed operating strategy aims to maximize the profit of the storage owner (electricity customer) under simplifying assumptions, by determining the optimal charge/discharge schedule. The model can be applied to several kinds of storages, although the simulations refer to three kinds of batteries: lead-acid, lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries. Unlike literature reviews, often requiring an estimate of the end-user load profile, the proposed operation strategy is able to properly identify the battery-charging schedule, relying only on the hourly price profile, regardless of the specific facility’s consumption, thanks to some simplifying assumptions in the sizing and the operation of the battery. This could be particularly useful when the customer load profile cannot be scheduled with sufficient reliability, because of the uncertainty inherent in load forecasting. The motivation behind this research is that storage devices can help to lower the average electricity prices, increasing flexibility and fostering the integration of renewable sources into the power system.

The Efficiency of Heptafluoropropane Fire Extinguishing Agent on Suppressing the Lithium Titanate Battery Fire

To investigate the efficiency of heptafluoropropane fire extinguishing agent on suppressing the lithium titanate battery fire, an experimental system was designed and built to perform the extinguishing test. The lithium titanate battery (50 Ah, 2.3 V) with diameter of 66 mm and length of 260 mm was used. A 5 kW electric heater was set under the battery to trigger the thermal runaway of the battery. When the battery fire occurs, the heptafluoropropane was immediately discharged by opening the agent storage tank till to the fire was extinguished. The battery temperatures, ignition time, release time of the agent, time to extinguish the fire, battery mass loss, amount of used agent and mean discharge rate of agent were obtained and analysed. The results illustrate that the single cell or small-scale battery pack fire can be extinguished by heptafluoropropane in the tests. Therefore, heptafluoropropane is a fire extinguishing agent candidate to put down the lithium titanate battery fire. However, due to the violent reactions still ongoing inner the cell and flammable gases ejecting continuously from the cell, the battery may be reignited after it is put down. So it was suggested that the heptafluoropropane agent should be applied as early as possible and with longer spray time than the usual case to avoid the reignition.

Acute lead intoxication in a female battery worker: Diagnosis and management

Lead is a significant occupational and environmental hazard. Battery industry is one of the settings related to lead intoxication. Published information on the use of oral chelating agents for the treatment of anaemia in the context of acute lead intoxication is limited. The patient was a 33 year immigrant female worker in a battery manufacture for 3 months. She complained for malaise that has been developed over the past two weeks. Pallor of skin and conjunctiva was the only sign found in physical examination. The blood test on admission revealed normochromic anaemia. Endoscopic investigation of the gastrointestinal system was negative for bleeding. The bone marrow biopsy was unrevealing.At baseline no attention has been paid to patient's occupational history. Afterwards the patient's occupational history has been re-evaluated and she has been screened for lead intoxication. The increased levels of the lead related biomarkers of exposure and effect confirmed the diagnosis. The patient received an oral chelating agent and an improvement in clinical picture, and levels of haematological and lead related biochemical parameters have been recorded. No side effect and no rebound effect were observed. This case report emphasizes the importance of the occupational history in the context of the differential diagnosis. Moreover, this report indicates that lead remains a significant occupational hazard especially in the small scale battery industry