Smart solution for calorimetrical examination of battery cells
Highly sensitive method for measuring heat flow enables more accurate analyses under in-situ conditions.
Programme: COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies
Programme line: COMET-Module
Type of project: Project 2- Virtual Cell, 01/2024-12/2027, multi-firm
HIGHLY SENSITIVE METHOD FOR MEASURING HEAT FLOW ENABLES MORE ACCURATE ANALYSES UNDER IN-SITU CONDITIONS
Assessing and predicting the long-term performance of battery cells and systems in electric vehicles is resource-intensive with currently available technologies. Within the COMET module "BattLab," a calorimetric method for investigating thermal processes in batteries was developed. This method represents a comparatively cost-effective yet highly sensitive approach to measuring heat flows, refining the analysis of aging mechanisms using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This allows predictions about battery lifespan and performance without the need for destructive battery testing.
Measurement of heat flow
Heat flow sensors were attached to the surfaces of lithium-ion cells, and a specially designed thermal insulation was developed for the measurements (see Figure 1). This enabled the recording of the thermal processes during charging and discharging with an accuracy of 0.01 mW and 0.01 °C. The thermal data obtained in this way show that specific electrochemical reactions, which influence the lifespan and performance of the cell, can be detected with high precision (see Figure 2). Such data cannot be acquired, or can only be acquired to a limited extent, using currently available non-destructive methods. The combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with the new calorimetric method opens up new possibilities for the detailed analysis of aging and degradation processes in battery cells.
Figure 1: Schematic representation of the heat flow spectroscopy method.
Impact and effects
The newly developed calorimetric analysis of battery cells significantly reduces the experimental time required for aging investigations, as lengthy long-term tests can be partially replaced by more readily available thermal indicators. Simultaneously, a deeper understanding of the underlying degradation processes enables a more precise assessment of the cell's condition. This allows for a sustained improvement in predicting the lifespan and operational reliability of battery cells and systems.
Figure 2: The lifespan of batteries depends on the underlying aging mechanisms.
Projektkoordination (Story)
Dr. Petra Christöfl / DI Dr. Johannes Macher
Project Manager / Module Manager
Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
T +43 (0) 3842 42962-0 / +43 (0) 3842 42962-728
petra.christoefl@pccl.at / johannes.macher@pccl.at
Key researcher
Prof. Dr. Lajos Höfler
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
T +36 1 463 2273
lhofler@edu.bme.hu
Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
Sauraugasse 1
8700 Leoben
T +43 (0) 3842 429262-0
office@pccl.at
www.pccl.at
Budapest Universtiy of Technology and Economics
Szent Gellért tér 4, Ch building, 108
H-1111 Budapest
T +36 1 463 1111
www.bme.hu
Project Partners
- 4a engineering GmbH, Austria
- AVL List GmbH, Austria
- BME, Hungary
- Fundacion Cidetec, Spain
- Technical University of Leoben, Austria
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Funding Body
This success story was provided by the Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH and by the mentioned project partners for the purpose of being published. BattLab is a COMET Module within the COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies Programme and funded by BMIMI, BMWET, Styria and Upper Austria]. The COMET Programme is managed by FFG. Further information on COMET: www.ffg.at/comet
