Performance and aging of a lithium-ion battery in a non-uniform temperature distribution condition
Abdilbari Shifa Mussa, Alexander Smith, Gian Marco Trippetta, Göran Lindbergh, Matilda Klett, Rakel Wreland Lindström
Abstract
Inhomogeneous temperature distribution in a large-format lithium-ion cell or between cells in a module/pack may cause a non-uniform current distribution, causing a local difference in aging, and potentially faster global aging (capacity fade and impedance rise) of the module. To study this effect, LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 /graphite lithium-ion pouch cells were cycled at 32, 36, and 40 °C as single cells and in parallel connection, representing uniform and non-uniform temperature distributions. The results show that the current distribution becomes less uniform after cycling at a higher rate and in a narrower state-of-charge range. Cycling with non-uniform temperature at 3C rate results in aging similar to that at the maximum uniform temperature, while at 1C rate the non-uniform aging follows the trend at the average temperature. The performance decay of the cells cycled at 3C is mainly driven by the cell at 40 °C which shows 30 % more capacity loss than the corresponding cell cycled singularly. This leads to additional considerations when designing for cycle life and reliability in fast charging applications and high-power applications such as in electric vehicles or frequency regulation in stationary storage. • The effect of temperature distribution (32–40 °C) on aging is studied on NMC111/Gr cells in parallel connection • The current distribution is affected by temperature distribution but levels out at low C-rates • Accelerated aging (graphite electrode) at hotter areas due to higher current share • The uneven aging is amplified by higher C-rates and smaller SOC window • The average aging for coupled cells at 32, 36 and 40 °C (3C and 22‑86 % SOC) is similar to single cells at 40°.