Battery thermal runaway simulations

Multi-physics simulations together with full-scale testing is a cost-effective method for designing safer batteries. RISE is expert in this area.

Thermal runaway event in a battery pack during a battery abuse test at RISE.

The Lithium-ion battery is a key technology in electrification. Thermal runaway is one of the major risks in the batteries. It means the exothermic reactions in the cell are out of control and can lead to a fast release of flammable and toxic gases. In a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) involving a large number of cells, thermal runaway can rapidly propagate from one battery cell to the whole system, which means substantial fire and explosion risks, an event that is important to mitigate.

Comparison between the RISE experiments and multi-physics simulations.

Calculated temperature fields during a thermal runaway in a battery module using a commercial multi-physics software GT-Suite, slice view.

In close collaboration with RISE battery abuse tests, multi-physics simulations can be used:

• to study thermal propagation in battery cells, modules, packs and system level.

• to perform parametric studies of improved safety design of battery module and system.

• to give recommendations on the most relevant scenarios for abuse tests.

• to study battery thermal runaway mitigation strategies, e.g., integrated fire extinguishment channels in the battery module and pack, and immersion of battery in coolant liquid.