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Effect of environmental temperature on thermal runaway propagation of lithium-ion battery module during charging process

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Listed:
  • Meng, Di
  • Shi, Xiaobin
  • Wang, Jian
  • Tang, Fei
  • Li, Haihang

Abstract

Lithium-ion battery fire accidents frequently occur during charging, presenting a significant challenge to guarantee the thermal safety, particularly when exposed to both high and low ambient temperatures. This study experimentally investigates the coupled effects of charging rate and ambient temperature on thermal runaway (TR) propagation characteristics by employing an altitude temperature chamber. TR characteristic such as temperature, voltage, heat accumulation, and internal TR propagation mechanism have been studied. The results indicate that increasing charging rate and ambient temperature significantly accelerates TR propagation. The terminal SOC increased with the increase of charging rate, resulting in lower TR onset temperature and higher TR intensity. In addition, the charging time decreased with the elevated ambient temperature, while the battery module TR propagation is promoted in advance. The heat dissipation and terminal capacity reduction result in gradual attenuation of TR intensity, while the influence of ambient temperature diminishes as charging rate increases. Finally, based on temperature-voltage variations, a modified joule heat generation model is established, and the proportion increased from 2 % at 0.5 C to 38.8 % at 2.88 C before the charging termination. Further analysis of the heat accumulation dynamics revealed the underlying patterns and critical thresholds during TR propagation, providing insights into the intrinsic mechanisms influencing the propagation behavior in charging lithium-ion battery modules. This work results were anticipated to provide valuable insight and data support for TR propagation under operational conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Meng, Di & Shi, Xiaobin & Wang, Jian & Tang, Fei & Li, Haihang, 2025. "Effect of environmental temperature on thermal runaway propagation of lithium-ion battery module during charging process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225042562
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138614
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    References listed on IDEAS

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