Li-Ion Cell Operation at Low Temperatures

Substantially reduced energy and power capabilities of lithium-ion cell operating at low temperatures pose a technical barrier for market penetration of hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles. The present work delineates Li-ion cell behaviors at low temperatures by a combined experimental and modeling approach. An electrochemical-thermal coupled model, incorporating concentration- and temperature-dependent transport and kinetic properties, is applied and validated against 2.2Ah 18650 cylindrical cells over a wide range of temperatures (−20°C to 45°C) and discharge rates. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the dramatic effects of cell self-heating upon electrochemical performance. A…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy
• AF
  Agency for Defense Development