Reduced-Order Modeling of a Lithium-Ion Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

Abstract

Battery energy storage systems are essential for stabilizing the intermittent power generation of renewable energy (RE) technologies. Their integration into RE systems is typically studied using energy systems modeling software that utilize either idealized models or complex models that require experimental data. Reduced order modeling offers minimal experimental costs through the use of a multiphysics model in lieu of experimental battery data. In this work, a previously reported multiphysics model of a lithium ion lithium iron phosphate (Li ion LFP) battery was simulated in COMSOL Multiphysics® and reduced into an equivalent circuit model (ECM). The reduced order ECM was then implemented as a battery systems model in an energy systems modeling tool to perform RE-based hybridization studies. Techno economic case studies were conducted on RE based systems powering a household and an off grid island to validate the reduced order ECM with the idealized battery model with HOMER Pro. Optimal component sizes computed using the two software generally showed good agreement and deviations were attributed to electrical losses. The state of charge (SOC) vs. time graphs generated by the two software had an average root mean square error of 0.00173 SOC units across the different case studies. Discrepancies were observed during rapid charging or high SOC values, which were characteristic of the reduced order ECM. This model reduction framework can be applied to other energy storage and conversion technologies, such as other Li ion chemistries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors, to generate chemistry specific models for energy systems research.