Computational modelling of thermal runaway propagation potential in lithium iron phosphate battery packs

Abstract

It is widely accepted that Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathodes are the safest chemistry for Li-ion cells, however the study of them assembled in to battery modules or packs is lacking. Hence, this work provides the first computational study investigating the potential of thermal runaway propagation (TRP) in packs constructed of LFP 18650 cells. Utilizing a 2D model of a battery pack in which one cell is assumed to experience an internal short circuit, it is found that TRP does not occur even under extreme environmental conditions. This shows the potential that LFP cells have at enabling safe and abuse resilient large scale batteries.

Keywords

• Thermal runaway
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Battery safety
• Battery hazards