Batteries
Thermal management is a crucial factor for the performance, lifetime, and charging speed of batteries in electric vehicles. Thermal simulation enables quick evaluation of battery thermal management systems (BTMS) in terms of maximum temperatures and temperature gradients across a module, stack, or system during the design phase.
We use 0D/1D-models (Modelica / Simulink) of batteries and their components and combine them with thermal fluid models from our model library TIL. We offer services using the following modeling methods:
CFD and field calculation methods (Star CCM+, Ansys, OpenFOAM) are used for high-resolution, detailed evaluation of new cooling and heating concepts. For our customers, we perform detailed investigations into the following:
Using model reduction methods, we can convert 3D models into models that can be used in system simulations. Here, we draw on our experience in modeling and simulating typical cell types (pouch, prismatic, cylindrical) and various cell chemistries (NMC, NMCA, LFP, NCA). We develop models in close cooperation with our customers and research partners. The development of our models is based on measurement data, manufacturer data, or scientific publications.
Fault-induced combustion of battery cells (thermal runaway) is a hazard associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries. The proliferation of thermal runaway in a module, stack, or system is called thermal propagation.
With physical as well as simplified empirical 0D/1D/3D models, we represent the following effects:
This enables us to evaluate various concepts, measures, and materials for preventing and limiting thermal runaway and thermal propagation. The corresponding models can then be used to optimize passive and active measures for safe modules and stacks using suitable algorithms.
Together with our research partners, we experimentally investigate the aging and thermal runaway of different battery cells and individual cell components. Using these results, we can derive, calibrate, and validate reaction and cell models, and identify physical and chemical mechanisms.
