Summary
- Vibrations can affect lithium-ion batteries at mechanical, thermal, and electrical levels
- Continuous mechanical stress from vibrations can cause electrode separation, internal component misalignment, and localized heating
- This can lead to battery aging, reduced operational efficiency, lithium plating, self-discharge, and capacity fade
- Lithium-ion batteries in maritime applications are particularly susceptible to vibrations, impacting system efficiency and increasing risk of failure
- Enhancing battery designs, integrating vibration-resistant materials, and improving battery management systems can result in safer and more durable systems
Article
Research conducted by the Battery and Power Electronics Research Group at Teesside University has shown that embedding accelerometers into battery management systems (BMS) can detect early signs of battery degradation by tracking vibration intensity and frequency. Led by Professor Maher Al-Greer, Doctor Imran Bashir, and Khursheed Sabeel, the team used a multiscale physics-based modeling approach to analyze how vibrations impact lithium-ion batteries at mechanical, thermal, and electrical levels.
The team’s research, published in the journal Batteries, revealed that continuous mechanical stress from vibrations can lead to issues such as electrode separation, separator deformation, and misalignment of internal components in batteries. These problems are caused by factors like electrochemical heating, electromechanical interactions, increased internal resistance, chemical processes, and structural deformations. The resulting localized heating accelerates battery aging, reduces operational efficiency, and contributes to problems like lithium plating, self-discharge, and capacity fade.
In maritime applications like hybrid and fully electric ships, lithium-ion batteries are subjected to low-frequency vibrations from engines, propeller forces, and wave-induced motion. This constant mechanical stress can cause capacity imbalances across battery cells, leading to reduced system efficiency and an increased risk of premature failure. The researchers emphasized the importance of improving battery designs, integrating vibration-resistant materials, and enhancing BMS capabilities to create safer, more durable, and high-performance systems for maritime use.
Overall, the study highlights the impact of vibrations on lithium-ion batteries at various levels – mechanical, thermal, and electrical. By understanding how vibrations interact with battery behavior and degradation processes, researchers can develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects and improve overall battery performance. The findings shed light on the importance of monitoring vibration intensity and frequency within battery management systems to detect early signs of degradation and make necessary adjustments to prevent issues like electrode separation and capacity fade.
The research team demonstrated how continuous mechanical stress from vibrations can lead to significant issues within lithium-ion batteries, including electrode separation, separator deformation, and misalignment of internal components. These problems are caused by a combination of factors such as electrochemical heating, electromechanical interactions, increased internal resistance, chemical processes, and structural deformations. The resulting localized heating accelerates battery aging and reduces operational efficiency, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the batteries.
In conclusion, the research at Teesside University’s Battery and Power Electronics Research Group highlights the importance of considering vibrations in the design and management of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in challenging applications like maritime use. By embedding accelerometers into battery management systems and integrating vibration-resistant materials, researchers can improve the durability, safety, and performance of batteries subjected to continuous mechanical stress. This study paves the way for further advancements in battery technology and management to address degradation issues and enhance overall system efficiency.
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