Multi-Scale Thermo-Electrochemical Modeling of Performance and Aging of a LiFePO4/Graphite Lithium-Ion Cell

Lithium-ion batteries show a complex thermo-electrochemical performance and aging behavior. This paper presents a modeling and simulation framework that is able to describe both multi-scale heat and mass transport and complex electrochemical reaction mechanisms. The transport model is based on a 1D + 1D + 1D (pseudo-3D or P3D) multi-scale approach for intra-particle lithium diffusion, electrode-pair mass and charge transport, and cell-level heat transport, coupled via boundary conditions and homogenization approaches. The electrochemistry model is based on the use of the open-source chemical kinetics code CANTERA, allowing flexible multi-phase electrochemistry to describe both main and side reactions such as SEI formation. A model of gas-phase pressure buildup inside the cell upon aging is added. We parameterize the model to reflect the performance and aging behavior of a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP)/graphite (LiC6) 26650 battery cell. Performance (0.1–10 C discharge/charge at 25, 40 and 60°C) and calendaric aging experimental data (500 days at 30°C and 45°C and different SOC) from literature can be successfully reproduced. The predicted internal cell states (concentrations, potential, temperature, pressure, internal resistances) are shown and discussed. The model is able to capture the nonlinear feedback between performance, aging, and temperature.