Modeling Electrochemical Transport within a Three-Electrode System

In support of GM’s traction battery efforts, we derive and implement a method to describe the electrochemical performance of a battery cell through the combination of a modified Newman Pseudo 2-Dimensional model and a three-electrode experimental apparatus. To assess the capability of the method, we compare model results with experimental data for a lithiated graphite and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide system. The model is applied to simulate the electrochemical and transport processes within the battery cell to predict the negative electrode potential and positive electrode potential with respect to a lithium iron phosphate reference electrode, as well as the terminal voltage. We also provide a commentary on the validity of the fitted parameters governing transport at the electrode level.