In the fast-paced world of energy storage, safety is paramount. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, known for their stability and longevity, are increasingly powering electric vehicles and grid storage systems. However, understanding how these batteries behave under physical stress is crucial for preventing failures and ensuring safety. A recent study published in Advances in Mechanical Engineering, a journal that translates to ‘Advances in Mechanical Engineering’ in English, sheds new light on this topic, with potentially significant implications for the energy sector.
Jianying Li, a researcher from the School of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering at Zhaoqing University in China, led a team that investigated the safety performance of LFP batteries under squeezing conditions. Their findings, published in the journal, reveal that the state of charge (SOC) of a battery plays a significant role in its deformation under pressure. “We found that as the SOC value increases, the deformation of the battery decreases,” Li explains. This means that a fully charged battery is less likely to deform under the same amount of pressure as a partially charged one.
The study used industrial computed tomography (CT) scans to analyze the internal structural changes of square LFP batteries under various squeezing conditions. The results showed that increasing squeezing pressure leads to increased deformation and a higher risk of an internal short circuit. This is a critical finding for the energy sector, as it highlights the importance of designing battery systems that can withstand physical stress.
Interestingly, the direction of the squeezing force also affects the battery’s deformation. The research found that batteries exhibit more significant deformation when squeezed from the side than from the front. This could influence how batteries are packaged and protected in electric vehicles and other applications.
The study also found that while the SOC value has a minor effect on voltage, high squeezing pressure or significant deformation can lead to a substantial voltage drop. However, this drop can sometimes be followed by a partial or complete recovery to a stable state. This behavior could be crucial for designing battery management systems that can respond to and mitigate the effects of physical stress.
Another surprising finding was that, within a specific range, squeezing exerts minimal influence on the surface temperature of the battery. This suggests that physical stress does not necessarily lead to thermal runaway, a significant safety concern in battery technology.
The research provides valuable insights for optimizing the design and safety assessment of LFP batteries. As Li notes, “Our findings can help guide the development of safer and more reliable battery systems, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.”
The energy sector is already taking note. Battery manufacturers and automakers are likely to incorporate these findings into their designs, leading to safer and more reliable products. Moreover, the study’s methods, particularly the use of industrial CT scans, could become a standard practice in battery testing and development.
As the demand for energy storage solutions continues to grow, so does the need for safer and more reliable batteries. This research is a significant step forward in that direction, offering a deeper understanding of how LFP batteries behave under stress and providing a roadmap for future developments in the field. As the energy sector continues to evolve, studies like this will be instrumental in shaping a safer and more sustainable future.