Researchers Khadija Omar Said, Yukta Pareek, Satadru Dey, and Ashish Ranjan Kumar from the University of Adelaide have developed a dynamic modeling approach to better understand and predict thermal runaway events in large-format lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in underground mining operations. Their work, published in the journal Applied Energy, aims to address the challenges and risks associated with LIBs in the energy sector.
Large-format LIBs are increasingly used in underground mining for their high energy storage capacity and efficiency. However, they pose a risk of thermal runaway (TR), a rapid and exothermic reaction that can release toxic and flammable substances. Conducting repeated TR experiments is both expensive and hazardous, making it impractical to study various scenarios. To overcome this challenge, the researchers developed reduced-order models (ROMs) that can simulate the transient-state combustion events.
The ROMs created by the team effectively replicate the trends in temperature and smoke evolution during a TR event, aligning well with ground-truth data. These models are less resource-intensive than high-fidelity models, making them more practical for studying a wide range of scenarios that could occur in a mine. By providing insights into the dynamics of TR events, these models can help improve safety measures and emergency response plans in underground mining operations.
The practical applications of this research extend beyond mining. The energy industry, which increasingly relies on LIBs for energy storage, can benefit from these models to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with TR events. This can lead to improved battery management systems, enhanced safety protocols, and more effective emergency response strategies. Ultimately, this research contributes to the safer and more reliable use of LIBs in various energy storage applications.
Source: Said, K. O., Pareek, Y., Dey, S., & Kumar, A. R. (2023). Dynamical Modeling of Temperature and Smoke Evolution in a Thermal-Runaway Event of a Large-Format Lithium-ion Battery in a Mine Tunnel. Applied Energy, 335, 120578.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.