Session: 17-08-01: Renewable Energy Systems

Paper Number: 173933

Analyzing Li-Ion Battery Performance at Different Temperatures & Cycling Conditions 

Lithium-Ion Batteries, or LIBs, have been widely applied and thoroughly studied for their superiority in several high-priority metrics. However, low temperatures can cause significant damage to capacity, charge/discharge rates, and other critical properties. Specifically, low temperatures cause the electrolyte to become more viscous, decrease capacity, and increase internal resistance. Previous studies indicate that some configurations of rest periods may increase the lifetime and performance of Li-ion batteries in some settings. This study intends to analyze how incorporating rest periods within battery cycling will affect LIBs over a wide range of temperatures. Cryogenic freezers are used to facilitate experiments between -40ºC and -80 ºC, and a commercial refrigerator and freezer are used for temperatures around 0ºC. For this study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and battery cycling were performed on commercial 3.6V Li-ion button cells. Chronopotentiometry data from the cycling will be used to analyze the direct effect of rest periods on voltage in relation to time. Specifically, the voltage applied during discharge, the modified cycle period, will be analyzed at different rest periods and temperatures with respect to time. The EIS data will be used to analyze how the battery behaves internally with respect to temperature. Specifically, the data will be fit to equivalent circuits to compare with computational models of Li-ion batteries. Additionally, the data from the equivalent circuits can be analyzed to reveal the behavior of the battery with respect to its internal structure and their morphology in relation to the number of cycles at different temperatures. Current EIS data confirms that internal resistances increase at lower temperatures. Battery cycling data shows that, regardless of whether the battery is in charge or discharge, the average voltage is lower for lower temperatures, confirming the expected trends of temperature decreasing the kinetic capabilities in the cell. To better mimic different cycling loads for real-world applications, the battery is discharged at the same rate but with “rest” periods added when the battery is not in use. The effects on the battery’s performance as a function of the different resting periods will also be evaluated. Future work includes production of Li-ion coin cells and characterization of the internal structural components. Then, similar techniques will be employed for analysis. The known structure will allow comparison with the structural properties indicated by equivalent circuits at different cycle numbers at different temperatures, which will allow a direct numerical analysis of the internal effects of these conditions on the battery and its general performance. The rest periods would then be layered with the analysis to reveal the extent of their effect.

Presenting Author: Mick Drecker Missouri State University

Presenting Author Biography: Mick Drecker is a student studying mechanical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology and physics with an emphasis on astronomy at Missouri State University. In 2024, he was awarded a research internship through the NASA Space Grant, through which he was introduced to energy storage research under Dr. Daniel Moreno. He intends to go to graduate school for aerospace engineering and to support development within the aerospace industry.

Authors:

Mick Drecker Missouri State University
Daniel Moreno Missouri State University