Electrochemical-Thermal Simulation — Batteries & Fuel Cells
Lithium-ion battery P2D model, electrode reaction kinetics, Butler-Volmer equation, thermal runaway prediction, and fuel cell degradation simulation.
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Quick Explainer
What physics are coupled in a lithium-ion battery simulation?
A comprehensive battery model couples: electrochemical (Butler-Volmer kinetics, lithium diffusion in particles, electrolyte transport), thermal (heat from reaction and Joule losses, cooling), and mechanical (electrode swelling during lithiation, stress buildup). The Doyle-Fuller-Newman (P2D) model is the standard electrochemical framework, coupled with 3D thermal FEM for pack-level temperature.
What is thermal runaway and how does simulation help prevent it?
Thermal runaway is a self-reinforcing cycle: higher temperature raises reaction rate, generating more heat, further raising temperature until venting or fire. Triggered by overcharge, external short, or internal short circuit. Simulation maps temperature distribution under abuse conditions and evaluates thermal management design — cooling channels and thermal barriers between cells — on runaway propagation.