Since its commercial launch in the early 1990s, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the most popular form of rechargeable energy storage technology in the portable electronics and electric vehicle market. The light lithium compounds that make up the electrodes have a high specific energy (watt-hours / kilogram) compared to other battery types. Traditional design methods take a lot of effort, with trial and error, to develop prototypes and ultimately create a usable product. In addition to CFD flow simulations, a complete battery development process requires access to a variety of simulation approaches, including structural analysis, electronics, and systems. Battery systems with great long-term stability and performance are a prerequisite for achieving future CO2 targets.
Challenges for the lithium-ion battery:
- Costs – efficient use of materials with optimum performance
- Lifetime – Should last the life of the device with the least possible reduction in charge capacity
- Capacity – Provide sufficient power to the device until charging is required
- Safety and Durability – Batteries store a lot of energy and can explode!
- Optimized thermal load and temperature distribution over different load cycles
- Weight optimization while maintaining performance, strength and durability
- Thermal flow simulations considering the temperature distribution for the optimal design of cooling scenarios
- Strength and lifetime ratings for crash scenarios
- Development of lightweight scenarios
- Optimal battery systems with great long-term stability and performance