Experimental study on thermal runaway characteristics triggered by insulation failure of aluminum-plastic film shell of lithium iron phosphate battery

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0869

Abstract

Abstract:

The insulation failure of an energy storage system can generate high voltage between the battery casing and the electrode, posing significant safety risks. This study experimentally investigates the thermal runaway characteristics of a 52 Ah lithium iron phosphate battery with an aluminum-plastic film casing under high voltage caused by insulation failure. Thermal runaway is induced by applying high-voltage direct current at varying amplitudes between the battery's positive electrode and the aluminum-plastic film shell. The resulting fault phenomena and the electrothermal behavior of the battery under these conditions are analyzed. Experimental findings reveal that when a 500 V voltage is applied, thermal runaway occurs. This process unfolds in four stages: high-voltage breakdown aluminum-plastic film stage, molten aluminum and negative electrode transition short circuit stage, overcharge stage, and trigger thermal runaway stage. The battery's condition after experiencing thermal runaway is examined using industrial computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The analysis reveals that the most severe thermal runaway occurs at the location where the aluminum-plastic film shell is electrically compromised. When a voltage of 100 V or 300 V is applied between the positive electrode of the battery and the aluminum-plastic film shell, no breakdown occurs in the film. However, when the voltage exceeds 400 V, the aluminum-plastic film breaks down, leading to thermal runaway. The higher the voltage amplitude, the more severe the thermal runaway degree. The research results are crucial for improving the safety of energy storage systems and electrical insulation designs.

Key words: energy storage system, lithium iron phosphate battery, aluminum-plastic film, insulation failure, thermal runaway

CLC Number:

TK 02

Huaiyu HUANG, Silin HUANG, Rongchao ZHAO, Zhiwen XIAO, Junhui HOU, Liwei YAN. Experimental study on thermal runaway characteristics triggered by insulation failure of aluminum-plastic film shell of lithium iron phosphate battery[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(2): 613-623.

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电压幅值	是否热失控	熔融铝与负极短路过渡阶段时间	热失控触发时间	热失控T5 最高温度
100 V	否	—	—	—
300 V	否	—	—	—
400 V	是	34.4 s	8874 s	104 ℃
500 V	是	12.6 s	486 s	556 ℃
700 V	是	9.7 s	363 s	646 ℃

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