Mechanisms causing thermal runaway-related electric vehicle accidents and accident investigation strategies

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2020.0325

Abstract

Abstract:

Mechanisms leading to electric vehicle safety accidents are usually complex, multifactor, and interrelated, and new types of failures appear gradually during electric vehicle usage, making it difficult to determine root causes of accidents. This study summarizes how electric vehicle accidents are caused and evolve owing to a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway. The mechanisms triggering thermal runaway in electric vehicles and associated processes are discussed, including mechanical abuse, electric abuse, thermal abuse, and internal short-circuiting. Based on literature research, recommended strategies for accident investigation are proposed, including data analysis by the measurement of battery management systems, deformation studies at micro and macro levels, and the elemental identification of residuals after a battery failure. The study provides guidance on the establishment of an accident database for electric vehicles and helps equip investigators with scientific methods to build an evidence chain. It is beneficial for revealing the original mechanism of accidents and improving the efficiency of an accident investigation.

Key words: electric vehicle, lithium-ion battery, safety, accident causing mechanism, investigation technology

CLC Number:

TM 911.3

Huaibin WANG, Yang LI, Qinzheng WANG, Zhiming DU, Xuning FENG. Mechanisms causing thermal runaway-related electric vehicle accidents and accident investigation strategies[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2021, 10(2): 544-557.

Figures/Tables 17

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