Thermal runaway propagation characteristics and residue analysis of NCM811 lithium-ion batteries in confined spaces

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0447

Abstract

Abstract:

With the increasing demand for longer ranges in electric vehicles, the cathode materials of Li(Ni _x Co _y Mn_1-_x_-_y )O₂ (NCM) cells are shifting from low-nickel (NCM111) to high-nickel (NCM811) compositions. This study investigates the thermal runaway propagation behavior, deformation characteristics, and residue analysis of 51 Ah NCM811 lithium-ion batteries in confined spaces. Results show that during thermal runaway in confined spaces, all cells in the NCM811 battery module expelled a significant amount of red high-temperature particles, although only the triggered cell exhibited a pronounced jet fire. While confined spaces can suppress flame formation during thermal runaway, they cannot prevent the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery module. The front and back surface temperatures of NCM811 cells at 100% state of charge during thermal runaway ranged between 820 ℃ and 979 ℃, with propagation times ranging from 52 to 106 seconds. The mass loss ranged between 390—462 g, corresponding to a mass loss percentage of 45.58%—52.73%. Post-thermal runaway analysis revealed significant agglomeration of cathode material particles, with numerous holes observed on the particle surfaces. The oxygen content in the cathode material decreased from 39.96% to 32.15% after thermal runaway, confirming oxygen release during the event. This study provides a theoretical basis for the safe and optimal design of high-nickel NCM lithium-ion battery modules, the suppression of thermal runaway propagation, and insights into thermal runaway accident investigations of high-nickel batteries.

Key words: lithium-ion battery, thermal runaway, confined space, thermal runaway propagation, accident investigation, safety

CLC Number:

X 932

Dengchao HAN, Yuanxiang PEI, Zhaoyang LIU, Songtao LIU, Huaibin WANG, Junli SUN, Yonglu WANG, Yu HAN. Thermal runaway propagation characteristics and residue analysis of NCM811 lithium-ion batteries in confined spaces[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2024, 13(11): 4133-4142.

Figures/Tables 11

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参数	数值	单位
几何尺寸	148(长)×27(宽)×90 (高)	mm
质量	824±1	g
容量	51	Ah
标称电压	3.65	V
充放电截止电压	2.8~4.25	V
电荷状态	100%	—

温度	1#	2#	3#	4#
T_f/℃	298.8	611.1	534	542
T_b/℃	58.1	75.1	83.6	126
ΔT_f-b/℃	240.7	536	450.4	416
Δt_i# /s	5	6	6	7

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