A highly effective method of investigating complex thermal degradation scenarios on Li-ion cells has been developed to promote battery safety.

A method for thermal ramp experiments on cylindrical 18650 Li-ion cells has been

A method of holistic characterisation of thermally induced cell failure has been established. Single cylindrical cells are subjected to a defined heating ramp. Critical heat influx triggers gas generation from chemical degradation reactions. The onset of fast exothermic reactions then drives the total breakdown of cell components towards the thermal runaway. The large quantities (up to 6000 cm³) of vent gas are investigated quantitatively. H 2 , CO and CO 2 as well as short-chain hydrocarbons are detected in this process. Thermal characterisation of endothermic and exothermic effects is performed, indicating up to 30 kJ of heat being released from a single 18650 cell during full-scale exothermic breakdown and cell deflagration.