A Simulator for System-Level Analysis of Heat Transfer and Phase-Change in Thermal Batteries

Abstract

We present the application of our thermal battery system-level simulator [J. Electrochem Soc., 156, A442 (2009)] in novel multiplecell thermal analyses. Several model batteries are chosen to demonstrate the simulator's versatility and robustness in developing advanced thermal battery designs. The heat transfer phase-change model and supporting mass balance are modified to improve model consistency. Simulation results are presented from several case-studies covering different battery structures and operating conditions, including low and high current densities, different number of electro-active cells, various internal and external battery geometrical details, the use of salt buffers, external flanges, and inhomogeneous initial conditions in the battery stack. These results show the simulator to be a highly user-friendly and powerful tool for development of complex thermal batteries. Investigation of heat of reactions and joule heating effects unfold insights regarding dominant processes in multiple-cell batteries. Furthermore, these detailed analyses emphasize the need to track solidification dynamics at the sub-cell level and, at the same time, show that thermal battery design should include a significant ingredient of multiple-cell analysis. Altogether, this study presents a first-in-itskind portable simulator with great flexibility and a capability for supporting the analysis and development of most thermal battery structures and designs.

Simulation Investigation on Thermal Characteristics of Thermal Battery Activation Process Based on COMSOL

“…The simulation results of the large-capacity thermal battery were only 6% different from the experimental data. Dekel et al [20] used the thermal battery simulator (TABS v3) developed by the Sandia National Laboratories to study thermal battery input parameters and obtained more realistic simulation results and model verification through understanding the relationship between uncertain input and probabilistic output. In order to study the thermal runaway and corrosion of thermal batteries, Jang Hyeon Cho et al [21] studied the optimal discharge temperature of thermal batteries and studied the influence of thermal battery heating-sheet thickness on the temperature of positive and negative electrodes and electrolytes based on the COMSOL software, which contributed to the design of electrodes, electrolytes, heat sources, insulators, and other components.…”

Multi-Objective Optimization of Activation Time and Discharge Time of Thermal Battery Using a Genetic Algorithm Approach

“…The model predicts that increasing the battery's temperature can reduce the precipitation of KCl and prolong the discharge time. Haimovich et al [12] proposed the method of using an additional buffer salt to prolong the discharge time. Chen et al [13] developed a thermal battery which greatly prolongs the discharge time compared to the traditional thermal battery with a low melting point electrolyte.…”

Thermal Analysis and Modeling of Thermal Batteries with Lithium-Boron Alloy Anode and Cobalt Disulfide Cathode

“…However, it has not been reported to test and analyze the thermal properties of thermal batteries composed of CoS 2 cathode and Li-B alloy anode. In the thermal modeling and analysis of thermal batteries, Haimovich et al 8,9 and Kang et al 10 mainly studied the Li-Si/LiCl-KCl/FeS 2 thermal battery, Jeong et al 11 mainly studied the Li-Si/LiF-LiCl-LiBr/FeS 2 thermal battery, and Cho et al 12 have studied the thermal battery with pure lithium (LAN) anode compared with Li-Si alloy. The research mentioned above mainly focuses on the thermal battery with Li-Si alloy anode and FeS 2 cathode, while the new electrode materials will inevitably show different thermal characteristics.…”