Lithium-ion batteries are the dominating
electrochemical energy
storage technology for battery electric vehicles. However, additional
optimization is needed to meet the requirements of the automotive
industry regarding energy density, cost, safety, and fast charging
performance. In conventional electrode designs, there is a trade-off
between energy density and rate capability. Recently, three-dimensional
(3D) structuring techniques, such as laser perforation, were proposed
to optimize both properties at the same time and remarkable improvements in fast-charging performance
have been demonstrated. In this work, we investigate the effect of
structuring techniques on the thermal properties and electrochemical
performance of the battery using microstructure-resolved simulations.
Particular attention will be paid to the heat evolution and lithium
plating during fast charging of the batteries. According to our results,
3D structuring is able to reduce the overall cell resistance by improving
the electrolyte transport. This has a positive impact on the fast
charging capability of the cell and, moreover, reduces the danger
of lithium plating.