Integrated Lithium-ion battery model and experimental validation of a second-life prototype

A battery model predicts the battery performance, which can be a useful tool for optimizing battery design and preventing unsafe operation. This becomes especially significant in second-life batteries where the cells have already endured degradation and predicting the lifetime becomes challenging. The assessment of physical phenomena is often performed individually, but the overall battery behavior depends on their interaction. For this purpose, an integrated battery model is developed. Equivalent electric circuits are interconnected to represent the electrochemical reactions, thermodynamic phenomena, and heat transfer mechanisms of the battery. To consider cell degradation, calendar and cycling aging were represented using a semi-empirical model. A battery management system is included to oversee and remain within the safe limits of battery voltage, temperature, and current. Additionally, a passive cell balancing distributes charge evenly. The integrated model is applied to a second-life battery prototype with a nominal capacity and power of 45 Ah and 4 kW, respectively. Its performance is validated with constant current and power cycles, as well as in a microgrid with photovoltaic generation under a self-consumption profile. The model accurately reproduces experimental results of battery power, voltage, temperature, and state of charge.