Thermal Runaway Prevention of Li-ion Batteries by Novel Thermal Management System

Lithium-ion batteries are the preferred choice in many applications due to their energy density, higher voltage, and negligible memory effects. Most commercial lithium-ion cell chemistries will start to degrade at or above 60°C and leads to rapid loss of capacity over subsequent charge/discharge cycles. Additionally, thermal runaway and propagation is a priority safety concern due to the possibility of serious fire, explosion and injury in the event the cells are physically damaged or short circuited. Thermal management of lithium-ion battery packs using latent heat systems (LHS R) systems has proven highly effective for both improved pack performance and prevention of thermal runaway or propagation. In addition to prevention of thermal runaway and improved cell life, these systems provide for more homogenous pack temperatures, electrically insulative properties and less complex BMS system requirements.