Automatic Conversion of a 3D Thermal Model of a Battery Cell into a 1D Lumped-Element Network : Paper for special session 8 - Multi-level Models for Simulation of Electrified Vehicles

As simulation of complex systems gets closer to reality, model-based development offers the opportunity to virtualize an increasing number of powertrain design and testing tasks. Many tasks are best dealt with using a combination of 3D and 1D modeling. To achieve this, one efficient technique is the conversion of high-fidelity 3D models into more flexible 1D models. This paper presents a novel automated workflow that allows to create a 1D lumped-element network using data from a 3D thermal simulation as input. Data collection is accomplished by an embedded algorithm that emulates the steps an expert would take to derive an equivalent 1D model. Generation of the lumped-element network using the collected data is also automatic. The method is tested and validated using a model of a pouch cell used in automotive batteries. Validation studies show very good agreement between the results of the original 3D model and the equivalent 1D model. Equivalence is maintained even when the model is extrapolated from 1/5 to 4 times the parametrization thermal load. This outcome encourages further development of the tool and application to more complex systems.