Characterizing Thermal Properties of 18650 Lithium-Ion Battery Cells: Experimental Approaches to Thermal Conductivity and Specific Heat Capacity Measurements

This study presents a comprehensive experimental analysis of the thermal parameters of cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells, focusing on thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. Using a controlled heat source provided by a Peltier module and measuring and recording the temperatures on both ends of the battery cells, this research investigates how varying heat input rates affect these critical thermal properties. The experiments were conducted on several types of battery cells to compare the effects of different chemistries and structural designs on thermal behavior. The findings reveal variations in how these batteries conduct and store heat, highlighting the influence of increased power inputs on enhancing thermal conductivity. These results contribute to a better understanding of battery performance under different operational stresses and provide valuable insights for optimizing battery design and safety in applications where thermal management is crucial.