Battery Thermal Runaway Propagation: A CFD Approach to Cell and Module Analysis

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">This Paper will focus on simulating thermal runaway propagation within a battery cell and module. The thermal runaway model parameters are derived from accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC). The simulation involves a thermal runaway propagation model that converts the stored energy of the battery materials into thermal energy, thereby simulating the propagation of thermal runaway. The initiation of thermal runaway is modelled through a nail penetration event, represented by a heat profile in the nail region. The resulting temperature rise in this area triggers the short propagation model, leading to the spread of thermal runaway.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">For the single-cell simulation, the 1-equation thermal runaway model is used, focusing on the direct energy conversion and propagation within the cell. In contrast, the module simulation involves a more complex scenario. Here, an initial temperature rise near the nail region activates a short propagation model, which subsequently triggers the 4-equation thermal abuse model. The higher activation energies required by the 4-equation model initiate a cascading effect, driving the thermal runaway process throughout the module. As the temperature increases further, the internal short model intensifies, which in turn reactivates the 4-equation thermal abuse model. The higher activation energies associated with the 4-equation model, compared to those of the short propagation model, create a cascading effect that accelerates the thermal runaway propagation process.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The results obtained from both the cell and module levels will be compared and validated against the ARC data. A detailed discussion of these findings will follow in the subsequent sections of the paper.</div></div>