A Multi-Tiered Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Fault Mitigation Architecture

With the continued electrification of military systems, lithium-ion (Li ion) batteries are increasingly targeted for electrical energy storage due to exceptional energy and power density. However, Li ion batteries operating in hostile thermal and mechanical environments typical of military aircraft are prone to catastrophic thermally-induced failures. Hazards including loss of power, fire, and explosion are unacceptable for airborne platforms in particular. Consequently, there is great interest in advanced thermal management and thermal fault mitigation strategies to optimize pack performance and enhance safety. This program matures a novel multi-tiered approach coupling high conductance phase change heat removal techniques with active monitoring and control strategies to improve the safety of Li ion battery packs. Phase I leveraged previously developed Li ion battery analytical models and experiments to demonstrate improved thermal performance over other heat spreader technologies. During Phase II we will complete development and conduct extensive lab testing with a full-scale prototype battery pack.bd