Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Battery Thermal Runaway Propagation and Containment Solutions

ThermAvant proposes to design, model and empirically demonstrate high thermal conductivity two-phase cooling of Li-ion cell walls and Li-ion battery assembly. Two-phase heat transfer is the core technology that will be utilized to eliminating cell to cell thermal runaway propagation while offering a low thermal resistance path to heat rejection locations. Key challenges will include optimizing heat transfer rates while identifying shutdown conditions for varying geometries and working fluid combinations. Successful research will conclude with thin light-weight high heat capacity two-phase heat transfer devices capable of mitigating thermal runaway due to low thermal resistance and stop propagation when thermal runaway does occur. Lastly, ThermAvant’s research team will work with agency, and prime contractors to ensure Phase II designs and results are applicable to real-world Li-ion Battery assembly applications.