Thick, high-capacity electrodes are actively being considered to improve the energy density of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Novel architectures have been proposed to mitigate expected ion diffusion limitations during operation. Electrochemical modeling is a useful tool in studying the interplay between such transport processes, and in quantifying the benefits of electrode structuring. To this end, I propose a systematic evaluation using an electrochemical-thermal porous electrode model. I intend to use my modeling expertise to extend classical models, incorporating models for double layer physics, microstructural details, and chemistry-specific phase transitions. This model will then be used to simulate the effect of electrode structuring on different electrode chemistries under different transport regimes and realistic operating conditions, such as EV drive cycles. A secondary objective is development of numerical techniques that enable the computationally tractable inclusion of the proposed refinements. This is expected to hasten the use of extended electrochemical models in real-time control, complementing the model-based Battery Management System (BMS) efforts in the M.A.P.L.E. lab.
Advisor Venkat Subramanian – Chemical Engineering