Numerical Simulation of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles

A model for the numerical simulation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is developed for use in battery cell design, with a view to improving the performances of such batteries. The model uses Newman-type electrochemical and transfer theories((1,2)) to describe the behavior of the lithium-ion cell, together with the Levenberg-Marquardt optimization scheme to estimate the performance or design parameters in nonlinear problems. The mathematical model can provide an insight into the mechanism of LIB behavior during the charging/discharging process, and can therefore help to predict cell performance Furthermore, by means of least-squares fitting to experimental discharge curves measured at room temperature, we were able to obtain the values of transport and kinetic parameters that are usually difficult to measure. By comparing the calculated data with the life-test discharge curves (SB LiMotive cell), we found that the capacity fade is strongly dependent on the decrease in the reaction area of active materials in the anode and cathode, as well as on the electrolyte diffusivity.