SJTU researchers explore impact of intermittent overcharging on battery capacity and reliability
12 November 2023
In a paper published in the Journal of Power Sources, a team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) investigates the changes in electrochemical performance of Li-ion battery cells after conventional cycling and intermittent overcharge cycling and the causes of the changes.
Intermittent overcharging occurs during the long-term operation of cells due to inconsistencies among cells within the battery pack and the potential faults in battery management system. The results of the study indicate that:
The presence of intermittent overcharging accelerates capacity degradation and impedance rise in cells, which primarily result from secondary particles cracking, Li+/Ni2+ mixture, and transition metals dissolution, ultimately leading to the loss of cathode active material and lithium inventory.
The cells suddenly fail after about 100 cycles of intermittent overcharging, with the cause identified as the cumulative gas production resulting from side reactions between cathode and electrolyte, which eventually pushes the valve to bend, cutting off the internal electrical circuit.
Chen et al.
To predict battery failure caused by intermittent overcharging, a method is proposed by monitoring abnormal changes in surface temperature, charging capacity, and charging current during the overcharging stage, thereby enhancing the reliability of cells in practical applications.
—Chen et al.
Resources
Shun Chen, Guodong Fan, Yansong Wang, Boru Zhou, Siyi Ye, Yisheng Liu, Bangjun Guo, Chong Zhu, Xi Zhang (2024) “The impact of intermittent overcharging on battery capacity and reliability: Electrochemical performance analysis and failure prediction,” Journal of Power Sources, Volume 591 doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2023.233800
What about damage from regenerative braking when the SOC is high? Super capacitors would help that and reduce battery cycles from regenerative braking.
Posted by: GdB | 12 November 2023 at 11:41 AM
GdB, I think they are talking about overcharging of individual cells in a pack. The scenario that you describe is handled by the "top buffer" in packs, where 100% displayed is only 98% of pack capacity. As far as I know, all EVs will switch to friction brakes, or blended brakes, if regen is higher that what the battery can safely accept.
Posted by: Bernard | 13 November 2023 at 05:47 AM