Microstructure-Resolved Degradation Simulation of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Space Applications

TL;DR

This paper presents a microstructure-resolved simulation model for lithium-ion battery degradation in space, specifically analyzing inhomogeneous SEI growth and capacity fade in satellite batteries using experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integration of SEI growth modeling with 3D microstructure simulations validated by satellite battery data.

Findings

First to simulate inhomogeneous SEI growth in space batteries

Validated model with in-flight satellite data

Observed inhomogeneities in SEI thickness in degraded cells

Abstract

In-orbit satellite REIMEI, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has been relying on off-the-shelf Li-ion batteries since its launch in 2005. The performance and durability of Li-ion batteries is impacted by various degradation mechanisms, one of which is the growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this article, we analyse the REIMEI battery and parameterize a full-cell model with electrochemical cycling data, computer tomography images, and capacity fading experiments using image processing and surrogate optimization. We integrate a recent model for SEI growth into a full-cell model and simulate the degradation of batteries during cycling. To validate our model, we use experimental and in-flight data of the satellite batteries. Our combination of SEI growth model and microstructure-resolved 3D simulation shows, for the first time, experimentally observed inhomogeneities in the SEI thickness throughout the negative electrode for the degraded cells.