Managing Future Standards for the Thermal Propagation of Lithium-ion Batteries

This article delves into the critical issue of thermal propagation in lithium-ion batteries, a process that can lead to catastrophic failures and safety hazards. It explores the various trigger methods used to initiate thermal runaway, including external and internal heaters, and nail penetration, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. The article also provides a comparative analysis of global safety regulations, such as UN R100, FMVSS 305a/part 561, and the stringent Chinese GB 38031 standard, which will shape future battery developments. Based on hundreds of tests conducted by FEV, the article reveals promising trends in thermal propagation performance, with about 50% of recent tests meeting the demanding requirements of the future GB 38031 standard. It also discusses the impact of increasing energy density on thermal propagation and the importance of targeted design for thermal propagation-safe batteries. The article concludes with a clustered presentation of thermal propagation performance in dependency on gravimetrical energy density, offering valuable insights for professionals in the field.