Multiphysics modelling and monitoring of lithium-ion cells for next-generation management system

Batteries play a crucial role in e-mobility and smart grids which are important elements to fight climate change. However, the available batteries are plagued by thermal safety risks, premature degradation, and low utilisation. Therefore, there is a globally urgent need to develop advanced batteries.

Although considerable research efforts have been made, the state-of-the-art battery management systems (BMS) have only changed incrementally, and the development of control systems explicitly handling battery health and safety is still in its infancy stage.

This project aims to conduct high-quality research and make step changes in the innovation of BMS by integrating smart sensors and fundamentally developed battery models, leading to self-monitoring algorithms and optimal control strategies for battery cells.

Specifically, we will first develop new battery models using physics-based approaches, artificial intelligence, and their novel combination.

Then, sensors that are available but have never been used in commercial BMS will be introduced meticulously and used intelligently to enable self-monitored batteries and avoid any safety issues and premature ageing.

Finally, new BMS algorithms will be developed to realise thermal fault prognostics, health optimization, and optimal power control. The developed tools will be generalizable to battery cells of different sizes, shapes, and chemistry. As a result, batteries will become safer, greener, and cheaper.