High-fidelity modelling of combustion in battery systems during thermal runaway

This grant application is focused on the development of high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to model thermal runaway in battery systems.

Thermal runaway is a dangerous chain reaction in batteries that results from overheating, exothermic reactions, and combustion. The process can be triggered by various factors such as short circuits, overcharging, and high temperatures. The goal is to reduce the need for destructive testing and improve the safety and sustainability of battery systems.

Northvolt has expertise in testing battery systems and uses CFD simulations to predict cooling performance, but there is limited experience with combustion and fire models.

The work will be divided into system-level simulation and cell-level simulation, with results validated through testing at a test house.

The project aims to improve the safety and sustainability of battery systems by using simulation and testing to predict and prevent thermal runaway.