Strategies to address battery degradation in electric vehicles

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries are a central part of the sustainable energy area as they continue to play a key role in powering the world. Many aspects of these batteries could be improved, including increasing cycle life, reducing the lifecycle cost, and creating safer cells. By taking a holistic view of battery degradation and investigating several aspects of the degradation mechanisms, we aim to increase the already widespread use of batteries in fulfilling sustainability goals. ☐ Three primary aspects of battery degradation are covered in this thesis. First, an in-depth study of cathode degradation was conducted using a dry electrode process. This electrode fabrication method has the potential to reduce the time and energy required to manufacture lithium-ion cells. Second, a novel approach using adaptive thermal control to maintain capacity balance across groups of cells was demonstrated with an experimental apparatus. Finally, a connected vehicle model was developed based on the University of Delaware Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Bus. Through simulations, it was shown that connected vehicle technology can reduce both battery degradation and energy consumption.