Computational modelling of explosions caused by failed Li‐ion batteries

Abstract

AbstractThe implementation rate of renewable energy sources such as lithium‐ion batteries has grown over the last decade. Consequently, the number of explosion occurrences associated with these batteries has also increased. Such events are due to a process called thermal runaway (TR). The flamelet combustion approach has been widely used to model premixed combustion. However, its applicability for modelling accidental explosions from lithium‐ion batteries remains limited. Moreover, the effects and contributions from stress, strain, and wrinkling on the flame front in gas mixtures from Li‐ion batteries are not fully understood. As far as computational modelling is concerned, the same effects require further investigation. The current research investigates the performance of the flamelet approach for modelling premixed combustion scenarios caused by the gases ejected by a fully charged lithium‐ion‐phosphate (LFP) battery. A new laminar burning velocity correlation is proposed based on experimental data to calculate overpressure, flame position, and flame velocity in a semi‐confined geometry. Promising results are presented resorted by good agreement with experimental data.