Research sparks development model for longer lasting electric vehicle batteries

• Mathematical model can be used in lithium-ion battery development to prevent deterioration 

• Lithium-ion batteries will be a key technology in realising a truly sustainable and low-carbon economy in the coming decades

• Increased lithium-ion batteries lifespan would mean lower prices for consumers

A model for identifying ways to better protect lithium-ion batteries from degrading has been developed by a team of mathematicians, physicists and engineers at the University of Portsmouth. 

The research, published in the Journal of Mechanics of Physics and Solids, is an important step forward towards production of longer-lasting, improved performance, rechargeable batteries and will be of substantial value to the lithium-ion battery industry. 

Lithium-ion batteries are important in a wide range of technology, including electric vehicles, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and even medical devices, but deterioration of the battery adversely impacts the length of time that they are operationally effective.

Professor Jamie Foster from the School of Mathematics and Physics led the study. He said: “This is fundamental research which is unearthing how mechanical stress affects battery function, and has led us to develop a mechanical model which can be used in lithium-ion battery development to test solutions to prevent the deterioration of battery function and protect against damage.

“Ultimately, this could lead to manufacturers being able to produce rechargeable batteries that have a longer, serviceable lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries will be a key technology in realising a truly sustainable and low-carbon economy in the coming decades, and so such improvements are urgently needed."

In developing the model, three situations were studied: how batteries behave when compressed; how electrodes react when they first come into contact with liquid electrolytes; and how the battery cells are affected by sudden impact. Previous research in this area was also taken account of.

The effective equations derived from the study and which make up the model, mean it will be easier, faster and cheaper, to compute how a battery behaves in different situations.  

Dr Foster added: “An extension to the service life of lithium-ion batteries would translate directly to lower prices for consumers - something which is needed in the growing electric vehicle market.”