Thermal barriers like AS27-s play a crucial role in containing thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries by preventing the spread of heat from one cell to another. These barriers can significantly enhance safety by isolating thermal events and preventing them from cascading through the entire battery pack.
Effectiveness of Thermal Barriers
- Isolation of Thermal Events: Thermal barriers effectively isolate cells or modules within a battery pack, reducing the risk of thermal runaway propagation. This containment strategy is critical for preventing chain reactions that can lead to catastrophic fires or explosions.
- Heat Dissipation and Absorption: Thermal barriers are designed to absorb or dissipate heat efficiently, thereby slowing down or stopping the propagation of thermal runaway. Materials like intumescent polymers and mica are commonly used due to their high thermal resistance and stability.
- Safety Standards Compliance: Implementation of thermal barriers helps battery systems comply with safety standards such as UL 9540A for stationary energy storage and UN ECE Regulation No. 100 (R100 Rev.3) for electric vehicles. Compliance with these standards ensures that thermal runaway is effectively managed and contained.
Challenges and Considerations
- Material Selection: The choice of material for thermal barriers is crucial. Materials must be non-flammable, possess high thermal resistance, and maintain structural integrity at high temperatures.
- Design and Integration: The integration of thermal barriers requires careful design to ensure they do not compromise the battery’s performance or increase its weight significantly. Modern solutions like Pyrothin from Aspen Aerogels offer strong thermal barriers with minimal impact on mass or energy density.
Future Developments
Innovations in thermal management technologies and advanced materials continue to improve the effectiveness of thermal barriers. For instance, mica-based solutions are particularly promising due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide stable insulation. These advancements aim to further enhance safety while minimizing the trade-offs in terms of cost, energy density, and overall system performance.
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