Autoren

Dipl.-Ing. R. Lorbeck, Institut für Thermodynamik und nachhaltige Antriebssysteme (ITnA), Technische Universität Graz

Jahr

2026

Druckinfo

Eigenproduktion ÖVK

Zusammenfassung

With the aim of improving the thermal network and making it more versatile, a number of measures were implemented in 2025 to achieve this effectively. The first step involved modifying and expanding the test bench to establish the measurement and power supply infrastructure urgently required for cycle measurement. To this end, an electronic load and a power supply unit were retrofitted, which together are capable of simulating dynamic, varying loads. In addition, a thermal imaging camera was installed for validation purposes to provide a second temperature measurement channel in addition to the thermocouples.

The cell disassembly also provided deep insights into the gravimetric composition of the cell interior and could be used accordingly for the parameterisation of the thermal network model. Last but not least, the extension of the 2D thermal slice model to a variable 3D model capable of accounting for module and pack architectures provides a solid foundation for further investigations at the pack level. The variability of the network in terms of both parameterisation and geometric structure should be particularly emphasised here. In this regard, too, an extension to other cell geometries would certainly be conceivable.

Validations of the thermal network show that the simulations in the various disciplines – whether static, relaxing or transient, dynamic cycles – correlate very well qualitatively. HEAT BATT-SIM has created a hybrid architecture that enables investigations into electrical parameters as well as temperature distribution at the cell surface. In conjunction with the resulting substitution cell,
stresses can thus be applied to it and operated accordingly on the test bench using the online SiL simulation methodology. Here, too, the basic functionality has been demonstrated and validated. However, this also raises an important point for the future. Temperature gradients, such as those expected in cells experiencing thermal runaway, can be applied relatively easily, thereby enabling investigations into thermal runaway.

Looking back, it can be said that the aspects of 3D simulation, online SiL methodology and the surrogate cell are at the desired level, and their functionality has been ensured through validation. The task now is to expand or revise the necessary parts of the overall package accordingly for future improvements.
Further topics for the future could include the additional consideration of ageing over a longer period, including the extension of the simulation accordingly, or the extension of the methodology to the module or pack level.

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