Predictions of the thermal behavior of a spirally-wound lead-acid battery cell

A mathematical model has been used to investigate the thermal behavior of a spirally-wound lead-acid battery cell designed for hybrid vehicle applications. To accomplish this, a thermal model was integrated with a detailed electrochemical model capable of predicting the 3D behavior of the cell during discharge. Sources of heat in the cell were identified and quantified locally at two different discharge rates. It was found that most of the heat generated in the cell was due to irreversibilities associated with the electrode reactions and electrolytic current flow between the positive and negative electrodes. In addition, resistance heating due to current flow through the supporting lead grid to the current collection tabs contributed significantly to heating at the top of the cell. Predicted heat generation rates for the cell were non-uniform, with the highest rates occurring at the top of the cell. These rates were used to estimate cell temperatures at different axial locations and it was found that temperatures may vary significantly from the top to the bottom of the cell at high rates of discharge. The model predictions are useful for the development of cell designs and thermal management strategies relevant to vehicle applications.