A Numerical Study of Lithium-Ion Battery Fast Charging Behaviors

The fast charging technology is an indispensable section in the development of the new generation electric vehicles, as it would provide a more convenient experience for customers during the usage. To achieve this technology, research works should be focused on both the fast charging infrastructure/station development as well as the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery behaviors analyses during fast charging. In this paper, an electrochemical and thermal coupling model is implemented to simulate the battery performance under fast charging scenarios. More specifically, the effects of the battery internal parameters, such as electrode thickness and electrode electrical conductivity, on the electrochemical and thermal behaviors of the Li-ion battery during normal charges and fast charges are analyzed and discussed. The decrease of electrode thickness can to some extent alleviate the overpotential issue and improve the fast charging process, and it also significantly reduces the heat generation during the charging. Comparatively, increasing the electrical conductivity of the electrodes does not show any improvements on the battery fast charging.