Engr. Domalanta and Assoc. Prof. del Rosario-Paraggua publishes a new paper on Multiphysics Modeling

Mecaelah Palaganas • April 19, 2023

Engr. Marcel Roy Domalanta and Assoc. Prof. Julie Ann del Rosario-Paraggua publishes an article on MDPI Energies titled, “A Multiphysics Model Simulating the Electrochemical, Thermal, and Thermal Runaway Behaviors of Lithium Polymer Battery”.

Understanding how a battery reacts to various circumstances, such as modifications in temperature, current, and state of charge, can be aided by battery modeling. The electrochemical, thermal, and thermal runaway model is necessary to better understand a battery's performance. This model takes advantage of the strong correlation between a battery's performance and temperature to optimize its design and structure under different conditions, such as charging and discharging. Non-uniformity of current density distribution and high heat generation present challenges that decrease specific energy and power, reduce the battery's life cycle, and make it unreliable and dangerous. Therefore, developing a comprehensive model that can provide insights into the battery's thermal mechanism to improve its performance, longevity, and safety is vital. The importance of studying a battery's thermal behavior cannot be overstated, as optimizing its design and structure is essential to ensure its safe and effective operation.

A multiphysics model was developed for an LCO-graphite-PVdF-HFP pouch LiPo battery. The electrochemical model can be adapted to different chemistries by modifying physical properties, and geometric changes can optimize battery design. The simulation showed shortened voltage plateau regions at higher discharge currents due to higher polarization. Simulated thermal behavior exhibited an RMSE of 1.5 K at 1 C discharge with an average heat generation of 0.90 W m⁻³. The reversible and irreversible heat generation was successfully determined, and temperature lowering by heat absorption was primarily due to reversible heat. The thermal runaway model showed that thermal abuse at 423.15 K triggers runaway with cathode-electrolyte reaction as the primary heat source, reaching a heat generation of 5.7 × 108 kW m⁻³. The model can serve as an initial bird's-eye view of predicting battery behavior, but extended numerical simulations and sensitivity analyses are recommended to optimize battery design and enhance model reliability.


Keywords: battery; energy; numerical model; thermal runaway; energy storage; lithium; energy efficiency; sustainability in energy systems


You may access and read the full paper through this link: https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062642 


This work is financially supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program, through the Advanced Batteries Center Program (REBCell Project), and by the Office of the Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman, through the Office of The Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, through the Outright Research Grant (Project No. 222210 ORG).

LEE participates in PyPSA workshop

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
LEE research staff and graduate students participated in an in-house training and workshop on the Python for Power Systems Analysis (PyPSA) toolbox on October 9 and 23, 2024 . The sessions were led by Arizeo Salac (SRS 1, ElectriPHI), who returned from a six-month research sandwich program at the Reiner Lemoine Institute in Berlin, Germany , where he focused on data-driven decision-making and energy systems modeling. The training included a detailed discussion on energy systems modeling, with key topics such as data sources and the representation of energy systems using both conventional and renewable technologies. Participants received hands-on assistance with the software setup and installation, followed by simulation activities that showcased PyPSA’s capabilities in energy and power systems analysis. Mr. Salac also presented his baseline model of the Philippine energy system, which can be utilized for energy transition scenario planning. The event aimed to enhance participants' proficiency with open-source modeling tools, share best practices in modeling, and support their research in energy systems. Article by: Sophia Lunor

LEE among Filipino Delegates at the ASEAN Battery Technology Conference in Singapore

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
Prof. Joey D. Ocon, Dr. Julie Anne D.R. Paraggua, Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, and Giancarlo Sanglay were among the Filipino delegates at the 2nd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference , held from August 21 to 23, 2024 , at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore. Themed "Powering ASEAN: Innovating the Future of Battery," the event was co-organized by key ASEAN associations from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They were accompanied by LEE member and graduate student, Giancarlo Sanglay and NextGen Project Chief Technical Specialist, Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, of the Advanced Batteries Center. The conference aimed to foster connections among researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders within the battery and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, technical discussions, and potential collaborations. Key topics included the development of the Battery and EV Roadmap for Southeast Asia, as well as government policies and regulations surrounding battery and energy storage systems (ESS) applications. Industry leaders and academic experts also addressed technological advancements in battery materials, financial support for innovations, and strategies for managing the end-of-life value chain of batteries. Prof. Ocon, who also serves as Co-Founder of Nascent Batteries, played an active role in the event by moderating a panel discussion on advancing ESS technologies in Asia. The panel featured representatives from prominent organizations, including EDP Renewables APAC, Green Tenaga Pte Ltd, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. This collaborative event underscored the region's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and highlighted the critical role of ASEAN countries in driving innovation within the battery and EV industries. Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta

Hello, LEE, Goodbye: Lab Members bid adieu to departing colleagues

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
The Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE) held a despedida party to bid farewell to two of its active members — Ms. Rosela Lazaro and Asst. Prof. Michael Castro — as they embark on a new chapter of their academic journey. The LEE members, along with their laboratory head, Prof. Joey D. Ocon, celebrated through a friendly competition at the Ever Gotesco Bowling Alley, Commonwealth Avenue last August 19, 2024. This also fostered camaraderie and strengthened the bond and friendship between the lab members. Ms. Lazaro will be studying MS in Environmental Science and Engineering at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea. Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Castro will be pursuing a doctorate degree in Nuclear Engineering and Management at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He will be returning to UP Diliman to tend to his duties at the Department of Chemical Engineering. Indeed, ‘goodbyes’ are not the end. It marks a beginning of a new ‘hello’, a step closer to making dreams come true. To Sir Michael, ganbatte! To Sela, hwaiting! We are all rooting for you both! Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta
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