Numerical Simulation of the Calendering Process for Lithium Ion Electrodes

The ever increasing demand for renewable energy worldwide means that developing efficient energy storage techniques are of critical importance. Materials in particulate forms are commonly used in essential energy storage systems, e.g. lithium-ion battery electrodes. In this project, Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation is used to investigate the calendering process of lithium-ion battery electrodes. By combining DEM, X-ray computed tomography and electrochemical analysis, electrode mechanical and structural properties were investigated. Detailed stress and structural evolutions at microscopic particle scale were analyzed. This work provides a highly promising method to quantitatively predict lithium-ion battery electrode performance, and presents a digital tool for the next generation battery electrode manufacturing.

Presented as part of the 3rd Altair Electric Propulsion Seminar in October 2022 in Silverstone, UK.

Speakers: Dr Rachel Smith, Senior Lecturer, The University of Sheffield Ruihuan Ge, Research Associate, The University of Sheffield
Duration: 25 minutes