Safety in the battery design: The short circuit

The energy storage system is one of the key components of any electric vehicle powertrain. When lithium based energy storages are used it is important to investigate carefully the safety aspects, because the safety and cost were the main aspects which prevented the introduction of lithium ion in automotive application. This work describes the methods adopted in arsenal research for developing energy storage system for advanced electric power-train. The focus will be on lithium ion battery technology. The correct cell selection and its performance assessment could ensure the achievement of a performing and inexpensive energy storage system. But for ensuring the harmless of the energy storage system a safety concept and a consequent design should be also present. The present work shows the different requirements to take into account for the energy storage system design during the development of HEV and EV vehicles within arsenal research laboratories. Particular attention is given to the abuse conditions and their corresponding test methods during the development phase. The paper presents the safety concerns regarding the short circuit, its measurements method and the failure pathways. Results of short circuit abuse tests are analysed and indication regarding the design is given. © 2009 AVERE.