Performance benchmark of state-of-the-art high-power lithium-ion cells and implications for their usability in low-voltage applications

For vehicle electrical systems, high-power optimized lithium-ion batteries offer superior cycle stability, compactness and weight compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. To identify lithium-ion cell candidates during early concept and development phases, both performance characteristics and a comparison of commercialized lithium-ion cells covering different cell chemistries are needed. Since the market share of high-power lithium ion cells is limited, scientific studies and extensive characterizations are rare. This study closes the gap by benchmarking state-of-the-art high-power cells considering the requirements of 12V/48V applications. The sensible begin-of-life parameters OCV, internal resistance, and capacity were investigated by stepwise OCV measurement, pulse power characterization and capacity measurement regarding the dimensions: SOC (0% to 100%), temperature (-25 degrees C to +55 degrees C) and current rate (up to 30C). All cells exhibit temperature dependent OCV curves, with ambient temperatures above zero hardly affecting the OCV hysteresis. A SOC dependency of the internal resistance of the tested lithium titanate oxide cell reduces the power capability, available cell capacity and energy efficiency. This cell, in contrast to the graphite-based cells, enables a neglection of a Butler-Volmer dependency and offers high charge acceptance at negative temperatures. The internal resistance of the lithium iron phosphate cell is less affected by SOC which allows for constant power output. Above 25 degrees C and up to 15C, energy efficiencies of the graphite-based cells exceed 95%. We conclude that the lithium iron phosphate cell is best suited for 12V applications due to its voltage band and discharge characteristics. None of the cells stand out for use in 48V applications. Our findings from benchmarking among different cell chemistries are beneficial to other research areas such as battery simulation, battery management systems, or cell/system design.