Experimental Analysis of Temperature Gradient Effect on Lithium batteries

This paper investigates the effects of temperature on the behavior of lithium-ion batteries during operation. In particular, we present the results of an experimental analysis aimed at investigating the effect on cell performance of a temperature gradient during the discharge phase. An ad-hoc experimental setup which includes an electronic load, power supply and climate chamber fully controlled through a software interface was developed to test the batteries. The devices under test are subjected to complete charge and discharge cycles at constant temperatures followed by discharge cycles with rising and falling thermal gradients.The effects of a downward (-25 degrees C in 15 min) and upward (+25 degrees C in 15 min) thermal gradient on battery capacity are discussed throughout the paper together with a comparison with constant average temperature discharge profile.