Structural design and testing of pouch cells

Abstract

A reliable supply of energy source is required for aerospace applications. Due to their high specific energy density and low self-discharge, Lithium-ion cells are preferred over other energy sources. Pouch cells have much better energy density compared to metallic cell cases. A pouch cell is developed for launch vehicle and automotive applications. Two aluminum-polymer laminates are heat sealed at 180-1900 °C to form the pouch cell. Experimental characterization ( lap shear, T-peel and tensile) of bonded laminate/films are carried out. UTS of laminate is obtained from lap shear and tensile tests. Fracture energy (mode-1) is obtained from T-peel tests and used as an input for the cohesive zone model. Mechanics of pouch cell due to internal pressure (abuse condition) is performed by Elasto-plastic finite element structural analysis to arrive at the pressure capacity of cells.