The demand for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles is increasing, and with this, the need for batteries with extended life is also increasing. Researchers have been focusing on ways to extend the life span of different types of batteries. This article discusses the latest developments and new advancements in battery life extension in the past nine months.
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Why are Batteries with Extended Life Needed?
Batteries with extended lifespans are crucial for sustainable and efficient energy storage. As society increasingly relies on renewable energy sources like solar and wind, consistent power availability becomes vital. Longer-lasting batteries reduce environmental impact by minimizing disposal and manufacturing needs.
Recent Developments
In the past nine months, there have been a few notable developments in battery life extension. A few such examples include Lithium-ion battery optimization, raising the lower cutoff voltage and advancements in range extenders.
Optimizing Li-ion Battery Life
In a recent study published in June 2023, researchers proposed a novel reinforcement learning-based optimal charging strategy for Li-ion batteries, focusing on new advancements in battery life extension. Unlike previous studies that prioritize minimizing charge time, this work allows end users to flexibly set charge times according to their convenience, achieved through the use of the soft actor-critic (SAC) reinforcement learning algorithm.
The SAC algorithm not only accommodates flexible charge times but also considers varying battery parameters due to aging, leading to enhanced battery life without inconveniencing end users. The study quantitatively calculates battery aging based on an accurate electrochemical model and optimizes the charging strategy to minimize aging, demonstrating effective battery life extension while ensuring end-user convenience. The proposed method outperforms constant current charging, extending battery life without compromising user convenience.
Voltage Cutoff for Longevity
In a July 2023 study, researchers aimed to enhance the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, addressing economic and environmental concerns associated with battery degradation. The study conducted cycle life tests on commercial 18650-type batteries, revealing nonlinear degradation patterns.
The proposed solution involves raising the lower cutoff voltage to 3 V when the battery reaches a capacity degradation threshold, resulting in a 38.1% increase in throughput at 70% of the initial capacity. This method was successfully applied to different lithium-ion battery types, achieving cycle lifetime extensions of 16.7% and 33.7%.
The approach not only prolongs battery life but also enhances cycling consistency, providing longer service times, cost savings, and environmental benefits. The results suggest promising applications in second-use scenarios while maintaining stable profits. The study emphasizes the importance of minimizing capacity compromise throughout the battery life cycle.
Advancements in Range Extenders
In another March 2023 study focusing on advancements in battery life extension for extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), researchers proposed an Adaptive Equivalent Fuel Consumption Minimization Strategy (A-ECMS) for the vehicle's energy management. The A-ECMS employs state-of-charge (SOC) feedback and a proportional-integral (PI) controller to adjust the equivalent factor adaptively under various working conditions.
Notably, the strategy considers the dynamic start-stop process of the range extender, incorporating a penalty for start-stop actions in the objective function. Under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC), the A-ECMS demonstrated significant fuel consumption savings of 6.2% and 3.4% compared to conventional rule-based thermostats and power-following strategies. Moreover, it achieved the lowest ampere-hour flux, indicating potential benefits for battery life improvement. The A-ECMS offers a promising approach to enhance both fuel efficiency and battery longevity in EREVs
Predictions or Forecasts for the Future
Experts anticipate that the coming years will witness a rapid evolution in battery technology, driven by ongoing research and development efforts since the demand for better batteries with longer life spans is increasing. For instance, the electric vehicle (EV) sector is poised for a transformative period, with continuous improvements in battery technology expected to address range anxiety and enhance the overall sustainability of electric transportation.
A forecasting model, considering second-use scenarios and evolving battery technologies, anticipates an EV stock of 72 to 78 million vehicles and 3 to 11 million second-use batteries by 2040. The recycling waste stream is projected to grow to 3 million batteries, covering 10% to 300% of future raw material demands.
Similarly, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms with battery management systems is expected to play a crucial role in optimizing charging and discharging cycles, further extending battery life. Moreover, advancements in materials science, nanotechnology, and 3D printing are anticipated to contribute to developing batteries with unprecedented performance metrics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent advancements in battery life extension present a significant leap toward a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape. Notable breakthroughs include a reinforcement learning-based optimal charging strategy for Li-ion batteries, a voltage cutoff approach enhancing longevity, and an Adaptive Equivalent Fuel Consumption Minimization Strategy for extended-range electric vehicles.
Experts foresee a transformative era in battery technology, with AI integration and innovations in materials science expected to propel the evolution of batteries further, meeting the increasing demand for extended lifespan and environmental sustainability.
More from AZoM: Recent Developments in Mobile Phone Battery Technology
References and Further Reading
Abdelbaky, M., Peeters, J. R., & Dewulf, W. (2021). On the influence of second use, future battery technologies, and battery lifetime on the maximum recycled content of future electric vehicle batteries in Europe. Waste Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.02.032
Kim, M., Lim, J., Ham, K. S., & Kim, T. (2023, March). Optimal charging method for effective Li-ion battery life extension based on reinforcement learning. In Proceedings of the 38th ACM/SIGAPP Symposium on Applied Computing. https://doi.org/10.1145/3555776.3577800
Liu, K., Wei, Z., Zhang, C., Shang, Y., Teodorescu, R., & Han, Q. L. (2022). Towards long lifetime battery: AI-based manufacturing and management. IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica. https://doi.org/10.1109/JAS.2022.105599
Yao, D., Lu, X., Chao, X., Zhang, Y., Shen, J., Zeng, F., ... & Wu, F. (2023). Adaptive Equivalent Fuel Consumption Minimization Based Energy Management Strategy for Extended-Range Electric Vehicle. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054607
Zhu, J., Xu, W., Knapp, M., Darma, M. S. D., Mereacre, L., Su, P., ... & Ehrenberg, H. (2023). A method to prolong lithium-ion battery life during the full life cycle. Cell Reports Physical Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101464
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