Understanding and modeling the internal phenomena during thermal runaway triggered by overcharge

The electrochemical storage of electrical energy has become a global issue and a major challenge. Li-ion batteries are considered as the preferred solution to store energy. Safe batteries systems keep today the weakest link in the development of many energies or power demanding. This thesis aims to understand and model the phenomenon of thermal runaway lithium-ion batteries initiated by overcharge, considering the influence of technology and aging. It is based on previous IFPEN works that have developed a methodology to model the thermal runaway of fresh and aged Li-ion batteries at cell level. This thesis will extend the IFPEN models by integrating the reaction mechanism related to overcharge process relying on an adapted experimental methodology able to trigger thermal runaway in a controllable and localized process. Developing such an original methodology enhanced by in situ sensing should go further in understanding the phenomenon related to the cell overcharge process mechanism and identifying kinetics of cell thermal runaway. This improvement will result in a 3D Multiphysics Multiscale model able to predict the cell response during thermal runaway initiated under both thermal and electrical conditions. This thesis project offers an original approach combining experimental and modeling study, where the experimental study will serve the phenomenological understanding and abuse tests conducted will help the calibration and validation of the developed model. The thesis project will be founded and supervised by IFPEN, while the direction of the thesis will be supervised by the LRCS, a French major laboratory in the field of energy storage. It will offer expertise on the production of battery « home made » thanks to its pilot line. In addition, the project will benefit from the expertise by College de France a leader in battery education and research. Recognized in particular for its pioneering work in the use of fiber optics and in situ sensors for battery characterization.

Keywords: Li-ion battery, multiphysics modeling, safety, thermal runaway, overcharging.

• Academic supervisor    Dr. Mathieu Morcrette, LRCS (UMR7314), ORCID : 0000-0003-2215-4847
• Doctoral School    Université de Picardie Jules Verne 
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr. Sara Abada, ORCID : 0000-0002-7333-2335
• PhD location    Mixte : IFPEN-Solaize and LRCS-Amiens  
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2025 (Novembre 3)
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials, Electrochemistry 
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR)  

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated here below.