Dr. Faenza uses his diverse technical capabilities to characterize the performance of batteries, particularly in regards to the safety hazards they present, and in identifying their root cause failure mechanisms. He frequently leads teams of engineering experts to assess new battery chemistries, and designs to understand their capabilities and hazards to improve outcomes for his clients.
He has extensive experience in a host of physical and structural characterization techniques, as well as in abuse testing of batteries, which he uses to evaluate material and product performance, and in identifying the root causes of failed batteries and devices. Dr. Faenza works on lithium-ion batteries of sizes, ranging from small cells for consumer products to large battery systems for electric vehicle (EV) and utility applications.
The increased prevalence of larger and more energy dense battery packs for transportation and grid storage applications has resulted in an increasing number of severe battery thermal events, which have significant implications on product reliability, consumer safety, and the surrounding environment. While a plethora of root causes for battery thermal runaway events exist, these events often start within a single battery cell or group of cells, and then cascade to involve neighboring cells and other combustible materials, rapidly increasing the hazard profile as more stored energy is released. Reducing these hazards requires preventing severe thermal runaway scenarios by mitigating cell-to-cell propagation through improved design of both individual cells and battery packs.
This work provides a fundamental understanding of how thermal runaway events can start in large-format battery packs, the mechanisms for thermal runaway propagation between individual cells, and mitigation strategies currently available on the market. Understanding these mechanisms and implementing appropriate mitigation into battery packs can enable the design of less hazardous and more reliable battery systems. There is an interplay between these mitigation strategies and the ever-increasing energy density of cells toward enabling longer duration and range applications, which will be highlighted. While the technology landscape for large battery systems is dynamic, the applicable standards and regulatory environment will be discussed.
This work will provide an understanding for the fundamental mechanisms that result in thermal runaway propagation between battery cells and throughout systems. Understanding these mechanisms can enable the design of less hazardous battery packs and improve the safety of electrified systems.
