Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of many modern technologies, as the demand for these technologies grows, so does the need for efficient, reliable, and long-lasting energy storage solutions. This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at University of Agder to work on two-dimensional modeling of lithium-ion batteries. The end goal of this resarch is to reduce lithium plating, which is one of the critical factors that reduce the performance of batteries, especially at low temperatures. To achieve this, we will modify the geometrical surface of the electrode, specifically by creating channels in the material. The result will depend on the channel design parameters such as shape, width, length and number of channels. By optimizing these variables, we hope to prevent lithium plating thus enhancing the performance and longevity of lithium-ion batteries.
The work I have done this summer is preparing me for this end goal. I will continue working towards this goal through another research project in the upcoming semester, and eventually write a master’s thesis on the subject.
The first part of the internship was to make sure i understood the model and the equations the model is built upon. Diving into the theoretical aspect of the model is important to prepare for the practical applications. Without the necessary knowledge it is impossible to comprehend how these models function. The second part is hands-on learning with the simulation software COMSOL. Especially focusing on which of the equations from the model development produce which results. This was done through a tutorial on a similar model, allowing me to learn the software and prepare for more complex simulations.
Although my internship has concluded, this is just the beginning. The work i completed this summer has laid the groundwork for the upcoming semester and my master’s thesis. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This internship has provided me with a solid foundation to keep building on, and I am eager to contribute to the development of energy storage systems.