Let's Talk! ESRI

Professor Anna Stefanopoulou from University of Michigan talks to us about her group’s work on battery management and control, physics-based modeling of lithium-ion battery degradation, and the challenges and new opportunities in the field. She also talks about the detection of faults in lithium-ion batteries in field use, and how reliable detection of faults can help to mitigate the outcome of a potential thermal runaway event.
Moreover, Prof. Stefanopoulou highlights how engineers working with battery systems are constantly working to improve the safety of the systems.

Lithium-ion batteries hold enormous potential for a fossil-free future. But in order for that potential to be reached, they need to be used responsibly and recycled safely. Solving environmental and safety risks associated with li-ion batteries will require changes in policy and business practices. But with so many li-ion powered technologies in the hands of consumers, individual awareness and behavior change regarding safe and responsible recycling can make significant impacts too.

Consulting agency DoGoodery is teaming up with the Electrochemical Safety Research Institutes (ESRI) of UL Research Institutes, to launch a national campaign to educate and encourage consumers to safely and sustainably use and recycle li-ion batteries. In this episode, they discuss the goals of the campaign, strategies they’re using to authentically engage audiences and inspire action, and how this kind of campaign can move people from all walks of life to further UL’s mission in the choices they make every day.

Dr. Jason Ostanek, an assistant professor at Purdue University, highlights the role of modeling and simulation in the safety of lithium-ion batteries. He summarizes challenges associated with developing a comprehensive thermal runaway model and possible ways to overcome these challenges. Also, he sheds light on multiple strategies to accelerate battery failure modeling and simulation and shares his perspective on scaling these models to larger systems.

Dr. Steve Harris, Research Chemist of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, highlights the advantages of working in industry from the point of view of research and how it is possible to build a bridge between industry and academia.

Ms. Sharon Bonesteel, Building Codes Program Manager and ESS Codes & Safety Team Leader at Salt River Project, chats about battery energy storage systems (BESS). She highlights the importance of choosing the right batteries based on specific applications and some challenges associated with widespread adoption of BESS and the safety risks associated with them. She talks about the importance of standards and timely updates to keep pace with technology and new findings for existing standards. Ms. Bonesteel highlights the importance of quality with respect to safety and gives practical advice on ways to improve BESS safety.