Comparison between computer simulations and experimental data for high-rate discharges of plastic lithium-ion batteries

Computer simulations are compared with experimental data for Bellcore PLION(R) cells using the graphite/1 M LiPF6 in EC:DMC (2:1)/LiMn2O4 system. Cells with different thicknesses and higher active material loadings were explored using the mathematical model to understand better the transport processes in the plasticized polymer electrolyte system. A better description of the ionic conductivity is employed based on new conductivity data. Improvements in the agreement between the simulations and experimental data are obtained by using the contact resistance as an adjustable parameter for different cells, whose values varies from 25 to 35 Omega-cm(2). Reducing the salt diffusion coefficient by a factor of two at the higher discharge rates was necessary to obtain better agreement with the experimental data.