The shell is usually made of metal or engineering plastics, which has good sealing performance and protective performance, and can effectively protect the internal battery modules and systems.
What is the role of battery shell in a lithium ion battery?
Among all cell components, the battery shell plays a key role to provide the mechanical integrity of the lithium-ion battery upon external mechanical loading. In the present study, target battery shells are extracted from commercially available 18,650 NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide)/graphite cells.
Traditionally, high strength is the priority concern to select battery shell material; however, it is discovered that short-circuit is easier to trigger covered by shell with higher strength. Thus, for battery safety reason, it is not always wise to choose high strength material as shell.
Which shell material should be used for lithium ion battery?
Considering the fact that LIB is prone to be short-circuited, shell material with lower strength is recommend to select such as material #1 and #2. It is indicated that the high strength materials are not suitable for all batteries, and the selection of the shell material should be matched with the safety of the battery. Table 3.
Conclusions LIB shell serves as the protective layer to sustain the external mechanical loading and provide an intact electrochemical reaction environment for battery charging/discharging. Our rationale was to identify the significant role of the dynamic mechanical property of battery shell material for the battery safety.
Generally, battery shells serve as the protective layer for LIBs to withstand external mechanical loading and sustain the integrity of electrochemical functioning environment.
Does nickel plated steel make a good battery shell?
The choice of nickel plated steel on its strength is critical. This study provides a solid dynamic constitutive modeling methodology for the LIB shell and the strain rate sensitive which may stimulate further study towards the safety design and evaluation of battery cells and packs.