An Enhanced Thermal Model with Virtual Resistance Technique for Pouch Batteries at Low Temperature and High Current Rates

In this paper, an enhanced thermal model is proposed for pouch batteries, which can be used for a battery management system (BMS) at low temperatures and high current rates. This thermal model integrates a virtual resistance model (VRM) and post resistance model at low temperatures. Firstly, based on the Arrhenius equation, the resistance model at low temperatures (from 0 °C to -10 °C) and high discharge rates (from 3.125C to 12.5C) is extrapolated from the resistance model under room temperature conditions. In this context, the resistance model at low temperatures is regarded as the VRM. In comparison to the experimental results, the maximum error of this VRM is 0.851 mΩ. Additionally, the equivalent post resistance model of the pouch battery, including that of the positive electrode and negative electrode, is also given for low temperatures. Finally, the complete thermal model for pouch batteries is validated at low temperatures and high discharge rates. The temperature evolution at different points on the battery, along with the heat generation properties of the battery, are simulated under cyclic pulse current and constant current working conditions. For cyclic pulse current, the maximum mean error in terms of temperature evolution is 0.72 °C, and for constant current working conditions, the maximum mean error is 0.79 °C.