Impact of DC-DC Converters in Li-ion Batteries

I.

Summary
Li-ion batteries are commercially available since 1991. The frequency of these
current ripples ranges between a few to tens of kHz. The scope of this work is to
investigate the impact of the current ripple originating from the dc-dc converter on the
high-voltage Li-ion battery.
In order to examine the effects of the current ripple in realistic circumstances, two
300 V 12 kWh Li-ion batteries are tested in accordance with the Battery Test Manual for
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles. These tests impose realistic charge and discharge
cycles, which simulate the power consumption of a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle when driving
in pure-electric mode and hybrid mode. Each battery is tested under identical
environmental circumstances and with the same charge and discharge profile during one
month, the only exception being that one battery is tested with a large current ripple,
while the other battery is tested with almost no current ripple. After one-month the
batterys energy content, capacity and internal resistance are determined in order to
measure any deterioration of these battery parameters. This one-month test period is
repeated two more times. After each month the large and small current ripples are
imposed to the other battery, such that both batteries are exposed to the large and small
current ripple during the three months test period.

II. Li-ion Batteries and the impact of DC-DC Converters

Li-ion batteries are able to combine high power and energy density with a large life span,
which makes them the battery of choice for HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs.
Li-ion batteries have numerous advantages:
Low self-discharge rate in between 2 to 8 % per month.
Long cycle life of more than 1000 deep-cycles, reaching 3000 cycles at 80 %
DoD when the appropriate voltage limits are respected.
Broad temperature range: charging is allowed between 0 and 45C, while
discharging is allowed between -40 and 65C. Although these temperatures are
allowed, a more narrow temperature range is recommended to prolong battery
life.
High cycle efficiency (Eout/Ein) of 90%, depending on the charge and discharge
rate.
Low maintenance: no memory effect, no scheduled cycling to prolong battery life,
no electrolyte refill.
Among the drawbacks of Li-ion batteries are:
Degrade when discharged below 2-2.5 V.
Safety concerns necessitate the implementation of mechanical safeguards at cell
level and a Battery Management System at pack level.

 Li-ion batteries are expensive, with a price per kWh ranging between 300 and
900$ per kWh in 2012.
In order to prolong cycle life, cooling is necessary when the battery temperature
rises above 30-40C, while heating is necessary for most cell chemistries below
0C.
Temperature dependency:
Li-ion batteries are sensitive to the temperature at which they are charged, discharged and
stored. The aging of the batteries will worsen if the temperature rises. Typically Li-ion
batteries are kept between 20-30C while in operation. The higher temperatures are
detrimental for both cycle life and calendar life of the battery, while at the same time the
power output of the batteries diminishes at lower temperatures.