Preheating of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes as Basis for Heated Calendering—A Numerical Approach

Lithium-ion batteries are state of the art and, still, their performance is constantly improving. To increase energy density and electric conductivity, electrodes usually calendered. Hereby, a higher degree compaction, while reducing structural damage, can be reached by heating calendering rolls. For industrially relevant line speeds, it however questionable whether contact time between electrode roll sufficient to reach full positive effect increased temperature. This study shows numerical approach based on discrete element method simulate behavior before during using typical NMC-622-cathode as model structure. improve results existing, more simplified simulations, which neglect heat transfer through carbon black–binder matrix, an extension with matrix has been implemented. Considering process parameters, such calender temperature speed, well thickness porosity, this provide individual calculation evaluate need for preheating device. Specifically, provides in depth analysis influence mass loading time. It becomes clear that great relevance especially high loadings, required increases 116% when basis weight 50%.