Infrared Imaging of Batteries During Charging by Magnetic Augmented Rotational System (MARS)

Modern-day rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion based batteries exhibit major benefits over previous iterations. Their longer-useful & higher-cycle life without significant loss of capacity makes them suitable for the current market. Downside, Li-ion batteries require sophisticated voltage management systems to prolong their life and stop thermal runaway. Safety is a major concern for large-scale Li-ion batteries.

In our study, we use Infrared Thermography (IT) to monitor, map and interpret the thermal behavior of batteries during charging/discharging with the electromagnetic contactless gear system that charges the batteries (Magnetic Augmented Rotation System-MARS). Data relating to heat generation and the internal and external heat transfer obtained from IT will be utilized for a detailed analysis of the heat distribution in the system, as well as to identify and locate areas of excess heat.

As increased heating is a signal of non-uniform distribution of charge/failure, infrared is the best diagnostic tool to identify these hot spots in the early stages of degeneration. Experimental and analytical techniques will be used to construct a model for charge transfer and the associated thermal map.