Thermal Runaway Calorimeter (TRC)
Description:
Thermal runaway calorimetry (TRC) is an experimental assessment that is performed to estimate the total energy released from a cell in the event of thermal runaway. The purpose of this technique is to account for all the energy released during thermal runaway in Belmont Scientific’s proprietary thermal runaway calorimeter.
TRC is even capable of handling cells which can raise internal temperatures over 2000˚C for example with Li-metal and Li-Silicate cells. Belmont Scientific’s TRC consists of an insulated stainless-steel holder, and insulated pipes. Piping is designed in such a way that outgoing gas temperatures are close to room temperature.
TRC test provides
- Heat of reaction (Total heat generated)
- Total pressure and volume of gases
- Number of exotherms
- Temperature and pressure rise rate
- Separator Shut Down Temperature
- Vent Open Temperature
- Cell Peak Temperature
Inhouse BSI’s TRC equipment for batteries is capable of testing various battery formats and sizes.
Equipment used:
- Inhouse BSI’s TRC equipment
Picture 1: BSI’s TRC equipment
Picture 2: Schematic
Sample Test:
A typical Li-ion cylindrical cell (21700) was subjected to heat. The estimated total energy released under thermal runaway was found to 99kJ.
Sample Plot:
Figure 1: Cell Temp & Voltage vs. Time plot
Sample Result:
Table 1: TRC Test result
| Cell ID | Initial Voltage | Weight Loss | Weight Loss Max. Cell T | Oven Heating Rate | Total Energy Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical | V | % | ˚C | ˚C/min | kJ |
| 21700 | 4.15 | 66 | 1096 | 1.88 | 99 |
FAQ:
1. How is TRC different from ARC?
The ARC is a good tool to measure total heat generated during thermal runaway but has a limitation of cell size. TRC can handle bigger cells and higher energy cells.
2. What kind of batteries could be tested by TRC?
All cell formats of batteries pouch, prismatic and cylindrical cell. Cells with various chemistry like Lithium-ion, Sodium-ion, Lithium-metal, Solid state.
3. Who should do TRC testing?
Battery designer, thermal modeler who need to know total amount of energy generated.