Simulation of lithium battery operation under severe temperature conditions

The use of lithium batteries in the conditions associated with the operation at low temperatures requires studying the effect of temperature factor on battery performance. Using the simulation, and particularly equivalent circuit models method, may be useful at the initial stages of the study. The paper describes the use of lithium battery model with one voltage source, one series resistor, and a single RC block for simulating the LiFePO4 battery operation at low temperatures. The model was validated using experimental data obtained by LiFePO4 battery discharge at different temperatures and showed good accuracy. The simulation results allow estimating the negative effect of low operating temperature on battery parameters and making a conclusion about the need for systems creating optimum operating conditions for batteries working under severe temperature conditions. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.