Proof-of-Concept of a Novel Internal Heating Method Using Integrated Heating Wires in a Battery Electrode

Today, lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are widely used in various applications, offering high power, energy density and long cycle life. However, at sub-zero temperatures, their available energy, power and charging capability is limited. In order to address these issues, batteries can be pre-heated from low ambient temperatures to a higher temperature before operation. External heating methods, such as air, liquid or resistance heating, have already been commercialized, but their heating performance is limited by low heat transfer coefficients and high heat losses, resulting in prolonged heating duration, high energy consumption and low temperature uniformity. Here, we propose a novel internal heating method, using integrated heating wires in a battery electrode, to pre-heat lithium-ion cells in a fast, low-energy and highly uniform way.