Vibration Analysis of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells in Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Survey

The global movement towards an electrified world and reduced use of fossil fuels is growing stronger, especially in the automotive sector. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) undoubtedly represent the main energy storage and generation systems of powertrains and subsystems for electric vehicles (EVs), with some architectures possibly combining both devices. Accordingly, the reliability and durability of both LIBs and PEMFCs under real-world scenarios are critical to the further development of EVs. Actual operating conditions include the presence of mechanical vibrations. Nonetheless, much research has yet to be done to understand the effects of vibrations on these devices. This study aims at assessing the most critical factors that affect the performance, durability, and reliability of LIBs and PEMFCs when exposed to vibration in automotive applications, through an in-depth review of the literature. To the Authors’ best knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey on the topic. Both numerical and experimental studies are reviewed with a particular focus on mechanical response, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and thermal interactions in LIBs, as well as mechanical integrity, durability, and stability mechanisms in PEMFCs. The available findings relevant to such parameters are discussed and compared systematically, to highlight the most advanced achievements and the open challenges. This may provide useful indications for the development and integration of new LIBs and PEMFCs solutions. Moreover, controversial results as well as aspects that require further investigation are also identified by the analysis. Hence, this survey may also represent a reference to drive future research activities aimed at addressing unresolved issues.