Cycle-life model for graphite-LiFePO4 cells

In this report, cycling induced capacity fade of a LiFePO4 battery was studied and cycle-life models were established. Cell life data for establishing the model were collected using a large cycle-test matrix. The test matrix included three parameters, temperature (−30 to 60 °C), depth of discharge (DOD) (90–10%), and discharge rate (C-rate, ranging from C/2 to 10C, with the 1C rate corresponding to 2A). At the low C-rates, experimental results indicated that the capacity loss was strongly affected by time and temperature, while the DOD effect was less important. At the high C-rates, the charge/discharge rate effects became significant. To establish a life model, we adopt a power law equation in which the capacity loss followed a power law relation with time or charge throughput while an Arrhenius correlation accounted for the temperature effect. This model, when parameters were allowed to change with C-rates, was found to represent a large array of life cycle data. Finally, we discuss our attempts in establishing a generalized battery life model that accounts for Ah throughput (time), C-rate, and temperature.