Vattenfall is a leading European energy company with the vision to make fossil-free living possible within one generation. Therefore, we are driving the transition to a more sustainable energy system through growth in renewable production and climate smart energy solutions for our customers. Vattenfall Research and Development (R&D) contributes to the development of tomorrow's energy system. The Master Thesis is part of the R&D portfolio Customer Products & Solutions which selectively develop Smart Energy Solutions such as new products and services to end customers.
Background
In the transition of fossil energy to green energy sources, energy storage plays an important role to stabilise energy supply with high shares of intermittent renewable energy sources, and to improve power quality and reliability for grid/microgrid power systems. Recently lithium ion batteries as the most promising energy storage technology have been increasingly installed in stationary battery energy storage systems with system size range from small (< 20 kWh for residential storage), to medium (< 1 MWh for local applications) and large (> 1MWh for grid connected services). Several lithium ion battery energy storage systems have been installed in Vattenfall for integration of renewable power generation (e.g. PV solar and wind power) and more projects are ongoing and planning, which cover most of the energy storage services in both grid and microgrid applications.
Thermal effects of lithium ion batteries and optimised thermal management are critical for safe and reliable operation of lithium ion battery systems. The performance and life span of lithium ion batteries are significantly affected by its thermal behaviour associated the cyclic processes and operation temperatures. A clear understanding of thermal properties of lithium ion batteries and a proper thermal management are essential for system design, ensuring safety and maintaining battery performance.
Objectives
The purpose of this M.Sc. thesis work is to make a technical survey on the thermal issues, effects and management of commercial lithium-ion batteries in stationary energy storage systems. The investigation will focus on:
• The main thermal issues and impacts of lithium-ion batteries in stationary energy storage systems for grid/microgrid applications,
• Heat generation mechanisms and thermal characteristics of major commercial lithium-ion batteries including adverse effects and thermal safety,
• Battery thermal models and thermal analysis
• Thermal management and techniques for Li-ion batteries in stationary energy storage systems
• A case study based on Vattenfall’s applications
Qualification, Application and Time Schedule
It is preferable that the student has studied Master’s program in Chemical Engineering, Energy System or Electrical Power Technology with knowledge on thermal dynamics.
Your application should contain a covering letter, CV and transcripts of your studies. Deadline for application is August 31, 2018. The project is planned to start in September 2018 or according to the agreement made with the student.
Supervisor, Contact person, Locations
The contact person and your supervisor at Vattenfall is Jinying Yan, Tel: 070 619 686822, Email: jinying.yan@vattenfall.com. The work place will be at Vattenfall R&D in Solna Office, Arenastaden, Solna
