Ni/Zn Cell Simulations on a Continuum Scale

Abstract

The shift to renewable energy and increasing electricity demand requires the development of low-cost, reliable and sustainable energy storage solutions. Nickel-zinc (Ni/Zn) batteries offer competitive specific energy and power densities while relying on largely low-cost resources with the benefit of being environmentally friendly and non-flammable [1,2]. However, crucial re-search topics as the zinc shape change at the Zn anode, proton intercalation processes at the Ni cathode and gas formation leading to cell dry-out are still incompletely understood.

To address these knowledge gaps, we have developed a physics-based 3D+1D continuum model incorporating thermodynamic principles and volume averaging techniques and based on an existing Li-ion battery framework [3]. This allows to observe the redistribution of chemical species and phases during operation (e.g. zinc) [4].

Simulation results based on experimental validation provide insights for a better understanding of the Ni/Zn cell, which can help to enhance performance and to extend cycle life.

Acknowledgements: This project has received funding from the EU's Horizon 2020 research and inno-vation programme under grant agreement No 963576 (LoLaBat – Long Lasting Batteries).

Keywords: nickel-zinc, physical modelling, charge/discharge simulation, zinc shape change

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