Tricks of the Trade: Selected Li-ion Battery Modeling Techniques

Li-ion cells are used in countless applications today, and their use will only increase in the future. It is crucial for researchers to be able to model Li-ion behavior in order to protect consumers, manufacturers, and equipment from the potentially catastrophic effects of thermal runaway, while delivering a high-performance energy storage solution. This paper presents the most widely used methods for modeling Li-ion cells in an easy-to-read fashion, in order to provide a "one-stop-shop" for researchers developing and refining new models. Models are categorized into empirical and analytical models, and seminal studies for each are laid out in detail, as well as modifications that enhance their utility and/or efficiency. Thermal runaway models are presented in detail, including various triggering mechanisms. Summary tables presented here will allow researchers to quickly review existing literature in order to identify knowledge gaps and models which can be used for a variety of applications.