Work

A signal-processing framework for preemptive detection of soft shorts in lithium-metal batteries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are central to sustainable energy systems, yet internal short circuits (ISCs) can trigger catastrophic failures, such as fires and explosions. Current detection methods are based on costly tests, large datasets, or computationally heavy models, which limit their scalability and practical application. Here, we report a physics-based framework for the early detection of soft ISCs by representing the battery as an equivalent resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit with time-varying resistances. Using signal processing, we track periodic resistance fluctuations in charging data to identify the onset of ISCs without any abuse conditions. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) highlights distinct frequency-domain signatures, while Welch's algorithm extracts characteristic power spectral density patterns that serve as detection criteria. Together, these methods provide robust, real-time monitoring of ISC formation. Our results establish a new diagnostic standard that links microscopic ISC dynamics with macroscopic signals, significantly improving battery safety for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid-scale energy storage.

Source: Cell Reports Physical Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102973

Authors: Rehbar Hasan, Po-Yi Wu, Tripti Agnihotri, Shadab Ali Ahmed, Ashok Ranjan, Elango Balaji Tamilarasan, Sheng-Chiang Yang, Bereket Woldegebreal Taklu, Liang-Yin Kuo, Wei-Nien Su, She-Huang Wu, Bing Joe Hwang

Institutions: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Ming Chi University of Technology, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Battery Technologies Research

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,620

Funders: National Science and Technology Council, Ministry of Education, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development Division

Awards: G162440781, G1681850490, Bipolar Hydrogen Production with Value-Added Products: a Novel Electrolyzer Demonstration (Bihypro) (Bihypro)( I ), Solid Alibi: Solid-State Anode-Less Lithium Battery Initiative( V ), Resilient Anode-Free All-Solid-State Metal Batteries (Resail)( I ), Lithium Metal Coating Technologies for Future Generation Batteries, Lithium Battery with High Electrochemical Performance and Safety Technologies (Libest3)( II )

OpenAlex ID: W7106559710

FWCI: 0.248

Cites: 29

Cited by: 1

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