Analysis of Trigger Methods for Controlled Initiation of Thermal Runaways in Lithium-Ion Cells
Mathes J, Angerpointner L, Ringel L, Lehner S (2026)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Conference contribution, Abstract of a poster
Publication year: 2026
Pages Range: 1
Event location: Münster
Abstract
Thermal runaway (TR) is a critical safety concern in lithium-ion batteries and the main cause of battery fires. This study investigates how thermal, mechanical and electrical trigger methods influence TR behaviour, using Samsung INR21700-50E cells with 100% state of charge (SOC) and 100% state of health (SOH). A dedicated test setup enables the controlled initiation of TR and the simultaneous measurement of voltage, temperature, outgassing pressure and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results demonstrate that TR behaviour is highly dependent on the triggering mechanism. Thermal triggering results in a response that depends on heating power, ranging from prolonged events to rapid and severe reactions involving significant material ejection. Mechanical triggering via nail penetration leads to medium-intensity TR, characterised by rapid voltage collapse and high temperature rise rates; nail diameter has only a minor effect in this case. Electrical triggering results in comparatively weak TR events due to CID activation, with limited gas release and mechanical damage. These findings emphasise that thermal runaway is not a uniform failure event, but is instead heavily influenced by the underlying failure mechanism. This has important implications for the assessment of battery safety, testing procedures and regulatory standards.
Authors with CRIS profile
Jonas Mathes
Lehrstuhl für Elektrochemische und Elektrische Energietechnologien
Leonhard Angerpointner
Lehrstuhl für Elektrochemische und Elektrische Energietechnologien
Susanne Lehner
Lehrstuhl für Elektrochemische und Elektrische Energietechnologien
How to cite
APA:
Mathes, J., Angerpointner, L., Ringel, L., & Lehner, S. (2026, April). Analysis of Trigger Methods for Controlled Initiation of Thermal Runaways in Lithium-Ion Cells. Poster presentation at Advanced Battery Power, Münster, DE.
MLA:
Mathes, Jonas, et al. "Analysis of Trigger Methods for Controlled Initiation of Thermal Runaways in Lithium-Ion Cells." Presented at Advanced Battery Power, Münster 2026.
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