The Tesla Roadster Battery System

At a glance..

This paper provides details about the design of the Tesla Roadster’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack (otherwise known as the ESS, or Energy Storage System) with a particular focus on the multiple safety systems, both passive and active, that are incorporated into the pack.

The details..

"The Tesla Roadster Battery System" is an informative read for those interested in electric vehicles. The book focuses on the technical aspects of designing a safe and efficient lithium-ion battery pack for the Tesla Roadster.

The authors discuss how they selected small form factor 18650 cells to ensure that any failure event would have minimal impact. They also explain how reputable Fortune 500 battery suppliers were chosen based on multiple factors related to cell safety. Additionally, readers will learn about various passive and active safety features incorporated into each individual cell such as internal positive temperature coefficient (PTC) current limiting devices and Current Interrupt Devices (CID).

Furthermore, this book delves into mechanical, thermal and chemical factors that contribute to overall safety at both cell level as well as within the entire pack architecture. For example, steel cans are used to package all cells which provide structural rigidity against extreme mechanical loading while also offering good thermal conductivity by dissipating heat from each cell.

Overall,"The Tesla Roadster Battery System" offers an insightful look at one of the largest Li-ion batteries packs in existence today - its development process over three years; its energy storage capacity capable enough to travel more than 200 miles without recharging; its ability deliver up to 200 kilowatts of electric power- making it essential that safety be considered a primary criterion in every aspect of design.