High performance HASEL actuators as self-healing trigger devices for lithium-ion batteries

In recent years, research on self-healing mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries aims to extend the lifetime of such batteries or to repair them in case of a decreasing state of health (SOH) directly in the used system. These self-healing mechanisms work usually with an external trigger such as pressure or temperature. The authors present a 0.3 mm thin and 100 mm x 60 mm wide HASEL (hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic) actuator, which is tested as a self-healing pressure trigger device placed in a special environment with the lithium-ion battery. The maximum generated pressure during lab tests is up to 70 kPa at 140 kV/mm electric field strength. A continuous variation of that pressure depending on the applied electric field strength is possible, which offers also the possibility for a dynamic interaction with the battery in its operation.