The analysis of aging mechanisms in electrochemical storage systems is one of the most important topics in research in this field. The goals to be pursued are multiple, and achieving them requires very different approaches and methodologies.

One of the main objectives is to optimally manage the energy storage system to extend its lifespan and maximize its utilization by developing a predictive aging model for the battery. This model can be used to forecast the change in useful life under varying operating conditions and to estimate the current health state of the storage system. Predicting aging trends based on the operational conditions to which the storage system will be subjected is crucial during planning and design phases, both for selecting the appropriate technology for the desired application and for the optimal sizing of the system to reduce its specific cost.

Another important objective is to extend the life of the storage system by analyzing the mechanisms and effects of aging on the degradation of cell materials. This allows battery manufacturers to receive useful information to focus their basic research efforts on improving the composition of materials, cell geometry, and production processes.

This document describes a comprehensive and detailed methodology for conducting tests and analyzing the aging mechanisms of electrochemical storage systems, with the aim of achieving all the aforementioned goals.

The proposed methodology involves both non-destructive testing aimed at developing the aging model for the tested cells and post-mortem analysis, which includes chemical-physical analyses of the main materials and components of aged cells. The two types of analyses are performed in parallel rather than sequentially on modular test objects of the same technology but of different sizes (single cells/half-cells, cells, modules).

The document outlines the testing protocols for the different stages of the proposed aging analysis methodology, which will be tested on various types of lithium-ion cells. The results of the preliminary tests of the methodology, conducted on lithium-ion pouch NMC cells, are also reported.