ALBERT

Beschreibung: Generally running with frequent braking over short distances, the urban rail transit train generates great quantities of regenerative braking energy (RBE). The RBE feedback system can effectively recycle RBE and give it back to the AC grid. However, the lack of damp and inertia of generators makes conventional PWM RBE feedback system more sensitive to power fluctuations. To address this issue, a synchronverter-based RBE feedback system of urban rail transit is designed in this paper. First, the structure of the feedback system is presented. Then, the synchronverter-based control strategy with greater flexibility and higher stability is fully discussed. Furthermore, the parameter design of the system is analyzed in detail. Finally, simulation results and experimental results are provided to show the good dynamic performance of the system. Using this synchronverter-based approach, the system supplies traction power to the traction network when the train accelerates and gives the RBE back to the AC grid when the train brakes, in light of the variation of the DC bus voltage. Moreover, the system can be self-synchronized with the AC grid and make corresponding power management on the basis of changes in the voltage amplitude as well as the frequency of the grid. In this sense, the RBE feedback system becomes more flexible, effective and robust.

Beschreibung: Increasing wind power generation has been introduced into power systems to meet the renewable energy targets in power generation. The output efficiency and output power stability are of great importance for wind turbines to be integrated into power systems. The wake effect influences the power generation efficiency and stability of wind turbines. However, few studies consider comprehensive corrections in an aerodynamic model and a turbulence model, which challenges the calculation accuracy of the velocity field and turbulence field in the wind turbine wake model, thus affecting wind power integration into power systems. To tackle this challenge, this paper proposes a modified Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (MRANS)-based wind turbine wake model to simulate the wake effects. Our main aim is to add correction modules in a 3D aerodynamic model and a shear-stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model, which are converted into a volume source term and a Reynolds stress term for the MRANS-based wake model, respectively. A correction module including blade tip loss, hub loss, and attack angle deviation is considered in the 3D aerodynamic model, which is established by blade element momentum aerodynamic theory and an improved Cauchy fuzzy distribution. Meanwhile, another correction module, including a hold source term, regulating parameters and reducing the dissipation term, is added into the SST k-ω turbulence model. Furthermore, a structured hexahedron mesh with variable size is developed to significantly improve computational efficiency and make results smoother. Simulation results of the velocity field and turbulent field with the proposed approach are consistent with the data of real wind turbines, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The variation law of the expansion effect and the double-hump effect are also given.

Beschreibung: The performances of Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IT-SOFC) anode-supported planar cells with a 10 cm2 active surface were studied versus the combination of cathode thickness and the presence of an Anode Functional Layer (AFL). The temperature range was 500 to 650 °C, and Gd0.1Ce0.9O2−x (GDC) was used as the electrolyte material, Ni-GDC as the anode material, and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−d (LSCF48) as the cathode material. The power density, conductivity, and activation energy of different samples were determined in order to investigate the influence of the cathode thickness and AFL on the performance. These results showed an improvement in the performances when the AFL was not present. The maximum power density reached 370 mW·cm−2 at 650 °C for a sample with a cathode thickness of 50 µm and an electrolyte layer that was 20 µm thick. Moreover, it was highlighted that a thinner cathode layer reduced the power density of the cell.

Beschreibung: With high sensitivity and strong tolerance capability for the fault resistance, the fault component-based directional relay (FCBDR) has drawn considerable attention from industry and academia. However, the best application environment for FCBDR no longer exists when considering the large-scale connection of the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farms. Through a detailed analysis of the superimposed impedance of DFIG, this paper reveals that the performances of FCBDRs may be shown negatively impacted by the fault behaviors of DFIG when the crowbar protection inputs. In addition, this paper proposes a mitigation countermeasure to deal with those issues. The proposed countermeasure takes advantage of the different superimposed impedance features of DFIG compared with that of the synchronous generator (SG) to enhance the adaptability of the conventional FCBDRs. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed countermeasure can differentiate the fault direction clearly under different fault conditions.

Beschreibung: In this paper, the lattice Boltzmann pseudo-potential model coupled the Carnahan–Starling (C-S) equation of state and Li’s force scheme are used to study the collapse process of cavitation bubbles near the concave wall. It mainly includes the collapse process of the single and double cavitation bubbles in the near-wall region. Studies have shown that the collapse velocity of a single cavitation bubble becomes slower as the additional pressure reduces, and the velocity of the micro-jet also decreases accordingly. Moreover, the second collapse of the cavitation bubble cannot be found if the additional pressure reduces further. When the cavitation bubble is located in different angles with vertical direction, its collapse direction is always perpendicular to the wall. If the double cavitation bubbles are arranged vertically, the collapse process of the upper bubble will be quicker, as the relative distance increases. When the relative distance between the bubbles is large enough, no second collapse can be found for the upper bubble. On the other hand, when two cavitation bubbles are in the horizontal arrangement, the suppression effect between cavitation bubbles decreases as the relative distance between the bubbles increases and the collapse position of cavitation bubbles moves from the lower part to the upper part.

Beschreibung: The main purpose of the article was to identify and present the current situation and changes in higher education in the field of electricity and energy studies in the European Union countries. The specific objectives include determining the degree of concentration of education in the fields of electricity and energy in the EU countries, showing the directions of their changes, types of dominant education in this field, establishing the correlation between education in the fields of electricity and energy and the parameters assessing the achievement of circular economy assumptions in the energy sector. All Member States of the European Union were deliberately selected for research. The research period covered the years 2013–2018. The source of the materials is a literature review on the subject and Eurostat data. For the analysis and presentation of materials, methods such as descriptive, tabular, graphical, dynamics indicators with a constant basis, Gini concentration coefficient, concentration analysis using the Lorenz curve, coefficient of variation, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient were used. A high concentration of education in the fields of electricity and energy was found in several EU countries, the largest in countries with the highest energy consumption, i.e., in France and Poland. Changes in the level of concentration practically did not take place, only in the case of master’s studies, there was an increase in concentration. However, the EU countries did not differ significantly in terms of the structure of the number of students studying electricity and energy.

Beschreibung: Combinatorial analysis of key petrophysical parameters can provide valuable information about subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs. This is particularly important for reservoirs with unconventional rock formations that, due to the low permeability, need to be stimulated by fracturing treatment to provide fluid flow to the exploitation wellbore. In this article, based on data from unconventional shale formations (N Poland), we outline how independent sets of elastic and petrophysical parameters and other reservoir features can be co-analyzed to estimate the fracture susceptibility of shale intervals, which are characterized by a high total organic carbon (TOC) content and high porosity. These features were determined by analysis of each horizon’s elastic and mineralogical brittleness index (BI). These two variants were calculated first in 1D; integrated with the seismic data and finally compared with other parameters such as acoustic impedance, ratio of compressional and shear wave velocities, porosity, and density; and then presented and analyzed using cross plots that highlighted the key relationships between them. The overall BI trends were similar in both horizontal and vertical directions. The highest BI values were observed in the southeast of the analyzed area (Source I) and in the southeast and northwest of the area (Source II). These results can form the basis for predictive modeling of reservoir properties aiding effective reservoir exploration.

Beschreibung: Reliability is an important index which determines the power service and quality provided to customers. As the demand increases continuously and the system changes in accordance with the environmental regulation, the reliability assessment in the distribution system becomes crucial. In this paper, we propose methods for improving the reliability of the distribution system using electric vehicles (EVs) in the system. In this paper, EVs are used as power supplying devices, such as a transportable energy storage system (ESS) which supplies power when fault occurs in the system, and by using a time–space network (TSN) in particular, EV capacity in accordance with the load arrival time was calculated. Unlike other existing reliability assessments, we did not use the average load of customers. Instead, by taking into account the load pattern by times, we considered the priority for load supply in accordance with the failure scenarios and failure times. Based on the priority calculated for each time of failure and failure scenario, plans for EV operation to minimize expected customer interruption cost (ECOST), the reliability index in the distribution system, were established. Finally, a case study was performed using the IEEE RBTS (Roy Billinton Test System) 2 Bus and the performance of the model proposed in this paper was verified based on the result.

Beschreibung: Natural and synthetic esters are liquids characterized by insulating properties, high flash point, and biodegradability. For this reason, they are more and more often used as an alternative to conventional mineral oils. Esters are used to fill new or operating transformers previously filled with mineral oil (retrofilling). It is technically unfeasible to completely remove mineral oil from a transformer. Its small residues create with esters a mixture with features significantly different from those of the base liquids. This article presents electrostatic charging tendency (ECT) tests for mixtures of fresh and aged Trafo EN mineral oil with Envirotemp FR3 natural ester from the retrofilling point of view. Under unfavorable conditions, the flow electrification phenomenon can damage the solid insulation in transformers with forced oil circulation. The ECT of the insulating liquids has been specified using the volume density of the qw charge. This parameter has been determined using the Abedian–Sonin model on the basis of the electrification current measured in the flow system, as well as selected physicochemical properties of the liquids. It was shown that ECT is strongly dependent on the type of insulating liquid and pipe material, as well as the composition of the mixtures. The most important finding from the research is that a small amount (up to 10%) of fresh and aged mineral oil is effective in reducing the ECT of Envirotemp FR3 natural ester.

Beschreibung: Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane cause global warming and consequently climate change. Great efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the objective of addressing this problem, hence the popularity of technologies conductive to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 emissions can be reduced by improving the thermal efficiency of combustion engines, for example, by using cogeneration systems. Coal mine methane (CMM) emerges due to mining activities as methane released from the coal and surrounding rock strata. The amount of methane produced is primarily influenced by the productivity of the coal mine and the gassiness of the coal seam. The gassiness of the formation around the coal seam and geological conditions are also important. Methane can be extracted to the surface using methane drainage installations and along with ventilation air. The large amounts of methane captured by methane drainage installations can be used for energy production. This article presents a quarterly summary of the hourly values of methane capture, its concentration in the methane–air mixture, and electricity production in the cogeneration system for electricity and heat production. On this basis, neural network models have been proposed in order to predict electricity production based on known values of methane capture, its concentration, pressure, and parameters determining the time and day of the week. A prediction model has been established on the basis of a multilayer perceptron network (MLP).

Beschreibung: To improve the working performance of the early annular jet pump (EAJP), a streamlined annular jet pump (SAJP) was proposed. The flow field and working performance of the EAJP and SAJP with an area ratio (m) of 1.75 were numerically studied and compared, separately, by using the combination of the Realizable k-ε turbulence model and the Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model. The results show that the efficiency of the SAJP is higher than that of the EAJP, when the flow ratio (q) is higher than 0.30, with a maximum increase of 1.2%. Furthermore, the high-efficiency area of the SAJP (q = 0.40~0.69) is wider than that of the EAJP (q = 0.36~0.57). There is no flow separation and low local pressure in the SAJP, due to the conjunction part of the suction chamber, throat, diffuser and outlet pipe without the structural mutation. It was found that the incipient cavitation number (σi) of the SAJP and EAJP was 0.541 and 0.578, respectively; therefore, the cavitation performance of the SAJP is better. Meanwhile, the critical flow ratio (qc) of the SAJP is 0.69, which is larger than that of the EAJP (qc = 0.57), implying that the SAJP has a wider normal working range than the EAJP. Importantly, the inception and development of cavitation appeared in the diffuser of the SAJP, different from that in the throat of the EAJP. Hence, it concluded that the cavitation in the SAJP has less influence on the flow field and working performance.

Beschreibung: This paper presents the effect of the impact of moisture in paper insulation used as insulation of transformer windings on its thermal conductivity. Various types of paper (cellulose and aramid) and impregnated (mineral oil, synthetic ester, and natural ester) were tested. The impact of paper and impregnated types on the changes in thermal conductivity of paper insulation caused by an increase in moisture were analyzed. A linear equation, describing the changes in thermal conductivity due to moisture, for various types of paper and impregnated, was developed. The results of measuring the thermal conductivity of paper insulation depending on the temperature are presented. The aim of the study is to develop an experimental database to better understand the heat transport inside transformers to assess aging and optimize their performance.

Beschreibung: This paper deals with the optimal reconfiguration problem of DC distribution networks by proposing a new mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) formulation. This MINLP model focuses on minimising the power losses in the distribution lines by reformulating the classical power balance equations through a branch-to-node incidence matrix. The general algebraic modelling system (GAMS) is chosen as a solution tool, showing in tutorial form the implementation of the proposed MINLP model in a 6-nodes test feeder with 10 candidate lines. The validation of the MINLP formulation is performed in two classical 10-nodes DC test feeders. These are typically used for power flow and optimal power flow analyses. Numerical results demonstrate that power losses are reduced by about 16% when the optimal reconfiguration plan is found. The numerical validations are made in the GAMS software licensed by Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar.

Beschreibung: In this paper, the feasibility study to develop strain-based seismic design criteria applicable for the components of nuclear power plants are carried out as an alternative rule to the current stress-based criteria. To do this, two acceptance criteria are investigated through the detailed example of an application for the surge line nozzles in a nuclear steam supply system, which are known as one of the seismic fragile components in nuclear power plants. These strain-based seismic design criteria are primarily to prevent two types of failure modes, such as a ductile fracture and a cyclic fatigue-induced damage due to continuous large amplitude cyclic loads during seismic event. Through the example problem, the required procedures are described step-by-step with calculations of an accumulated plastic strain, triaxiality factor by the elasto-plastic seismic analysis using the finite element method. For a precise inelastic seismic analysis, the Chaboche kinematic and Voce isotropic hardening material parameters are identified by the test data and used for an inelastic material model. The results by the strain-based criteria are compared with those by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) stress-based design criteria for a service level D limits. From the study, it is expected that the strain-based seismic design method investigated in this paper will be beneficial for the nuclear components, especially when the design basis earthquakes are large enough to cause severe plastic strains at a critical location.

Beschreibung: This paper investigates the implementation of a wide-adjustable sensorless interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drive based on current deviation detection under space-vector modulation. A hybrid method that includes a zero voltage vector current deviation and an active voltage vector current deviation under space-vector pulse-width modulation is proposed to determine the rotor position. In addition, the linear transition algorithm between the two current deviation methods is investigated to obtain smooth speed responses at various operational ranges, including at a standstill and at different operating speeds, from 0 to 3000 rpm. A predictive speed-loop controller is proposed to improve the transient, load disturbance, and tracking responses for the sensorless interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive system. The computations of the position estimator and control algorithms are implemented by using a digital signal processor (DSP), TMS-320F-2808. Several experimental results are provided to validate the theoretical analysis.

Beschreibung: The behavior of solid mixing dynamic is of profound significance to the heat transfer and reaction efficiencies in energy engineering. In the current study, the solid mixing characteristics of binary particles in the bubbling fluidized bed are further revealed at particle-scale. Specifically, the influences of gas superficial velocity, Sauter mean diameter (SMD) in the system and the range distribution of particle sizes on the performance of mixing index are quantitatively explored using a computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) coupling model. The competition between solid segregation and the mixing of binary particles is deeply analyzed. There is a critical superficial velocity that maximizes the mixing index of the binary mixture in the bubbling fluidized bed. Solid mixing performs more aggressive when below the critical velocity, otherwise solid segregation overtakes mixing when above this critical velocity. Moreover, superficial velocity is a major factor affecting the mixing efficiency in the binary bubbling fluidized bed. Additionally, the mixing behavior is enhanced with the decrease of SMD while it is deteriorated in the binary system with a wide range of particle size distribution. Therefore, it is highly recommended to perform a binary particle system with smaller SMD and closer particle size distribution for the purpose of enhancing the mixing behavior. The significant understanding of mixing characteristics is expected to provide valuable references for the design, operation, and scale-up of binary bubbling fluidized bed.

Beschreibung: Increasing awareness of resource sustainability and waste management has led to the search for solutions while promoting circular economy principles. Among all kinds of lignocellulosic biomass available, one with growing interest is municipal forestry and greening waste (MFGW). MFGW makes up an important part of waste streams of municipal solid waste and is a potential feedstock for biological conversion in a lignocellulosic biorefinery. This work studied the fermentable sugars production from MFGW after steam explosion (SE) pretreatment combined with other pretreatments such as dilute acid, organosolv, and metal salts. A range of pretreatment conditions was evaluated according to different parameters: sugars recovery, degradation product generation, and enzymatic hydrolysis yield. At selected pretreatment conditions (diluted acid plus SE, 195 °C, 10 min, and 60 mg H2SO4/g MFGW), 77% of potential sugars content in MFGW was obtained. The effect of solids loading and enzyme dose on glucose release and glucose yield on enzymatic hydrolysis were also determined. Up to 70% of the main sugars in the MFGW were recovered for the coupled pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis (45 FPU/g glucan enzyme loading and 20% dry matter solid consistency), resulting in 80 g/L glucose that could be further utilized for ethanol production.

Beschreibung: The integration of renewable energy (RE) in energy systems can be approached in many ways depending on local possibilities. Evaluating this in the limited context of islands, this paper presents a multi-energy system transition to a 100% RE share in a two-folded technical analysis. The case study of Madeira Island using the EnergyPLAN modeling tool is used to show strengths and weaknesses of, on the one hand, electrifying all transport and heating demands on an island, while remaining demands are supplied with biomass, and, on the other hand, additional smart charging, vehicle-to-grid, thermal collectors and storages, as well as electrofuel production and storages. Technical results indicate the potentials and advantages of the second approach with 50% less biomass and no curtailment at 1–3% higher costs, compared to the first one with 7% of production curtailed. The technical analysis is supported by the institutional analysis that highlights the balancing needs through additional flexibility and interaction in the energy system. For maximum flexibility, of both demand and grid, and successful implementation of 100% RE, investment incentives and dynamic tariffs are recommended entailing more dynamic consumer involvement and strategic energy planning.

Beschreibung: This paper presents the development of a discrete model of a photovoltaic (PV) system consisting of a PV panel, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), a dual-axis solar tracker, and a buck converter. The discrete model is implemented on a 32-bit embedded system. The goal of the developed discrete PV model is to provide an efficient way for evaluating several algorithms and models used by the PV system in real-time fashion. The proposed discrete model perfectly matches the continuous and discrete model simulated with MATLAB-SIMULINK. The real-time performance is tested by running the model to simulate the PV system, where the fastest time sampling of 1 ms is achieved by the buck converter model, while the longest time sampling of 100 ms is achieved by the solar tracker model. Moreover, a novel method is proposed to optimize the net energy, which is calculated by subtracting the energy consumed by the tracker from the PV energy generated. The proposed net energy optimization method varies the operation time interval of the solar tracker under high and low solar irradiation conditions. Based on the real-time simulation of the discrete model, our approach increases the net energy by 29.05% compared to the system without the solar tracking and achieves an increase of 1.08% compared to the existing method.

Beschreibung: Aerodynamic drag and bearing friction are the main sources of standby losses in the flywheel rotor part of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS). Although these losses are typically small in a well-designed system, the energy losses can become significant due to the continuous operation of the flywheel over time. For aerodynamic drag, commonly known as windage, there is scarcity of information available for loss estimation since most of the publications do not cover the partial vacuum conditions as required in the design of low loss energy storage flywheels. These conditions cause the flow regime to fall between continuum and molecular flow. Bearings may be of mechanical or magnetic type and in this paper the former is considered, typically hybridized with a passive magnetic thrust bearing. Mechanical bearing loss calculations have been extensively addressed in the open literature, including technical information from manufacturers but this has not previously been presented clearly and simply with reference to this application. The purpose of this paper is therefore to provide a loss assessment methodology for flywheel windage losses and bearing friction losses using the latest available information. An assessment of windage losses based on various flow regimes is presented with two different methods for calculation of windage losses in FESS under rarefied vacuum conditions discussed and compared. The findings of the research show that both methods closely correlate with each other for vacuum conditions typically required for flywheels. The effect of the air gap between the flywheel rotor and containment is also considered and justified for both calculation methods. Estimation of the bearing losses and considerations for selection of a low maintenance, soft mounted, bearing system is also discussed and analysed for a flywheel of realistic dimensions. The effect of the number of charging cycles on the relative importance of flywheel standby losses has also been investigated and the system total losses and efficiency have been calculated accordingly.

Beschreibung: With the development trend of large-scale and flexible structures in engineering, the research on drag reduction of structures becomes more urgent. This paper presents a drag reduction design method for box girders based on the bionic method. Through the analysis of the Ostracion cubicus body shape, three features of the “fish mouth”, which were helpful for drag reduction were extracted. Then the bionic design model with the height of the box girder (D) as the design variable was obtained. By attaching lightweight materials to the windward side, the bionic shape of the structure can be realized without changing the loading characteristics of the original structure. Taking a box girder (rectangular cylinder, side ratio B/D = 0.6) as a prototype, the flow around two structures (rectangular cylinder and bionic attachment cylinder) was numerically simulated. The results show that the drag coefficient of the bionic attachment structure is reduced by 66.5%. The reduction of wind-load means that this method can save energy consumption of the equipment. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic parameter oscillation of the structure is weakened, which represents that the bionic attachment structure can effectively reduce the wind-induced vibration on the structure and improve the stability of the structure in the wind field.

Beschreibung: A 10 kW PEMFC (polymer exchange membrane fuel cell) stack consisting of two 5 kW modules, (A) and (B), connected in series with a multi-function controller unit was constructed and tested. The electrical performance of the V-shaped PEMFC stack was investigated under constant and variable electrical load. It was found that the PEMFC stack was capable of supplying the required 10 kW of electrical power. An optimised purification process via ‘purge’ or humidification, implemented by means of a short-circuit unit (SCU) control strategy, enabled slightly improved performance. Online monitoring of the utilisation of the hydrogen system was developed and tested during the operation of the stack, especially under variable electrical load. The air-cooling subsystem consisting of a common channel connecting two 5 kW PEMFC modules and two cascade axial fans was designed, manufactured using 3D printing technology, and tested with respect to the electrical performance of the device. The dependence of total partial-pressure drop vs. ratio of air volumetric flow for the integrated PEMFC stack with cooling devices was also determined. An algorithm of stack operation involving thermal, humidity, and energy management was elaborated. The safety operation and fault diagnosis of the PEMFC stack was also tested.

Beschreibung: In this study, a new type of functional hybrid suspension for solar energy conversion and thermal energy storage was prepared by adding carbon nanotube (CNT) and microencapsulated phase-change material (MEPCM) into deionized water. MEPCM with octadecane as the core material and titania (TiO2) as the shell material was synthesized by the sol–gel method. The MEPCMs were spherical particles with diameters of 2–4 μm, and the thickness of the shell was about 100 nm. The MEPCM achieved better thermal stability and thermal conductivity than the pure octadecane due to the TiO2 shell. The melting and solidification latent heats of the MEPCM were about 154.24 and 154.26 J/g, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of octadecane was calculated to be 65.84%. Most of all, the novel hybrid CNT and MEPCM suspensions exhibited remarkable dispersion stability owing to the stable reticular structure composed of CNT in the suspension. Compared with pure water, the thermal conductivity, specific heat of the MEPCM/CNT suspension improved by 34.48 and 43.57%, respectively and the photo-thermal conversion efficiency reached a high value of 86.0%. This work provided a new type of hybrid functional suspension towards direct absorption solar collector for solar energy conversion and storage.

Beschreibung: Building Information Modeling (BIM) data are typically exchanged using the Industrial Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. An IFC-based BIM model is a container for data that is created during the design and planning phase and is therefore a rich source of information for the commissioning phase, in which building services are brought to operation. This paper examines the use of BIM data for automated generation of control strategies for energy systems, thus simplifying and accelerating the commissioning phase. We present a methodology to create control strategies of a building heating system with several variations of renewable energy systems and include both heat provisioning and a distribution system. The control goals include favoring the use of non-fossil energy, which is provided by a combination of photovoltaic system (PV), heat pump (HP) and industrial excess-heat source. Thermal energy storages are integrated for load shifting purposes and the control of the heat distribution system is designed towards the requirements of building physics, occupancy and outside climate conditions. A validation of the approach is presented in a combined SIMULINK and TRNSYS simulation environment.

Beschreibung: In the present study, the mechanical properties of a dry-processed polyethylene (PE) separator are investigated in terms of deformation and failure limits. The focus is set on the anisotropic mechanical behavior of this material. A deeper understanding of the damage mechanism is important for further safety and crashworthiness investigations and predictions of damage before failure. It has been found that separator integrity is one of the crucial parts in preventing internal short circuit and thermal runaway in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Based on uniaxial tensile tests with local strain measurement, a novel failure criterion for finite element analysis (FEA), using the explicit FEA solver Altair Radioss, has been developed to predict the effect of high mechanical loads with respect to triaxiality, large plastic strain and orthotropy. Finally, a simulation model of a PE separator was developed combining the novel failure criterion with Hill’s yield surface and a Swift–Voce hardening rule. The model succeeded in predicting the anisotropic response of the PE separator due to deformation and failure. The proposed failure model can also be combined with other constitutive material laws.