Device for measuring the pressure of individual battery cells

Abstract

The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell includes: a lower substrate configured to arrange the battery cells on the lower substrate; an upper substrate spaced apart from the lower substrate; a connecting shaft vertically connecting the lower substrate and the upper substrate; and a first force sensor configured to measure the force applied to the upper substrate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0198753, filed on December 27, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell. Background Technology

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be recharged, secondary batteries are designed to be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for electric motors in hybrid or electric vehicles, as well as for energy storage. A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly with positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assembly, and / or electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0005] The information disclosed in the Background section of this disclosure is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell used in the manufacture of battery modules and battery packs with improved stability and volumetric efficiency.

[0007] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this disclosure below.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell includes: a lower substrate configured to arrange the battery cells on the lower substrate; an upper substrate spaced apart from the lower substrate; a connecting shaft vertically connecting the lower substrate and the upper substrate; and a first force sensor configured to measure the force applied to the upper substrate.

[0009] A battery cell may have an exhaust portion on its upper surface.

[0010] The first force sensor can be vertically aligned with the exhaust section.

[0011] The length of the connecting shaft can be adjusted.

[0012] The first force sensor can be placed on the upper surface of the upper substrate.

[0013] The device may further include a second force sensor configured to measure the force applied to the lower substrate.

[0014] The second force sensor can be located on the upper surface of the lower substrate.

[0015] The device may further include a controller configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate using forces measured by a first force sensor and forces measured by a second force sensor.

[0016] The controller can be configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate using the Navier-Stokes equations.

[0017] The controller can be configured to adjust the length of the connecting shaft based on the calculated height of the upper substrate.

[0018] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell includes: a clamp configured to mount the battery cell on the clamp; and a controller configured to control the operation of the clamp. The clamp includes: a lower substrate; a second force sensor on the lower substrate and configured to measure the weight of the battery cell; an upper substrate above the lower substrate; a first force sensor on the upper substrate; and a connecting shaft connecting the lower substrate to the upper substrate. The controller is configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate based on the force measured by the first force sensor and the force measured by the second force sensor.

[0019] A battery cell may have an exhaust portion on its upper surface.

[0020] The first force sensor can be vertically aligned with the exhaust section.

[0021] The first force sensor can be placed on the upper surface of the upper substrate.

[0022] The second force sensor can be located on the upper surface of the lower substrate.

[0023] The length of the connecting shaft can be adjusted.

[0024] The controller can be configured to adjust the length of the connecting shaft based on the calculated height of the upper substrate.

[0025] The controller can be configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate using the Navier-Stokes equations.

[0026] The separation distance between the battery cell and the upper substrate can be in the range of 5mm to 20mm.

[0027] The upper substrate can be configured to be replaceable. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description of the present disclosure below, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the matters and constructions described in the drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a single battery cell shown in the image;

[0031] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III' in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration shows an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 This is an illustration showing the operation of the connecting shaft of a device for measuring the pressure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best interpret his or her own disclosure. The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions illustrated in the accompanying drawings are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be available at the time of filing the application.

[0036] In some implementations, when used herein, the words “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof specify the presence of stated features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, the drawings may not be drawn to scale to aid in understanding this disclosure, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. In some embodiments that differ from one another, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components.

[0038] Although the terms first or second are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component can certainly be the second component.

[0039] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise specified, each component may be in the singular or plural.

[0040] Any construction arranged on the “top (or bottom)” or “above (or below)” of a component not only means that any construction is arranged in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also means that other constructions may be located between the component and any construction arranged on (or below) the component.

[0041] In some embodiments, when a component is described as being "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another component, it should be understood that these components may be directly connected or linked to each other, but other components may also be "intervened" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "linked," or "attached" through other components. In some embodiments, when a component is described as being electrically connected to another component, this may include not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected to each other with another component intervening therebetween.

[0042] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” means “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of” and “any one of”, when placed after the list of elements, modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements in that list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” means only a, only b, only c, a and b, a and c, b and c, a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe inherent biases in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] In view of the overall content of this disclosure, those skilled in the art should understand that each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole or in combination with each other and may be technically interlocked and operated in various suitable ways, and unless otherwise stated or implied, each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other in any suitable way.

[0044] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or enumerated herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include, for example, 2.4 to 7.6, all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0 (inclusive), i.e., all subranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all smaller numerical limits, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all larger numerical limits. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to explicitly detail any subranges included within the range explicitly enumerated herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any amendments used to explicitly enumerate any such subranges will comply with the requirements of patent law.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The perspective view of the battery cell shown in the image, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III' in the diagram.

[0046] See Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment, the device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell may include: a lower substrate 300 on which the single battery cell 10 is disposed; an upper substrate 200 spaced apart from the lower substrate 300; and a connecting shaft 100 connecting the lower substrate 300 to the upper substrate 200. For example, the upper substrate 200 may be an upper support plate, and the lower substrate 300 may be a lower support plate.

[0047] The battery cell 10 disposed on the lower substrate 300 may include one or more electrode assemblies 210 and a housing 15 that houses the electrode assembly 210. In the electrode assembly 210, a separator 213, which serves as an insulator, is inserted between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212. Then, the separator 213, the positive electrode 211, and the negative electrode 212 are all wound together.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the battery cell 10 may be a prismatic (e.g., square) lithium-ion battery cell, as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various types of battery cells such as lithium polymer battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, etc.

[0049] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may each have a coated portion and an uncoated portion 211a and 212a. The coated portion is a region in which active material is applied to a current collector formed of a metal foil as a thin plate. The uncoated portions 211a and 212a are regions in which active material is not present (e.g., not coated).

[0050] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may be wound together with a diaphragm 213, which is an insulator between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 210 may have a structure in which the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212, each comprising a plurality of sheets, are alternately laminated, with the diaphragm 213 between adjacent sheets.

[0051] The housing 15 may form the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and may include a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel (or may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel). In some embodiments, the housing 15 may form (or may provide) a space therein for accommodating the electrode assembly 210.

[0052] The battery cell 10 may include a cover 17 that covers (e.g., seals) an opening in the housing 15, and the housing 15 and the cover 17 may each comprise (or be formed of) a conductive material. Furthermore, a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12, respectively electrically connected to the positive electrode 211 or the negative electrode 212, may be mounted to protrude outwards by penetrating (or extending through) the cover 17.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper posts of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 protruding outward from the cover plate 17 may be threaded and secured to the cover plate 17 with nuts.

[0054] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may each have a rivet structure for riveting to the cover plate 17, or may be welded to the cover plate 17.

[0055] In some embodiments, cover 17 may include a thin plate for engaging an opening in housing 15, and cover 17 may have an electrolyte injection port 14 and a vent portion 13 with a notch, and a sealing plug may be installed in the electrolyte injection port 14.

[0056] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be electrically connected to a current collector, which includes a first current collector 240 and a second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as positive electrode current collector 240 and negative electrode current collector 250, respectively) welded to the uncoated portion 211a of the positive electrode or the uncoated portion 212a of the negative electrode.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be soldered to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250, respectively. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, as well as the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250, can be integrally formed by bonding (e.g., they can be integrally formed).

[0058] In some embodiments, an insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17. In such an embodiment, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, and each of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17.

[0059] In some embodiments, one end of a separating member that can be mounted facing the side surface of the electrode assembly 210 can be installed between the insulating member and the first terminal 11, and between the insulating member and the second terminal 12. The separating member may include a first separating member 280 and a second separating member 290. Therefore, one end of the first separating member 280 can be installed between the first lower insulating member 260 and the first terminal 11, and one end of the second separating member 290 can be installed between the second lower insulating member 270 and the second terminal 12. Each of the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290 can be mounted facing the side surface of the electrode assembly 210.

[0060] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, which are soldered to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250, can be respectively connected to one end of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270, as well as one end of the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290.

[0061] In some embodiments, the device 1 for measuring the pressure of the battery cell 10 may further include an explosion initiation device for initiating an explosion of the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, the explosion initiation device may be designed to cause thermal runaway by raising the temperature of the battery cell 10 through direct or indirect heating.

[0062] The explosion initiation device can apply heat to the battery cell 10 to simulate a thermal runaway situation and bring the battery cell 10 to the explosion (or ignition) temperature, thereby triggering the release of gas. The amount of heat to be applied to the battery cell 10 to reach the explosion temperature can be determined by taking into account factors such as the type, conditions, or capacity of the battery cell 10.

[0063] The device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell can induce a thermal explosion of the battery cell 10 through an explosion initiation device, and can provide battery modules and battery packs with improved volumetric efficiency and enhanced stability by measuring the released gas and evaluating the characteristics of thermal runaway phenomena.

[0064] The lower substrate 300 can be used to mount and secure the battery cell 10 during the pressure measurement process. The lower substrate 300 can be designed to withstand impacts, vibrations, or pressures that occur when the battery cell 10 explodes. The lower substrate 300 can include, but is not limited to, materials with high durability and rigidity, such as stainless steel. The position of the lower substrate 300 can determine the position of the lower plate of the battery module or battery pack during subsequent manufacturing processes.

[0065] The second force sensor 310 may be located on the lower substrate 300. The second force sensor 310 may be located on the upper surface of the lower substrate 300 (e.g., between the upper surface of the lower substrate 300 and the lower surface of the battery cell 10) to measure in real time the weight of the battery cell 10 or the load applied to the lower substrate 300, which changes during the explosion and gas release of the battery cell 10. The second force sensor 310 may obtain (e.g., measure and / or determine) the pressure applied to the lower substrate 300, and may obtain the amount of load change, the rate of change of load over time, pressure, or flow velocity (or flow rate), etc.

[0066] The device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell can measure the force applied to the lower substrate 300 due to thermal runaway by a second force sensor 310, thereby manufacturing battery modules and battery packs with optimized capacity density and stability.

[0067] The upper substrate 200 may be located on (e.g., above) the lower substrate 300. The upper substrate 200 may be connected to the lower substrate 300 via a connecting shaft 100, and a space may be formed between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10 (e.g., the upper substrate 200 may be spaced apart from the lower substrate 300).

[0068] The first force sensor 220 can be located on the upper substrate 200. The first force sensor 220 can measure the force applied to the upper substrate 200 and can measure the load applied to the upper substrate 200 in real time during the explosion and gas release of the battery cell 10. The first force sensor 220 can obtain the load change amount, the rate of change of load over time, pressure or flow velocity (or flow rate), etc., and can determine the height of the upper substrate 200 to ensure the upper space, which is the space between the battery cell 10 and the upper substrate 200. The height of the upper substrate 200 can determine the height of the upper plate of the battery module or battery pack during subsequent manufacturing of the battery module or battery pack, thereby manufacturing a battery module or battery pack with improved capacity per unit volume and stability.

[0069] The connecting shaft 100 can be vertically connected to the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300, and can support the upper substrate 200. The connecting shaft 100 can be connected and fixed to prevent the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 from shaking or separating even when the battery cell 10 explodes.

[0070] The length of the connecting shaft 100 can determine the position or height of the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300, as well as the distance between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10. The length of the connecting shaft 100 can determine the distance between the upper and lower plates during subsequent manufacturing of the battery module or battery pack, thereby manufacturing battery modules and battery packs with improved volumetric efficiency and stability.

[0071] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The figure shows an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery cell 10 arranged in the device 1 for measuring the pressure of the battery cell may include an exhaust portion 13 located on the upper surface of the battery cell 10 (e.g., formed in or on the upper surface of the battery cell 10). The exhaust portion 13 may be a region through which gases and heat generated inside the battery cell 10 due to repeated charging and discharging are released to the outside. The exhaust portion 13 can reduce heat transfer and fire risk of the battery cell 10 by forming a flow path for gas release and heat exposure, and can improve the stability of the battery cell 10.

[0073] The first force sensor 220 can be located on the same vertical line as the exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 (e.g., it can be vertically aligned with the exhaust portion 13). When the battery cell 10 explodes, the exhaust portion 13 can be broken or opened (e.g., it can burst) due to the high temperature and high pressure of the gas, and the released gas and emitted flame can spread from the center of the exhaust portion 13 in all directions. The first force sensor 220 can measure the load of the gas released from the exhaust portion 13. The first force sensor 220 can be located on the same vertical line as the center of the exhaust portion 13 where pressure and impact are concentrated (e.g., it can be vertically aligned with the center of the exhaust portion 13) to measure the maximum load of the released gas.

[0074] The device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell can measure the force caused by the gas released during thermal runaway through a first force sensor 220, and by taking this into account, battery modules and battery packs with optimized capacity density and stability can be manufactured.

[0075] The first force sensor 220 can be located on the upper surface of the upper substrate 200. The upper substrate 200 can be located between the exhaust portion 13 of the battery cell 10 and the first force sensor 220 to prevent direct contact and interaction between the first force sensor 220 and the released gas. Accordingly, the upper substrate 200 can prevent the first force sensor 220 from deforming, being damaged, or breaking due to excessive pressure or high temperature. The upper substrate 200 can protect the first force sensor 220 from flame and can include insulating material for blocking or reducing the conduction or diffusion of heat.

[0076] The first force sensor 220 can measure the load applied to the upper substrate 200 in real time during the explosion and gas release of the battery cell 10. The first force sensor 220 can obtain the load change amount, the rate of change of load over time, pressure, or flow velocity (or flow rate), and can determine the height of the upper substrate 200 in relation to delaying or preventing the diffusion of gases and byproducts released during thermal runaway and heat transfer. During subsequent manufacturing of the battery module or battery pack, the height of the upper substrate 200 can be the height of the upper plate. In the case of a battery module or battery pack designed based on the determined height of the upper substrate 200 or upper plate, a chain reaction of fire can be prevented and the capacity density per unit volume can be increased, thereby improving stability and volumetric efficiency.

[0077] Regions of the upper substrate 200 may deform or burn due to high-temperature heat and gases released from the battery cell 10. The damaged region A of the upper substrate 200 due to deformation or burning may be, for example, a region extending in all directions from the center of the exhaust portion 13. The potentially damaged upper substrate 200 may be provided as replaceable, and the height of the upper substrate 200 with respect to the optimized upper space can be obtained through repeated thermal runaway simulations.

[0078] The first force sensor 220 may have an area larger than the damaged region A of the upper substrate 200. The first force sensor 220 can measure the mechanical load applied to the upper substrate 200 due to sudden gas release and flame emission from the battery cell 10 based on the area and location of the damaged region A, and the pressure can be obtained through the area of ​​the damaged region A. The height of the upper substrate 200 can be determined (e.g., it can be measured and / or adjusted) as an optimized height by taking into account the force or pressure measured by the first force sensor 220 to reduce the risk of heat transfer and thermal runaway propagation in the manufactured battery module or battery pack.

[0079] Figure 6 This is an illustration depicting the operation of the connecting shaft of a device for measuring the pressure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] See Figure 6 The connecting shaft 100 of device 1 can connect the upper substrate 200 to the lower substrate 300 and can support both substrates. The connecting shaft 100 can be designed to withstand impacts, vibrations, or pressures that occur when the battery cell 10 explodes. The connecting shaft 100 can include, but is not limited to, materials with high durability and rigidity, such as stainless steel.

[0081] The length of the connecting shaft 100 can be adjusted vertically. The connecting shaft 100 can be vertically connected to the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300, and the position or height of the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 can be controlled by adjusting the length of the connecting shaft 100. The position of the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 can determine the position of the upper and lower plates during subsequent manufacturing of the battery module or battery pack.

[0082] If the separation distance between the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 is less than the reference (or target) distance, unnecessary pressure may be applied to the battery cell 10, and heat may be released unevenly or air may flow unevenly, thereby shortening the life of the battery cell 10. Conversely, if the separation distance between the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 exceeds the reference (or target) distance, the size and volume of the battery module or battery pack will increase, thereby reducing energy density and potentially causing defects in the electrical connection system or cooling system.

[0083] For example, the connecting shaft 100 can determine the position of the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300, and can provide improved performance, stability and lifespan of the battery cell 10.

[0084] The distance between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10 can be controlled by adjusting the length of the connecting shaft 100 along the vertical direction. The separation distance d between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10 can determine the separation distance between the upper plate and the battery cell in the battery module or battery pack.

[0085] In some embodiments, the separation distance d between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10 can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0086] If the separation distance d between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10 is less than approximately 5 mm, high-temperature heat and gases may diffuse to surrounding components, potentially causing damage to the battery cell 10 and adjacent components, or a chain reaction that could lead to a fire. In some embodiments, when there is insufficient upper space, it may be difficult to ensure the space required for the expansion of the battery cell 10, and excessive pressure may be applied, resulting in physical deformation or damage to the battery cell 10.

[0087] If the separation distance d between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10 exceeds approximately 20 mm, the manufactured battery module or battery pack can have an increased volume per unit capacity. However, in this case, it may be difficult to maintain the alignment of the battery cells 10 or protect the battery cells 10 from impacts or vibrations.

[0088] According to the embodiments, the connecting shaft 100 can be provided to allow for length adjustment, thereby delaying or preventing temperature rise and additional events, and increasing energy capacity density. Accordingly, stability and space efficiency can be improved during the manufacturing of battery modules or battery packs.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] See Figure 7 The device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell may further include a controller 500 that calculates the height of the upper substrate 200 based on the forces measured by the first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310.

[0091] The controller 500 can calculate the height of the upper substrate 200 based on information measured by the first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310, such as force, load change, rate of change of load over time, pressure, or flow velocity (or flow rate). The height of the upper substrate 200 calculated by the controller 500 can be a height that can provide an optimized upper space by taking into account volume density and stability.

[0092] In some implementations, the height of the upper substrate 200 can be such that it can delay or prevent thermal runaway, which is a chain reaction explosion caused by heat transfer, while ensuring the maximum capacity per unit volume of the battery module or battery pack.

[0093] The controller 500 can adjust the length of the connecting shaft 100 based on the calculated height of the upper substrate 200. The controller 500 can lengthen or shorten the connecting shaft 100 and can control the separation distance between the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 or the separation distance between the upper substrate 200 and the battery cell 10. The length of the connecting shaft 100 can be adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0094] In one implementation, the controller 500 can calculate the height of the upper substrate according to Equation 1.

[0095] Equation 1:

[0096]

[0097] Equation 1 is the Navier-Stokes equation, which is used to describe the flow of viscous fluids. In Equation 1, u is the fluid velocity, ρ is the density, p is the pressure, v is the kinematic viscosity, which is the dynamic viscosity divided by the density, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

[0098] The first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310 can measure the load applied to the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300 in real time during the explosion and gas release from the battery cell 10. The controller 500 can model the motion of the fluid using the force information measured by the first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310 and the Navier-Stokes equations, thereby predicting the instantaneous flow of the fluid under thermal runaway conditions.

[0099] In some embodiments, the controller 500 can obtain the flow rate based on the amount of load change of the battery cell, according to the gas release measured by the first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310. In some embodiments, the first force sensor 220 can measure the reduced weight of the battery cell, and the controller 500 can calculate the volume of the released gas and obtain the flow rate based on the weight loss using the density and molecular weight of the gas.

[0100] In some embodiments, the controller 500 can obtain pressure changes based on the load applied to the upper substrate 200 and the lower substrate 300, such as those measured by the first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310. In some embodiments, the second force sensor 310 can measure the load applied to the upper substrate due to the released gas, and the controller 500 can obtain the pressure by taking into account the area of ​​the upper substrate 200 including the damaged region A.

[0101] In some implementations, the controller 500 can obtain density changes and density distribution based on the expansion of gas rapidly released under high temperature and high pressure conditions, and can obtain the diffusion direction and velocity of the fluid through force information measured by the first force sensor 220 and the second force sensor 310.

[0102] The controller 500 can predict the flow rate of a fluid by using the Navier-Stokes equations to determine the relationship between the fluid's velocity, density, pressure, and viscosity.

[0103] In some embodiments, the controller 500 can predict fluid flow by considering concentrated areas, the time to reach maximum flow velocity or flow rate, and the diffusion distance of the fluid, and specifically predict the rapid rise and diffusion of low-density, high-temperature gases or the flow direction of gases due to pressure differences. In some embodiments, the controller 500 can model the motion of the fluid by considering the gas release rate and its change over time, the type and chemical properties of the released gas, or the type and capacity of the battery cells, thereby predicting the instantaneous flow of the fluid.

[0104] The device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell may include a clamp 400 configured to mount the battery cell 10 on the clamp 400. The clamp 400 may include the first force sensor 220, the second force sensor 310, an upper substrate 200, a lower substrate 300, and a connecting shaft 100 as described above. A controller 500 may control the operation of the clamp 400 by utilizing predicted fluid flow to perform a thermal runaway simulation. In some embodiments, the controller 500 may adjust the length of the connecting shaft 100 by calculating the height of the upper substrate 200 for optimized design considering volumetric efficiency and stability.

[0105] The device 1 for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell in the embodiment can analyze and predict the flow of gases released during a thermal event via a controller 500. The controller 500 can calculate the height of the upper substrate 200 to prevent fire and fire spread in the battery cell 10, and provide a structure that can prevent or minimize thermal runaway to improve the energy density and stability of the battery module or battery pack.

[0106] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the height of the upper plate of the upper space optimized for capacity density and stability can be controlled (e.g., determined), and battery modules and battery packs manufactured by using the determined height can have improved volumetric efficiency and delayed or prevented heat transfer, thereby improving the volumetric efficiency and stability of the battery module or battery pack.

[0107] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this disclosure.

[0108] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the technical concept, aspects, and features of this disclosure, and within the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. An apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell, the apparatus comprising: A lower substrate is configured to arrange the battery cells on the lower substrate; The upper substrate is spaced apart from the lower substrate; A connecting shaft vertically connects the lower substrate and the upper substrate; as well as A first force sensor is configured to measure the force applied to the upper substrate.

2. The device for measuring pressure of a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell has an venting portion on its upper surface.

3. The device for measuring the pressure of a battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, The first force sensor is vertically aligned with the exhaust section.

4. The device for measuring pressure of a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the connecting shaft is adjustable.

5. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first force sensor is located on the upper surface of the upper substrate.

6. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A second force sensor is configured to measure the force applied to the lower substrate.

7. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The second force sensor is located on the upper surface of the lower substrate.

8. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 6, further comprising: The controller is configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate by using the force measured by the first force sensor and the force measured by the second force sensor.

9. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate using the Navier-Stokes equations.

10. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the length of the connecting shaft based on the calculated height of the upper substrate.

11. An apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell, the apparatus comprising: A clamp is configured to mount the battery cell on the clamp, the clamp comprising: lower base plate; A second force sensor is located on the lower substrate and is configured to measure the weight of the battery cell. The upper substrate is located above the lower substrate; A first force sensor is located on the upper substrate; and A connecting shaft connects the lower substrate to the upper substrate; and A controller is configured to control the operation of the fixture, and the controller is configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate based on the force measured by the first force sensor and the force measured by the second force sensor.

12. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, The battery cell has an venting portion on its upper surface.

13. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 12, wherein, The first force sensor is vertically aligned with the exhaust section.

14. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, The first force sensor is located on the upper surface of the upper substrate.

15. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, The second force sensor is located on the upper surface of the lower substrate.

16. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to claim 11, wherein, The length of the connecting shaft is adjustable.

17. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the length of the connecting shaft based on the calculated height of the upper substrate.

18. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate the height of the upper substrate using the Navier-Stokes equations.

19. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The separation distance between the battery cell and the upper substrate is in the range of 5mm to 20mm.

20. The apparatus for measuring the pressure of a single battery cell according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The upper substrate is configured to be replaceable.

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