Magnetic field generator

Abstract

A magnetic field generator is provided, comprising: an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field when an electric current is supplied thereto; and a circuit system connected to the electromagnet and connectable to a power source. The magnetic field generator is further provided as a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein either or both of the electromagnet and the circuit system are configured as one or more conductive traces as part of the PCB.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to magnetic field generators, and particularly, but not exclusively, to magnetic field generators for integration with electrochemical systems. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochemical systems (such as systems comprising electrochemical battery cells) can be upgraded to magnetoelectrochemical systems by applying a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnetic field source such as one or more electromagnets.

[0003] Integrating a magnetic field source into an electrochemical system can be challenging, for example, because the magnetic field source and circuitry need to be provided in a way that ensures the electrochemical components are uniformly / consistently exposed to the generated magnetic field.

[0004] The present invention is proposed in view of the above considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a magnetic field generator is provided, the magnetic field generator comprising:

[0006] An electromagnet, which generates a magnetic field when an electric current is supplied to it;

[0007] A circuit system, the circuit system being connected to the electromagnet and connectable to a power source; and

[0008] A printed circuit board (PCB) in which either or both of the electromagnet and the circuit system are provided as one or more conductive traces as part of the PCB.

[0009] In this way, PCBs can be used to encapsulate circuit systems and / or electromagnets to facilitate the integration of magnetic field generators with electrochemical systems. For example, providing a circuit system as part of a PCB can facilitate the wiring of the circuit system relative to components of the electromagnet, and for example, relative to components of the electrochemical system.

[0010] Providing both the electromagnet and the circuit system as part of the PCB ensures that the magnetic field generator is a monolithic component, which improves its ease of integration and replaceability.

[0011] The power supply can be configured to supply current to the electromagnet.

[0012] Typically, a PCB has flat surfaces spaced apart by the thickness of the PCB. Electrical components are typically mounted to one or both flat surfaces of the PCB.

[0013] Conductive traces for either or both of the electromagnet and the circuit system can be provided on the surface of the PCB or within the PCB. In some examples, the electromagnet and / or the circuit system can extend along the thickness of the PCB.

[0014] The conductive traces providing the electromagnet and / or circuit system can be arranged in a circular or polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal) manner.

[0015] The thickness and / or density of the conductive traces provided by the electromagnet can be selected according to application requirements to achieve the desired magnetic field strength.

[0016] Typically, an electromagnet may comprise one or more coils. In some examples, the coils may be coplanar. For instance, the coils may be nested in the same plane relative to each other.

[0017] In some cases, the wire turns can be spaced apart along the thickness of the PCB.

[0018] Wire turns can be electrically connected to each other in series or parallel. Wire turns can be electrically connected to each other through conductive traces and / or vias on the PCB. Conductive traces can connect wire turns extending along the same plane of the PCB. Conductive vias can connect wire turns spaced apart from each other along the thickness of the PCB. In other words, conductive vias can extend through the thickness of the PCB to electrically connect wire turns spaced apart along the thickness of the PCB.

[0019] A magnetic field generator may include multiple electromagnets. Each electromagnet may be electrically connected to the same circuit system, or to a different corresponding circuit system that can be connected to a power source.

[0020] A PCB can consist of multiple layers. The layers can be stacked along the thickness of the PCB.

[0021] Layer density can vary depending on the application and / or manufacturer requirements. In some examples, the layer density of a PCB can be at least 1 layer / mm, or at least 2 layers / mm, or at least 5 layers / mm, or at least 10 layers / mm, or at least 20 layers / mm. In other examples, the layer density of a PCB can be 50 layers / mm or less, or 25 layers / mm or less, or 20 layers / mm or less, or 15 layers / mm or less, or 10 layers / mm or less, or 5 layers / mm or less.

[0022] At least some of the layers of a PCB (e.g., each layer) may include a corresponding electromagnet completely contained within the layer (i.e., not extending across multiple layers). In some examples, different PCB layers may include multiple corresponding electromagnets completely contained within the layer (i.e., not extending across multiple layers).

[0023] Electromagnets disposed as part of different layers of a PCB can overlap each other (along the thickness of the PCB). For example, electromagnets disposed on different layers of a PCB can be arranged coaxially, thus completely overlapping each other. Alternatively, electromagnets disposed as part of different layers of a PCB can be arranged in an interleaved manner, thus partially overlapping each other.

[0024] In some examples, at least some layers of a PCB (e.g., each layer) may include corresponding different portions of the same electromagnet. For example, different PCB layers may include one or more wire turns of the same electromagnet. Therefore, increasing the number of PCB layers (by increasing layer density and / or thickness) can increase the number of wire turns of the electromagnet. The electromagnet portions (e.g., wire turns) disposed on corresponding different layers of the PCB can be electrically connected via conductive vias extending along the thickness of the PCB.

[0025] A magnetic field generator may include one or more thermal management layers. In some examples, the one or more thermal management layers may be part of a PCB.

[0026] In some examples, the one or more thermal management layers may not include conductive components (e.g., traces).

[0027] In some examples, the one or more thermal management layers may be sandwiched between PCB layers including electrical components (such as conductive traces / vias). In other examples, the thermal management layer may sandwich PCB layers including electrical components (such as conductive traces / vias) in between.

[0028] In some examples, the magnetic field generator may include at least one thermally conductive thermal layer. For example, each thermally conductive thermal layer may have a thermal resistance of at least 0.1 ºC / W, or at least 0.25 ºC / W, or at least 0.5 ºC / W, or at least 0.75 ºC / W. Each thermally conductive thermal layer may have a thermal resistance of less than 1 ºC / W, or less than 0.75 ºC / W, or less than 0.5 ºC / W, or less than 0.25 ºC / W. One or more of the thermally conductive thermal layers may have a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W / mK, or at least 1.05 W / mK (such as about 1.059 W / mK), or at least 1.1 W / mK.

[0029] In some examples, the magnetic field generator may include at least one thermally insulated thermal management layer. For example, each thermally insulated thermal management layer may have a thermal resistance of 0.1 ºC / W or less, or 0.075 ºC / W or less, or 0.05 ºC / W or less, or 0.025 ºC / W or less. Each thermally insulated thermal management layer may have a thermal resistance of at least 0.01 ºC / W, or at least 0.025 ºC / W, or at least 0.05 ºC / W, or at least 0.075 ºC / W. One or more thermal management layers may have a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W / mK, or less than 0.75 W / mK, or less than 0.5 W / mK (such as about 0.343 W / mK).

[0030] In some examples, the magnetic field generator may include a combination of an insulating thermal management layer and a thermally conductive thermal management layer, such as one or more insulating thermal management layers and one or more thermally conductive thermal management layers. In some examples, one or more insulating layers may be arranged alternately relative to one or more thermally conductive layers.

[0031] In some examples, a magnetic field generator may include a pair of thermally conductive thermal management layers and a thermally insulating thermal management layer. The thermally conductive thermal management layers may sandwich the thermally insulating thermal management layers in between; that is, the thermally insulating thermal management layers may be located between (and, for example, parallel to) the thermally conductive thermal management layers. The thermally conductive thermal management layers may define opposing outer surfaces of the magnetic field generator (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the thickness of the PCB). Each thermally conductive and thermally insulating thermal management layer may sandwich one or more corresponding layers including conductive components (such as traces). The one or more layers including conductive components may be one or more layers defining one or more electromagnets and / or portions thereof.

[0032] This arrangement can be advantageous because the thermally conductive thermal management layer can help homogenize the heat distribution within one or more electrochemical cell units that are arranged in thermal communication with the magnetic field generator, as discussed below with reference to the second aspect. The thermally insulating thermal management layer can improve the uniformity of inter-cell heat distribution between different electrochemical cell units arranged in thermal communication with the magnetic field generator, as described below with reference to the second aspect.

[0033] At least one of the one or more thermal management layers may be arranged to provide the surface (i.e., the outer surface) of the magnetic field generator, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the thickness of the PCB.

[0034] At least one of the one or more thermal management layers can be arranged to provide a surface for the magnetic field generator, said surface being the surface with the largest surface area among all surfaces of the magnetic field generator. In this way, heat exchange between the magnetic field generator and one or more adjacent electrochemical cell units can be improved.

[0035] In some examples, the magnetic field generator may include at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer and at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer. The thermally conductive thermal management layer may be opposite to the thermally insulating thermal management layer. The thermally conductive and thermally insulating thermal management layers may define opposing surfaces of the magnetic field generator. In other words, for example, the thermally conductive and thermally insulating thermal management layers may sandwich one or more remaining layers of the PCB, such as conductive components, like traces. The thermally insulating thermal management layer may be parallel to the thermally conductive thermal management layer.

[0036] Electromagnets can be configured to generate changing magnetic fields. These changing magnetic fields can vary over time in direction and / or amplitude and / or frequency.

[0037] The changing magnetic field can be rotating, pulsating, oscillating, or any combination thereof.

[0038] The varying magnetic field may have a frequency of at least 0.1 Hz, or at least 1 Hz, or at least 10 Hz, or at least 20 Hz, or at least 50 Hz, or at least 75 Hz, or at least 100 Hz, or at least 125 Hz. Alternatively or additionally, the varying magnetic field p may have a frequency of 500 Hz or less, or 250 Hz or less, or 150 Hz or less, or 100 Hz or less, or 50 Hz or less, or 25 Hz or less, or 15 Hz or less, or 10 Hz or less, or 5 Hz or less, or 1 Hz or less.

[0039] The electromagnet can be configured to generate a magnetic field with an amplitude of at least 1 mT, or at least 10 mT, or at least 50 mT, or at least 100 mT, or at least 250 mT, or at least 500 mT. The electromagnet can also be configured to generate a magnetic field with an amplitude of 1000 mT or less, or 500 mT or less, or 250 mT or less, or 100 mT or less, or 50 mT or less, or 10 mT or less.

[0040] PCBs can be rigid or flexible. PCBs can be single-sided or double-sided. PCBs can be high-density interconnect PCBs (with features such as buried vias, microvias, and / or stacked microvias).

[0041] PCBs can be manufactured using standard PCB manufacturing processes.

[0042] Conductive traces and / or vias can be formed from conductive metals such as copper.

[0043] In a second aspect, a magneto-electrochemical system is provided, the magneto-electrochemical system comprising:

[0044] According to the magnetic field generator of the first aspect; and

[0045] One or more electrochemical battery cells;

[0046] The magnetic field generator is in thermal communication with the one or more electrochemical battery cells, and the magnetic field generator is arranged such that the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator permeates the one or more electrochemical battery cells.

[0047] In other words, the magnetic field generator can be arranged / positioned relative to the one or more electrochemical cell units to transfer heat to them via convection, conduction and / or radiation, and also generate a magnetic field that permeates the cell units for electrochemical benefits.

[0048] In this way, the magnetic field generator can expose the one or more electrochemical cell units to a magnetic field, which is known to improve cell performance (e.g., ion transport), and simultaneously manage the one or more electrochemical cell units by exchanging heat with them. In other words, the magnetic field generator can advantageously perform the dual functions of magnetic field generation and thermal management.

[0049] In some examples, the magneto-electrochemical system may include a plurality of magnetic field generators according to the first aspect. The magneto-electrochemical system may include a plurality of electrochemical cell cells. The magnetic field generators may be arranged to sandwich the electrochemical cell cells. The magnetic field generators and electrochemical cell cells may be arranged alternately, for example, such that each electrochemical cell cell is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of magnetic field generators, or such that each magnetic field generator is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of electrochemical cell cells.

[0050] One or more magnetic field generators may be in direct contact with the electrochemical cell. For example, each magnetic field generator may be arranged adjacent to the outer (flat or curved) surface of the corresponding electrochemical cell. Alternatively, one or more magnetic field generators may be spaced apart from the electrochemical cell (e.g., via an air gap).

[0051] In some examples, each magnetic field generator can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the corresponding electrochemical cell. For example, each magnetic field generator can be arranged to conform to the outer (flat or curved) surface profile of the corresponding electrochemical cell. Each magnetic field generator can wrap around the corresponding electrochemical cell. For example, each magnetic field generator can wrap around the outer (tubular) surface of a cylindrical electrochemical cell. For this purpose, the PCB of the magnetic field generator is a flexible PCB, which is bendable to conform to the outer curved surface profile of the electrochemical cell.

[0052] As described with reference to the first aspect, each magnetic field generator may include one or more thermal management layers, such as thermally conductive and / or thermally insulating thermal management layers.

[0053] Adding one or more thermally conductive layers can help homogenize the heat distribution across one or more battery cells, thereby reducing the occurrence of hot spots on the electrochemical battery cells. Additionally, adding one or more thermally conductive thermal management layers can help cool the electrochemical battery cells, reducing the risk of overheating.

[0054] Setting up one or more thermally insulating thermal management layers can help reduce thermal runaway between electrochemical cell units. Additionally, it can help store useful heat generated by the electrochemical cell units, which can help enhance reaction kinetics within the cell.

[0055] Furthermore, as discussed above, each magnetic field generator may include at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer and at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer, the at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer and the at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer defining opposing surfaces of the magnetic field generator. In this configuration, the thermally conductive thermal management layer can facilitate heat exchange with its adjacent (e.g., first) electrochemical cell, while the opposing thermally insulating thermal management layer helps prevent heat from the first electrochemical cell from propagating to the adjacent thermally insulating (second) electrochemical cell. In this example, the first and second electrochemical cell may sandwich the magnetic field generator, with the first electrochemical cell close to the thermally conductive thermal management layer and away from the thermally insulating thermal management layer, and the second electrochemical cell close to the thermally insulating thermal management layer and away from the thermally conductive thermal management layer.

[0056] Each electrochemical cell unit can be a battery. Each electrochemical cell unit can be a positive-ion battery, and the current flow path can be the direction of travel of positive ions. Alternatively, each electrochemical cell unit can be a negative-ion battery, and the current flow path can be the direction of travel of negative ions. Each electrochemical cell unit can be a lithium-ion battery. Each electrochemical cell unit can be a solid-state battery. Each electrochemical cell unit can be a cylindrical cell unit, a pouch cell unit, or a prismatic cell unit.

[0057] The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combinations are obviously not permitted or explicitly stated to be avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 Known components, including electromagnets and circuit systems, are shown.

[0060] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Accordingly, an example implementation of a magnetic field generator based on this disclosure is shown.

[0061] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Accordingly, an example implementation of a magnetic field generator based on this disclosure is shown.

[0062] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Accordingly, an example implementation of a magnetic field generator based on this disclosure is shown.

[0063] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Accordingly, an example implementation of a magnetic field generator based on this disclosure is shown.

[0064] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Accordingly, example implementations of magneto-electrochemical systems based on this disclosure are shown.

[0065] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7D and Figure 7E Accordingly, example implementations of magneto-electrochemical systems based on this disclosure are shown.

[0066] Figure 8A and Figure 8BDifferent views of the magnetoelectrochemical system according to this disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] Figure 1 A conventional electromagnet 10' is shown, connected to a circuit system 20' for connection to a power source (not shown). During operation, current is supplied from the power source to the electromagnet 10' via the circuit system 20'. This causes the electromagnet 10' to generate a magnetic field. The electromagnet 10' and circuit system 20' can be integrated with an electrochemical system to upgrade it to a magnetoelectrochemical system. However, as discussed above, such integration can be challenging.

[0069] According to this disclosure, a magnetic field generator 100 is provided, comprising an electromagnet 10 and a circuit system 20 electrically connected to the electromagnet 10 and electrically connectable to a power source (not shown). The magnetic field generator 100 further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 14. In this example, the electromagnet 10 is configured to generate a changing magnetic field.

[0070] For example, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, each or both of the electromagnet 10 and the circuit system 20 can be configured as one or more conductive traces as part of the PCB 14. Specifically, in Figure 2A In the example, the use of conductive traces (e.g., conductive traces made of copper) on PCB 14 only provides circuit system 20, while Figure 2A In the example, conductive traces are used on PCB 14 to provide electromagnet 10 and circuit system 20. In both examples, electromagnet 10 includes multiple wire turns.

[0071] like Figures 3A-3C As shown, PCB 14 may include multiple layers 12 stacked along its thickness z. Figures 3A-3C In this example, each PCB layer 12 includes corresponding different portions (wire turns) of the same electromagnet 10. The different portions are electrically connected via conductive vias (not shown) extending through the thickness of the PCB 14. The number of portions (wire turns) of the electromagnet 10 can be increased by increasing the thickness of the PCB 14 (e.g., ...). Figure 3B (as shown), or by increasing the layer density of PCB 14 (such as...). Figure 3C (As shown). In some examples, the layer density can be approximately 10 layers per 1 mm, but it can be varied depending on the application and desired outcome.

[0072] Different layers 12 of PCB 14 can also include corresponding different electromagnets 10. (See reference...) Figures 4A-4C This needs to be discussed.

[0073] exist Figure 4A In this example, each layer 12 of PCB 14 includes a corresponding electromagnet 10. The electromagnet 10 has multiple wire turns nested relative to each other in the same plane. These multiple wire turns are provided by conductive traces arranged in a rectangular manner on PCB 14.

[0074] like Figure 4A As shown on the right, the PCB has three layers 12. When the layers 12 are stacked along the thickness z, the electromagnets 10 are arranged coaxially and completely overlap each other along the thickness z.

[0075] exist Figure 4B In the example, each layer 12 of the PCB includes... Figure 4A The diagram shows multiple (i.e., four) correspondingly different electromagnets of the same type. (See also:) Figure 4A In the example, the electromagnets 10 disposed on the corresponding different layers 12 of PCB 14 are also arranged coaxially and completely overlap each other along the thickness z.

[0076] exist Figure 4C In the example, each layer 12 of PCB 14 includes... Figure 4A The corresponding different electromagnets 10 of the same type are shown. However, in this case, the electromagnets 10 disposed on the corresponding different layers 12 of PCB 14 are staggered, such that they partially overlap each other along the thickness z.

[0077] In some examples, the magnetic field generator 100 also includes a thermal management layer 18. This is in Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in the example, in addition to the electromagnet 10 and the circuit system 20, the PCB 14 also includes one or more thermal management layers 18. In this example, the one or more thermal management layers 18 do not include any conductive components, such as conductive traces.

[0078] exist Figure 5A In this example, the thermal management layer 18 is sandwiched between layers 12 of the PCB 14 containing conductive traces. Figure 5B In this example, a pair of thermal management layers 18 sandwich the PCB layer 12 containing the conductive traces. Therefore, in Figure 5B In the example, the thermal management layer 18 provides opposing surfaces of the magnetic field generator 100 spaced apart along the thickness z of the PCB 14.

[0079] The thermal management layer 18 can be a thermally conductive thermal management layer 18a or a thermally insulating thermal management layer 18b. Each thermally conductive thermal management layer 18b can have a thermal resistance between 0.1 ºC / W and 1 ºC / W. Each thermally conductive thermal management layer 18b can have a thermal conductivity of at least 1.05 W / mK (e.g., about 1.059 W / mK). Each thermally insulating thermal management layer 18a can have a thermal resistance between 0.01 ºC / W and 0.1 ºC / W. Each thermally insulating thermal management layer 18a can have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.5 W / mK (e.g., about 0.343 W / mK).

[0080] Next, Figures 6A-6C An example implementation of the magneto-electrochemical system 200 according to this disclosure is shown.

[0081] Figure 6A The magneto-electrochemical system 200 includes a pair of magnetic field generators 100 sandwiching an electrochemical cell unit 30 in between. (See reference...) Figures 5A-5B As described, the magnetic field generator 100 includes one or more thermal management layers 18. The components of each magnetic field generator 100 (i.e., its one or more electromagnets 10, its circuitry 20, and its one or more thermal management layers 18) are mounted on the same corresponding PCB 14. Thus, the magnetic field generator 100 is a monolithic device.

[0082] exist Figure 6B In one example, the magneto-electrochemical system 200 includes a plurality of magnetic field generators 100 and a plurality of electrochemical cell units 30, the plurality of magnetic field generators and the plurality of electrochemical cell units being arranged in an alternating manner such that each magnetic field generator 100 is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of electrochemical cell units 30.

[0083] exist Figure 6C In one example, the magnetoelectrochemical system 200 includes a pair of magnetic field generators 100 that sandwich multiple electrochemical cell units 30 in between.

[0084] In all examples, one or more magnetic field generators are in thermal communication with the electrochemical cell unit 30, and simultaneously, the magnetic field generated by the one or more magnetic field generators permeates the electrochemical cell unit 30. In these examples, the electrochemical cell unit 30 is not in direct contact with the one or more magnetic field generators 100, but is spaced apart from them by an air gap.

[0085] Figures 7A-7E Further example implementations of the magneto-electrochemical system 200 according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 7A In the example, such as refer to Figures 6A-6CAs described, a pair of electrochemical cell units 30 sandwich a magnetic field generator 100 in between. As mentioned above, the magnetic field generator 100 is in thermal communication with the electrochemical cell units 30, and furthermore, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 100 permeates the electrochemical cell units 30 during use to enhance their performance.

[0086] exist Figure 7B and Figure 7C In this example, the magnetic field generator 100 is in direct contact (and therefore thermally connected) with the electrochemical cell 30. In this example, the magnetic field generator 100 includes one or more thermally insulating thermal management layers 18a. The thermally insulating thermal management layers 18a cause the magnetic field generator 100 to act as a thermal insulator between the electrochemical cell 30. Therefore, Figure 7B and Figure 7C In the example, the magnetic field generator 100 prevents or reduces heat exchange between electrochemical cell units 30. For example... Figure 7C As shown, this allows one electrochemical cell in the electrochemical cell unit 30 to operate at a higher temperature than the other electrochemical cell. Therefore, the magnetic field generator 100 can mitigate thermal runaway, allowing, for example, [temperature conditions]. Figure 7C Temperature regulation and isolation of individual battery cells during the exhaust process shown.

[0087] Figure 7D and Figure 7E Further example implementations of the magneto-electrochemical system 200 according to this disclosure are shown. For example... Figure 7D As shown, the magneto-electrochemical system 200 includes multiple (i.e., three) electrochemical cell units arranged alternately with multiple (i.e., two) magnetic field generators 100. Each magnetic field generator 100 is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of electrochemical cell units 30.

[0088] Reference Figure 7E Each magnetic field generator 100 includes a pair of thermally conductive thermal management layers 18b that define opposing outer surfaces of the magnetic field generator in a plane perpendicular to the thickness of the PCB 14, and a thermal insulation layer 18a is sandwiched between the thermally conductive thermal management layers 18b. The thermally conductive layers 18b help to homogenize the heat distribution within the battery cell 30, thereby reducing the occurrence of hot spots on the electrochemical battery cell 30 and helping to cool the electrochemical battery cell 30 to reduce the risk of overheating. The thermally insulating thermal management layers 18a can improve the uniformity of inter-cell heat distribution between different electrochemical battery cells 30 that are thermally connected to the magnetic field generator 100.

[0089] Each thermally conductive thermal layer 18b and the thermally insulating thermal layer 18a together sandwich one or more layers 12 of the PCB 14 that include conductive components (such as traces), which provide one or more electromagnets 10 and / or portions thereof.

[0090] In an alternative implementation not shown in the accompanying drawings, the magnetic field generator 100 may include at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer 18b and at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer 18a, the at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer and the at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer defining opposing surfaces of the magnetic field generator 100. In this case, the thermally conductive thermal management layer 18b can facilitate heat exchange with its adjacent (e.g., first) electrochemical cell 30, while the opposing thermally insulating thermal management layer 18b can help prevent heat from the first electrochemical cell 30 from propagating to the adjacent thermally insulating (second) electrochemical cell 30.

[0091] at last, Figure 8A and Figure 8B Different views of a magneto-electrochemical system 200, including a cylindrical electrochemical cell 30 and a magnetic field generator 30, are shown. The magnetic field generator 100 is arranged to surround and abut (i.e., in direct contact with) the outer tubular surface of the cylindrical cell. In other words, the magnetic field generator 100 wraps around the cylindrical electrochemical cell 30, thereby conforming to the contour of its outer tubular surface. For this purpose, the PCB 14 of the magnetic field generator 100 is a flexible PCB using standard flexible PCB material, the flexibility being selected such that the magnetic field generator can conform to the outer curved (i.e., tubular) surface contour of the cylindrical electrochemical cell.

[0092] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the appended claims, or the drawings, expressed in their particular form or in terms of the means of performing the disclosed functions or the methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may be used individually or in any combination of such features as appropriate to implement the invention in various forms.

[0093] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when this disclosure is given. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0094] To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided in this article are intended to improve the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0095] Any chapter headings used in this document are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0096] Throughout this specification, including the appended claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprise” and “include”, as well as variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including”, shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0097] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. A range may be expressed herein as from “about” a particular value and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from one specific value and / or to another specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that a particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to numerical values ​​is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A magnetic field generator, comprising: An electromagnet, which generates a magnetic field when an electric current is supplied to it; A circuit system connected to the electromagnet and connectable to a power source; A printed circuit board (PCB) in which either or both of the electromagnet and the circuit system are provided as one or more conductive traces as part of the PCB.

2. The magnetic field generator according to claim 1, wherein, The PCB comprises multiple layers.

3. The magnetic field generator according to claim 2, wherein, At least some of the multiple layers of the PCB include corresponding different portions of the same electromagnet.

4. The magnetic field generator according to claim 2, wherein, At least some of the multiple layers of the PCB each include one or more electromagnets that are fully contained within the layer.

5. The magnetic field generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The magnetic field generator includes multiple electromagnets.

6. The magnetic field generator according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more electromagnets disposed on different layers of the PCB are arranged coaxially so as to completely overlap each other.

7. The magnetic field generator according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more electromagnets disposed on different layers of the PCB are staggered, thereby partially overlapping each other.

8. The magnetic field generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The magnetic field generator includes one or more thermal management layers.

9. The magnetic field generator according to claim 8, wherein, The PCB includes one or more thermal management layers.

10. The magnetic field generator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, At least one of the one or more thermal management layers provides the surface of the magnetic field generator.

11. The magnetic field generator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, At least one of the one or more thermal management layers is thermally conductive.

12. The magnetic field generator according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer has a thermal resistance between 0.1 ºC / W and 1 ºC / W.

13. The magnetic field generator according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, At least one of the one or more thermal management layers is thermally insulated.

14. The magnetic field generator according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer has a thermal resistance between 0.01 ºC / W and 0.1 ºC / W.

15. The magnetic field generator according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein, The magnetic field generator includes at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer and at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer.

16. The magnetic field generator according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one thermally conductive thermal management layer and the at least one thermally insulating thermal management layer define the respective opposing surfaces of the magnetic field generator.

17. The magnetic field generator according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The one or more thermally conductive thermal management layers are arranged alternately relative to the one or more thermally insulating thermal management layers.

18. The magnetic field generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The generated magnetic field is between 1 mT and 1000 mT.

19. The magnetic field generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The generated magnetic field is a changing magnetic field.

20. A magneto-electrochemical system, comprising: The magnetic field generator according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as One or more electrochemical battery cells; The magnetic field generator is in thermal communication with the one or more electrochemical battery cells, and the magnetic field generator is arranged such that the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator permeates the one or more electrochemical battery cells.

21. The magneto-electrochemical system according to claim 20, wherein, The magneto-electrochemical system includes multiple magnetic field generators and multiple electrochemical cell units, which are arranged alternately.

22. The magneto-electrochemical system according to claim 21, wherein, Each electrochemical cell is sandwiched between a corresponding pair of magnetic field generators.

23. The magneto-electrochemical system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The magnetic field generator is arranged to surround at least a portion of the corresponding electrochemical cell unit.

24. The magneto-electrochemical system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, Each electrochemical cell unit is one of the following: a cylindrical cell unit, a pouch cell unit, and a prismatic cell unit.

25. The magneto-electrochemical system according to claim 24, wherein, The magnetic field generator is wrapped around the outer tubular surface of the electrochemical cell unit, which is a cylindrical battery cell.

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