System and method for powder hopper temperature control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling the temperature in a powder hopper to regulate the temperature of dry electrode precursor material. For example, the system can include at least one powder hopper, at least one heating element, and at least one calender roller.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In the fields of forming, handling, and calendering products such as sheets, films, and webs, there is often a need to precisely manufacture these products with minimal thickness variation. One way to minimize thickness variation and ensure uniform thermal expansion of rollers used to form the products is to heat the rollers to a uniform temperature. When a roller is heated, the heat is released from the roller and is often absorbed by the surrounding environment, including powder hoppers used to provide ingredients for forming the product.

[0002] Furthermore, precise temperature control of components is important when forming components for electrochemical cells, capacitors, or supercapacitors. Components that form the electrodes of such electrochemical cells, capacitors, or supercapacitors must be processed at the correct temperature and pressure to form electrode layers that meet stringent specifications for thickness and uniformity. Components that form electrodes often contain binders that are sensitive to high temperatures, and the binder must be maintained at a lower temperature than the roller to prevent premature binder activation. Furthermore, components that form electrodes often require preheating before introducing the components into the roller.

[0003] There is a need for improved powder hoppers with respect to temperature control of the powder hopper and the powder material held therein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, the system includes at least one powder hopper and at least one heating element, the at least one heating element configured to heat the powder hopper.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an electrode film includes providing a dry electrode precursor material, at least one powder hopper, and at least one calender roller; regulating a temperature of the at least one powder hopper with at least one temperature control element; feeding the dry electrode precursor material into the at least one powder hopper; and contacting the at least one calender roller with the dry electrode precursor material, wherein the powder hopper includes the at least one temperature control element, the at least one temperature control element includes at least one heating element, at least one cooling element, or a combination thereof.

[0006] In one embodiment, a dry electrode is produced by providing a dry electrode precursor material, at least one powder hopper, and at least one calender roller; regulating the temperature of the at least one powder hopper with at least one temperature control element; feeding the dry electrode precursor material into the at least one powder hopper; and contacting the calender roller with the dry electrode precursor material, wherein the powder hopper includes the at least one temperature control element.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a powder hopper includes providing at least two powder hopper parts, providing at least one heating element, joining the at least one heating element and the at least two powder hopper parts, and joining the at least two powder hopper parts.

[0008] Aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary system having a temperature-controlled powder hopper according to an embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary system having a temperature-controlled powder hopper according to an embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary system having a temperature-controlled powder hopper according to an embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 4] 1A to 1C show diagrams of a method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment.

[0013] definition As used herein, the term "about" when immediately preceding a numerical value means a range of plus or minus 10% of that value, unless the context of the disclosure dictates otherwise or is contradictory to such an interpretation; for example, "about 50" means 45 to 55, and "about 25,000" means 22,500 to 27,500.

[0014] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in this application, but are intended as illustrative of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the present disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions, or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0015] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used herein, the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to."

[0016] While various components, methods, and devices are described in terms of "comprising" (which may be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to") various components or steps, compositions, methods, and devices may also "essentially comprise" or "consist of" various components and steps, and such terms should be interpreted as defining an essentially closed collection of elements.

[0017] With respect to the use of virtually any plural and / or singular term herein, those skilled in the art can convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will understand that terms used in the specification, in general, and in the claims, in particular (e.g., the body of the claims), are generally intended as "open-ended" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" as "having at least," the term "including" as "including but not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that where a specific number of introduced claim recitations are intended, such intention will be explicitly stated in the claim, and the absence of such a statement does not mean that such intention is not presented. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular statement containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such statement, even when that same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Additionally, when a specific number of introduced claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will understand that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a minimum recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, when a rule similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such an interpretation is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the rule (e.g., "a system including at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.).When a rule similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such an interpretation is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the rule (e.g., "a system including at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" is understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0019] Additionally, when features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of a Markush group, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual component or subgroup of components of that Markush group.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges within that range. For any range described, it will be readily apparent that the same range can be divided into at least two, three, four, five, ten, etc., and that this is fully described. By way of example and not limitation, each range described herein can be readily divided into a lower third, a middle third, an upper third, etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that all terms such as "up to," "at least," etc., are inclusive of the recited numbers and indicate ranges that can subsequently be divided into subranges as described above. Finally, those skilled in the art will understand that a range includes each individual element. Thus, for example, a population having 1 to 3 cells refers to a population having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a population having 1 to 5 cells refers to a population having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary, and the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular variations or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0022] system

[0023] A system can be assembled to assist in temperature control of the powder hopper. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one powder hopper and at least one heating element configured to heat the powder hopper. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one heating element configured to cool the powder hopper. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one insulating layer configured to retain heat within the powder hopper and prevent heat from the ambient environment from entering the roller. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one calender roller. In some embodiments, the system is a calender line. In some embodiments, the powder hopper can further include at least one powder material, such as a dry electrode powder precursor. The powder hopper can further include one powder material or a mixture of two or more powder materials, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more different powder materials.

[0024] By using the described methods and materials, the temperature of the dry electrode precursor powder can be adjusted to a desired temperature more easily than without using the described methods and materials. The temperature of the dry electrode precursor powder can generally be adjusted to a desired temperature range. For example, the temperature of the dry electrode powder precursor can generally be adjusted to a desired temperature within a tolerance of about 5°C, about 4°C, about 3°C, about 2°C, about 1°C, and ideally about 0°C.

[0025] 1 shows a system having at least one powder hopper 101 and at least one heating element 102 configured to heat the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one powder hopper 101 includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface configured to receive dry electrode precursor material. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is disposed on the outer surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one calender roller 105, the calender roller configured to receive the dry electrode material from the at least one powder hopper 101.

[0026] The at least one heating element 102 may generally be any heating element known to those skilled in the art that is effective for heating the at least one powder hopper 101. For example, the at least one heating element 102 may include at least one fluid heating channel, at least one resistive heating element, at least one inductive heating element, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is configured to cover the entire exterior surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is configured to cover a portion of the entire exterior surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. A gas discharge device 107 may be provided in the powder hopper 101 to flush the hopper 101 with a dry gas to prevent condensation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is configured to heat the at least one powder hopper 101 to a known temperature and maintain the temperature of the at least one powder hopper 101 at a known temperature, where the known temperature corresponds to a known temperature of the dry electrode precursor material. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is configured to maintain the at least one powder hopper 101 at a temperature in the range of 0°C to 350°C, e.g., about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, about 65°C, about 70°C, about 75°C, about 80°C, about 85°C, about 90°C, about 95°C, about 100°C, about 105°C, about 110°C, about 115°C, about 120°C, about 130°C, about 135°C, about 140°C, about 145°C, about 150°C, about 155°C, about 160°C, about 165°C, about 170°C, about 175°C, about 180°C, about 185°C, about 190°C, about 195°C, about 200°C, about 210°C, about 215°C, about 220°C, about 230°C, about 240°C, about 250°C, about 260°C, about 270°C, about 280°C, about 290°C, about 300°C, about 310°C, about 320°C, about 330°C, about 340°C, about 350°C 0°C, about 125°C, about 130°C, about 135°C, about 140°C, about 145°C, about 150°C, about 160°C, about 170°C, about 180°C, about 190°C, about 200°C, about 210°C, about 220°C, about 230°C, about 240°C, about 250°C, about 260°C, about 270°C, about 280°C, about 290°C, about 300°C, about 325°C, about 350°C, or any value or range between any two of these values.

[0028] 2 shows a system having at least one powder hopper 101 and at least one heating element 102 configured to heat the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one powder hopper 101 includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface configured to receive dry electrode precursor material. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is disposed on the outer surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one cooling element 103 configured to cool the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one calender roller 105, the calender roller configured to receive the dry electrode material from the at least one powder hopper 101.

[0029] The at least one cooling element 103 may generally be any cooling element known to those skilled in the art that is effective for cooling the at least one powder hopper 101. For example, the at least one cooling element 103 may include at least one fluid cooling channel, at least one thermoelectric cooler, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element 103 is configured to cover the entire exterior surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is configured to cover a portion of the entire exterior surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. A gas discharge device 107 may be provided in the powder hopper 101 to flush the hopper 101 with a dry gas to prevent condensation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element 103 is configured to cool the at least one powder hopper 101 to a known temperature and maintain the temperature of the at least one powder hopper 101 at a known temperature, where the known temperature corresponds to a known temperature of the dry electrode precursor material. In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element 103 is configured to cool the at least one powder hopper 101 to a known temperature of about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, about 65°C, about 70°C, about 75°C, about 80°C, about 85°C, about 90°C, about 95°C, about 100°C, about 105°C, about 110°C, about 115°C, about 120°C, about 125°C, about 130°C, about The temperature may be configured to maintain the temperature at 135°C, about 140°C, about 145°C, about 150°C, about 160°C, about 170°C, about 180°C, about 190°C, about 200°C, about 210°C, about 220°C, about 230°C, about 240°C, about 250°C, about 260°C, about 270°C, about 280°C, about 290°C, about 300°C, about 325°C, about 350°C, or any value or range between any two of these values.

[0031] 3 illustrates a system having at least one powder hopper 101 and at least one heating element 102 configured to heat the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one powder hopper 101 includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface configured to receive dry electrode precursor material. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is disposed on the outer surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one cooling element 103 configured to cool the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one calender roller 105, the calender roller configured to receive dry electrode precursor material from the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one thermal insulation layer 106.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one insulating layer 106 is disposed on an outer surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one insulating layer 106 is configured to cover the entire outer surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one insulating layer 106 is configured to cover a portion of the entire outer surface of the at least one powder hopper 101. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 102 is disposed between the at least one powder hopper 101 and the at least one insulating layer 106. In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element 103 is disposed between the at least one powder hopper 101 and the at least one insulating layer 106.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one insulating layer 106 is configured to retain heat within the at least one powder hopper 101. Retaining heat within the at least one powder hopper 101 allows for more precise control of the temperature of the at least one powder hopper 101 and limits heat within the at least one powder hopper 101 from entering the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the at least one insulating layer 106 is configured to prevent heat from the environment surrounding the at least one powder hopper 101 from entering the at least one powder hopper 101. A gas discharge device 107 can be provided in the powder hopper 101 to flush the hopper 101 with dry gas to prevent condensation.

[0034] The at least one insulation layer 106 can be composed of any material known to those skilled in the art that is effective as a thermal insulator. For example, the at least one insulation layer 106 can be composed of carbon fiber, ceramic fiber, fiberglass, mineral wool, PTFE, PEEK, nylon, polypropylene, vacuum insulation panels, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one insulation layer 106 has a thickness of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, or any value or range therebetween.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the at least one powder hopper. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature sensor is disposed inside the at least one powder hopper. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature sensor is disposed outside the at least one powder hopper. In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one processing device. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to transmit the temperature measurement to the at least one processing device. Each of the at least one temperature sensor can be configured to transmit the temperature measurement to a display device via a wired or wireless connection, such as a network, WiFi, or Bluetooth connection.

[0036] How to use

[0037] The above-described system for controlling the temperature of the powder hopper can be used to carry out a method for manufacturing an electrode film.

[0038] 4 shows a diagram for manufacturing an electrode film. The method includes providing dry electrode precursor material 401, at least one powder hopper, and at least one calender roller, where the powder hopper includes at least one temperature control element. The method further includes adjusting the temperature of the at least one powder hopper with the at least one temperature control element 402, feeding the at least one powder hopper with dry electrode precursor material 403, and contacting the at least one calender roller with the dry electrode precursor material 404.

[0039] In some embodiments, the at least one temperature control element includes at least one heating element, and adjusting 402 the temperature of the at least one powder hopper includes heating the powder hopper. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element can heat the at least one powder hopper by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, the at least one heating element can heat the at least one powder hopper by passing a working fluid through a fluid heating channel, by using a resistive heating element, by heating an inductive heating element, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the at least one temperature control element includes at least one cooling element, and adjusting 402 the temperature of the at least one powder hopper includes cooling the powder hopper. In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element can heat the at least one powder hopper by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, the at least one cooling element can cool the at least one powder hopper by passing a cooling fluid through fluid cooling channels, by using a thermoelectric cooler, or by a combination thereof.

[0041] The temperature of the powder hopper can generally be adjusted 402 to any temperature known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the temperature of the powder hopper can be adjusted to a range level between 0°C and 350°C, such as about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, about 65°C, about 70°C, about 75°C, about 80°C, about 85°C, about 90°C, about 95°C, about 100°C, about 105°C, about 110°C, about 115°C, about 120°C, about 125°C, about 130°C, The temperature of the powder hopper is maintained at about 135°C, about 140°C, about 145°C, about 150°C, about 160°C, about 170°C, about 180°C, about 190°C, about 200°C, about 210°C, about 220°C, about 230°C, about 240°C, about 250°C, about 260°C, about 270°C, about 280°C, about 290°C, about 300°C, about 325°C, about 350°C, or any value or range between any two of these values. In some embodiments, the temperature of the powder hopper is maintained at about 20°C to about 350°C, about 20°C to about 200°C, about 20°C to about 40°C, about 60°C to about 150°C, about 90°C to about 120°C, or any value or range between any two of these values.

[0042] Manufacturing method

[0043] A method for manufacturing a powder hopper including at least one heating element can be assembled. The method includes providing at least two powder hopper components, providing at least one temperature control element, joining the at least one temperature control element and the at least two powder hopper components, and joining the at least two powder hopper components. The at least two powder hopper components can be manufactured by any manufacturing process known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the at least two powder hopper components are manufactured using CNC machining, forging, investment casting, injection molding, pressure die casting, additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the at least one temperature control element comprises at least one heating element. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element can be manufactured by any manufacturing process known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is manufactured by mechanical alloying, combustion synthesis, impact synthesis, hot isostatic pressing, gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, sputtering deposition, extrusion, CNC machining, forging, investment casting, injection molding, pressure die casting, additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the at least one temperature control element includes at least one cooling element. In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element can be manufactured by any manufacturing process known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the at least one cooling element is manufactured by mechanical alloying, gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, directional crystallization, press powder metallurgy, extrusion, CNC machining, forging, investment casting, injection molding, pressure die casting, additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The at least one temperature control element can be joined to the at least two powder roller components by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, the at least one temperature control element and the at least two powder hopper components can be joined by gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, soldering, mixing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or a combination thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the at least two powder hopper parts can be joined by any process known to one of ordinary skill in the art to be effective for joining metal parts. For example, the at least two powder hopper parts can be joined by gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, soldering, mixing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or a combination thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further includes manufacturing at least one insulation layer. The at least one insulation layer can be manufactured by any manufacturing process known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the at least one insulation layer is manufactured by transfer molding, injection molding, melt molding, compression molding, vacuum forming, pultrusion, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one insulation layer is bonded to the at least two powder hopper components. The at least one insulation layer can be bonded to the at least two powder hopper components by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, the at least one insulation layer can be bonded to the at least two powder hopper components by adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Various other features and functions disclosed above, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems, methods, or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereof, each of which are also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments, may subsequently occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising at least one powder hopper (101) and at least one cooling and / or heating element (102, 103), wherein the at least one cooling and / or heating element (102, 103) is configured to cool and / or heat the powder hopper (101).

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one heating element (102) comprises at least one fluid cooling and / or heating channel, at least one induction heating element, at least one resistive heating element, or a combination thereof.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one cooling element (103) configured to cool the powder hopper (101), wherein the at least one cooling element (103) comprises at least one fluid cooling channel, at least one thermoelectric cooler, or a combination thereof.

4. further comprising at least one thermal insulation layer (106); 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one insulating layer (106) is disposed on a surface of the at least one powder hopper (106).

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the at least one insulation layer (106) is comprised of fiberglass, mineral wool, PTFE, PEEK, nylon, polypropylene, vacuum insulation panels, or combinations thereof.

6. further comprising at least one temperature sensor and at least one processing unit; the at least one temperature sensor is disposed within the at least one powder hopper; 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is configured to transmit temperature measurements to the at least one processing device.

7. further comprising at least one temperature sensor and at least one processing unit; the at least one temperature sensor is located outside the at least one powder hopper (101); 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is configured to transmit temperature measurements to the at least one processing device.

8. 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a gas discharge device (107) configured to flush the powder hopper (101) with dry gas to prevent condensation.

9. 1. A method for manufacturing an electrode film, the method comprising: providing dry electrode precursor material, at least one powder hopper (101), and at least one calender roller (105), wherein the powder hopper (101) includes at least one temperature control element, the at least one temperature control element being comprised of at least one heating element (102), at least one cooling element (103), or a combination thereof; adjusting the temperature of said at least one powder hopper (101) using said at least one temperature control element; feeding said dry electrode precursor material into said at least one powder hopper (101); contacting the at least one calender roller (105) with the dry electrode precursor material.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one powder hopper is maintained at a temperature of from about 0°C to about 350°C.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one powder hopper (101) is maintained at a temperature of from about 20°C to about 300°C.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one powder hopper (101) is maintained at a temperature of from about 40°C to about 200°C.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one powder hopper (101) is maintained at a temperature of from about 60°C to about 150°C.

14. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one powder hopper (101) is maintained at a temperature of about 90°C to about 120°C.

15. A dry electrode, providing dry electrode precursor material, at least one powder hopper (101), and at least one calender roller (105), wherein the powder hopper (101) includes at least one temperature control element; adjusting the temperature of said at least one powder hopper (101) using said at least one temperature control element; feeding said dry electrode precursor material into said at least one powder hopper (101); contacting the calender roller (105) with the dry electrode precursor material.

16. A method for manufacturing a powder hopper (101), comprising the steps of: providing at least two powder hopper components; providing at least one cooling and / or heating element (102, 103); joining said at least one cooling and / or heating element (102, 103) with said at least two powder hopper parts; and joining the at least two powder hopper components.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least two powder hopper parts are manufactured by CNC machining, forging, investment casting, injection molding, pressure die casting, additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof.

18. 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one cooling and / or heating element (102, 103) is manufactured by mechanical alloying, combustion synthesis, impact synthesis, hot isostatic pressing, gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, sputter deposition, extrusion, CNC machining, forging, investment casting, injection molding, pressure die casting, additive manufacturing, directional crystallization, pressed powder metallurgy, or a combination thereof.

19. 19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the at least one cooling and / or heating element (102, 103) is joined to the at least two powder hopper parts by gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, soldering, mixing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or a combination thereof.

20. 20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the at least two powder hopper parts are joined by gas metal arc welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, flux cored arc welding, soldering, mixing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or a combination thereof.

21. providing at least one cooling element (103) and at least one heating element (102); 121. The method of any one of claims 16 to 120, further comprising joining the at least one cooling element (103) and the at least one heating element (102) with the at least two powder hopper components.

22. 22. The method of any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising flushing the powder hopper (101) with a dry gas to prevent condensation.

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