Electrode slurry transfer system and electrode slurry temperature control method using the same

Abstract

The electrode slurry transfer system according to the present invention includes a mixer storage tank for storing electrode slurry discharged from a mixer, a first transfer tank connected to the mixer storage tank by a first transfer piping branching in parallel and for storing high-temperature slurry, a second transfer tank connected to the mixer storage tank by a first transfer piping branching in parallel and for storing low-temperature slurry, a coater supply tank configured to receive the high-temperature slurry and the low-temperature slurry from the first transfer tank and the second transfer tank, respectively, and supply the mixed electrode slurry to a coater, a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing from the first transfer tank to the coater supply tank and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing from the second transfer tank to the coater supply tank, respectively, and a control unit for controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0139373, filed on October 26, 2022.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode slurry transfer system and a temperature control method for an electrode slurry for transferring an electrode slurry from a mixer to a coater for coating an electrode current collector.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrode slurry transfer system and a temperature control method for an electrode slurry that mixes a high-temperature slurry and a low-temperature slurry by a power receiving method to adjust the temperature of the slurry, reduces the waiting time consumed for adjusting the temperature of the slurry, and reduces the loss of the slurry used during temperature adjustment.

Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged are used in various electronic devices. On the other hand, as the types and shapes of electronic devices diversify, the shapes of secondary batteries mounted on electronic devices are also diversifying. In recent years, lithium-ion secondary batteries using lithium have been widely used as secondary batteries.

[0005] To manufacture such secondary batteries, a negative electrode coated with a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode coated with a positive electrode active material, and a separator disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode are required. To manufacture such negative electrode active materials and positive electrode active materials, a mixture such as a slurry (Slurry) containing an electrode active material, a conductive material, and a binder is often required.

[0006] Specifically, the manufacturing of positive and negative electrodes involves processes such as mixing, coating, drying, roll pressing, taping, and slitting. In the mixing process, raw materials such as electrode active material, conductive material, and binder are mixed to create a uniform slurry, mixing heat is generated, causing the slurry temperature to gradually rise. Subsequently, during the transportation process, the slurry temperature is adjusted to the desired temperature by passing through multiple tanks and using cooling water.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a conventional electrode slurry transfer system. Referring to Figure 1, in the conventional technology, the slurry formed in the mixer 10 is transferred through the mixer storage tank 20 and the transfer tank 30 to the coater supply tank 40, which finally supplies the slurry to the coating rolls.

[0008] At this time, the slurry temperature affects coating quality and loading deviation during the coating process, so controlling it to a suitable level is extremely important for ensuring consistent electrode quality.

[0009] Electrode coating is performed continuously, but slurry mixing is done all at once, resulting in a profile of periodically fluctuating temperatures in the transferred slurry. In this case, during sections where the temperature changes rapidly, the time required to stabilize the slurry at the target temperature can become excessively long. Furthermore, the continuous coating process may be temporarily stopped for reasons such as replacement or wire breakage, and then restarted after readjusting the process conditions. Along with readjusting the process conditions, the slurry temperature conditions may also be readjusted. If the waiting time required for the slurry to reach the target temperature increases due to the readjustment of the slurry temperature conditions, the production rate may decrease.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to develop technologies that reduce the loss of current collectors and slurry consumed during temperature stabilization in coating, and minimize the waiting time required to adjust the slurry temperature to the target value. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to provide an electrode slurry transfer system and an electrode slurry temperature control method that minimize the time required to adjust the electrode slurry temperature to a target value and minimize losses in the slurry and current collector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electrode slurry transfer system for transferring electrode slurry from a mixer in which electrode slurry is mixed to a coater for coating the electrode slurry, and may include: a mixer storage tank for storing electrode slurry discharged from a mixer; a first transfer tank connected to the mixer storage tank by a first transfer pipe branching in parallel and storing high-temperature slurry; a second transfer tank connected to the mixer storage tank by a first transfer pipe branching in parallel and storing low-temperature slurry; a coater supply tank configured to receive high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry from the first transfer tank and the second transfer tank, respectively, and to supply the electrode slurry mixed therefrom to the coater; a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust the transfer flow rate of high-temperature slurry flowing from the first transfer tank to the coater supply tank and the transfer flow rate of low-temperature slurry flowing from the second transfer tank to the coater supply tank, respectively; and a control unit for controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry.

[0013] An electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a second transfer pipe connecting the first transfer tank and the flow rate adjustment unit to allow high-temperature slurry to flow into the flow rate adjustment unit; a third transfer pipe connecting the second transfer tank and the flow rate adjustment unit to allow low-temperature slurry to flow into the flow rate adjustment unit; a fourth transfer pipe connecting the flow rate adjustment unit and the coater supply tank to allow high-temperature and low-temperature slurry to flow into the coater supply tank; and a fifth transfer pipe connecting the coater supply tank and the coater to allow electrode slurry to flow into the coater.

[0014] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the flow rate adjustment unit comprises a first port connected to the second transfer pipe and a second port connected to the third transfer pipe, and may be configured to adjust the switching ratio of the first port and the switching ratio of the second port.

[0015] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank by adjusting the opening and closing rates of the first port and the second port, respectively.

[0016] An electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry, the temperature sensors being installed in the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, the second transfer tank, the coater supply tank, and the fifth transfer piping, respectively.

[0017] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first return pipe that returns to the first transfer tank is branched from the second transfer pipe, and a first valve may be installed at the branching point of the second transfer pipe and the first return pipe. A second return pipe that returns to the second transfer tank is branched from the third transfer pipe, and a second valve may be installed at the branching point of the third transfer pipe and the second return pipe.

[0018] An electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first circulation pump installed on the first return pipe and providing driving force to circulate high-temperature slurry to a first transfer tank, and a second circulation pump installed on the second return pipe and providing driving force to circulate low-temperature slurry to a second transfer tank.

[0019] An electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry, the temperature sensors may be installed in the mixer storage tank, the first return pipe, the second return pipe, the coater supply tank, and the fifth transfer pipe, respectively.

[0020] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, and the second transfer tank may include a chamber for containing slurry and a jacket formed on the wall surface of the chamber for circulating cooling water to regulate the temperature of the slurry.

[0021] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry in one or more of the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, and the second transfer tank by adjusting the temperature of the cooling water in the jacket.

[0022] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry by PID control (Proportional Integral Derivative Control).

[0023] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the temperature (Th) of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank to satisfy condition 1 below, and the temperature (Tl) of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank to satisfy condition 2 below.

[0024] [Condition 1] Ts ≤ Th ≤ Ts + 5°C

[0025] [Condition 2] Ts - 5°C ≤ Tl ≤ Ts

[0026] In the above Conditions 1 and Condition 2, Ts is the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

[0027] In the electrode slurry transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control such that the temperature (Th) of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank satisfies the following Condition 3 and the temperature (Tl) of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank satisfies the following Condition 4.

[0028] [Condition 3] Ts + 1.5°C ≤ Th ≤ Ts + 3.5°C

[0029] [Condition 4] Ts - 3.5°C ≤ Tl ≤ Ts - 1.5°C

[0030] In the above Conditions 3 and Condition 4, Ts is the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

[0031] In the electrode slurry transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control such that the temperature of the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank becomes the same as the target temperature (Ts) of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

[0032] In the electrode slurry transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry such that the sensing value of the temperature sensor installed in the fifth transfer pipe is the same as the sensing value of the temperature sensor installed in the coater supply tank.

[0033] The temperature control method of the electrode slurry according to an embodiment of the present invention uses the above electrode slurry transfer system. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0034] The electrode slurry transfer system and electrode slurry temperature control method according to the present invention have the effect of enabling the slurry in the coater supply tank to quickly reach the target temperature, as the first transfer tank and the second transfer tank store high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry separately, and the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank is controlled by mixing them, and the flow rate adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature slurry and the flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank, respectively.

[0035] The electrode slurry transfer system and electrode slurry temperature control method according to the present invention control the temperature of the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank to be the same as the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank when adjusting the slurry temperature, thereby reducing the time required to adjust the temperature of the electrode slurry in the first transfer tank and the second transfer tank.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrode slurry transfer system and electrode slurry temperature control method according to the present invention only require the addition of another transfer tank and a flow rate control unit to a conventional electrode slurry transfer system that includes a storage tank, a transfer tank, and a coater supply tank. Therefore, without major design changes to the electrode slurry transfer system, it has the effect of reducing the loss of slurry and current collectors consumed for temperature stabilization during coating, while simultaneously increasing the production rate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a conventional electrode slurry transfer system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a flow control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the first transfer tank relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an electrode slurry transfer system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] To clearly explain the present invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0040] Furthermore, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary for the sake of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0041] Furthermore, when a specification as a whole states that a certain part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included.

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the solid arrows indicate the slurry flow.

[0043] An electrode slurry transfer system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a mixer storage tank 110, a first transfer tank 120, a second transfer tank 130, a coater supply tank 140, a flow rate adjustment unit 150, and a control unit (not shown).

[0044] In a mixer (not shown), electrode active material, conductive material, and binder may be mixed to produce an electrode slurry. The electrode slurry produced in the mixer can be transferred in the following order: mixer storage tank 110, first transfer tank 120 and second transfer tank 130, flow rate adjustment unit 150, and coater supply tank 140. The electrode slurry transferred to the coater supply tank 140 is supplied to coater C, where it is coated onto a current collector, after which processes such as drying and rolling may be carried out.

[0045] The mixer storage tank 110 is a tank for temporarily storing the electrode slurry discharged from the mixer. The electrode slurry from the mixer storage tank 110 is transferred in parallel to the first transfer tank 120 and the second transfer tank 130.

[0046] To transfer the electrode slurry discharged from the mixer storage tank 110 to the first transfer tank 120 and the second transfer tank 130 in parallel, the mixer storage tank 110 and the first transfer tank 120, and the mixer storage tank 110 and the second transfer tank 130 are connected by a first transfer pipe 161 that branches in parallel. That is, the first transfer pipe 161 has a structure that branches into two pipes as shown in Figure 2, with one end of the first transfer pipe 161 extending into the mixer storage tank 110 and the other end of the branched transfer pipe extending into the first transfer tank 120 and the second transfer tank 130, respectively.

[0047] In one specific example, a valve 193 may be installed at a branching point along the route of the first transfer piping, and the valve 193 may specifically be a three-way valve.

[0048] The first transfer tank 120 receives electrode slurry from the mixer storage tank 110 via the first transfer piping 161 and stores the high-temperature slurry. In one specific example, the temperature of the high-temperature slurry stored in the first transfer tank 120 may be set to be higher than or equal to the target temperature (Ts) of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140.

[0049] The second transfer tank 130 is supplied with electrode slurry from the mixer storage tank 110 via the first transfer piping 161 and stores the low-temperature slurry. In one specific example, the temperature of the low-temperature slurry stored in the second transfer tank 130 may be set to be lower than or equal to the target temperature (Ts) of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140.

[0050] The coater supply tank 140 is a tank for storing electrode slurry to be supplied to the coater C, and can store electrode slurry that is a mixture of high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry supplied from the first transfer tank 120 and the second transfer tank 130, respectively.

[0051] The flow rate adjustment unit 150 may be configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140 by adjusting the flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing from the first transfer tank 120 to the coater supply tank 140 and the flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing from the second transfer tank 130 to the coater supply tank 140, respectively.

[0052] The first transfer tank 120 and the flow rate adjustment unit 150 are connected by a second transfer pipe 162, and the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank 120 flows into the flow rate adjustment unit 150 via the second transfer pipe 162.

[0053] The second transfer tank 130 and the flow rate adjustment unit 150 are connected by a third transfer pipe 163, and the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank 130 flows into the flow rate adjustment unit 150 via the third transfer pipe 163.

[0054] The flow rate adjustment unit 150 and the coater supply tank 140 are connected by a fourth transfer pipe 164, which allows high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry to flow into the coater supply tank 140.

[0055] The coater supply tank 140 and the coater C are connected by a fifth transfer pipe 165, and the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140 flows into the coater C via the fifth transfer pipe 165.

[0056] A control unit (not shown) is for controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry and may be configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank by controlling the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, the second transfer tank, and the flow rate adjustment unit, respectively.

[0057] The electrode slurry transfer system 100 according to the present invention is configured to minimize the time it takes for the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140 to reach a target temperature (Ts) by separating the transfer tanks that supply the electrode slurry to the coater supply tank 140 into two, with the first transfer tank 120 supplying high-temperature slurry and the second transfer tank 130 supplying low-temperature slurry. The flow rate adjustment unit 150 adjusts the flow rates of the high-temperature slurry and the low-temperature slurry, respectively, thereby controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140 to reach the target temperature (Ts) quickly. Here, the target temperature is an arbitrarily specified value that serves as the target temperature for the slurry temperature control described above.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a flow rate control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the flow rate control unit 150 may include a first port 151, a second port 152, and a third port 153 connected to a second transfer pipe 162, a third transfer pipe 163, and a fourth transfer pipe 164, respectively. These first to third ports 151 to 153 may constitute the flow rate control unit housing 154 of the flow rate control unit.

[0059] A flow control valve (not shown) configured to open and close the first port 151 and the second port 152 may be installed inside the flow control housing 154, and one flow control valve may adjust the opening and closing rates of the first port 151 and the second port 152, or a flow control valve may be installed for each of the first port 151 and the second port 152, and each flow control valve may adjust the opening and closing rates of the first port 151 and the second port 152, respectively.

[0060] The flow rate adjustment unit 150 can control the opening and closing ratios of the first port 151 and the second port 152 by the control unit, thereby controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140. Specifically, if it is necessary to raise the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140, the first port 151 can be opened 100% to 75% and the second port 152 can be opened 0% to 25% to increase the flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing in through the first port. Conversely, if it is necessary to lower the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140, the second port 152 can be opened 0% to 25% and the second port 152 can be opened 100% to 75% to increase the flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing in through the second port.

[0061] The flow rate adjustment unit 150 may further include a flow rate control valve controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the actuator (not shown) and the actuator (not shown) that operates the flow rate control valve, and the opening and closing rates of the first and second ports are input from the control unit (not shown) on one side of the flow rate control valve (not shown).

[0062] The electrode slurry transfer system of the present invention further includes a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry in order to control the temperature of the electrode slurry, and the temperature sensors may be installed in the mixer storage tank 110, the first transfer tank 120, the second transfer tank 130, the coater supply tank 140, and the fifth transfer piping 165, respectively.

[0063] The above temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the electrode slurry in real time and send the measured temperature data to the control unit in real time. This allows the control unit to control the temperature of the electrode slurry supplied to the coater C to a target temperature in real time based on the received temperature data.

[0064] In one specific example, the control unit can control the temperature of the electrode slurry using PID control (Proportional Integral Derivative Control). PID control is a proportional control method that uses the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature, and by such a control method, the temperature of the electrode slurry supplied to the coater C can be controlled to the target temperature.

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first transfer tank according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the first transfer tank may include a chamber 121 for containing slurry S, an impeller 122 disposed inside the chamber 121 for stirring the slurry S, a temperature sensor 170 for measuring the temperature of the slurry S, and a jacket 123 formed on the wall surface of the chamber 121 for regulating the temperature of the slurry S.

[0066] Chamber 121 is formed with an inlet pipe 121a and an outlet pipe 121b, allowing slurry S to flow into and out of the chamber 121. An impeller 122 is installed inside the chamber 121 and is driven by an external driving force to agitate the electrode slurry S inside the chamber. For example, the impeller 122 may be driven by a motor located at the top center of the chamber 121.

[0067] The jacket 123 may be formed on the outer surface of the chamber 121 and configured to circulate cooling water to regulate the internal temperature of the chamber 121 and the temperature of the incoming slurry S. For example, the jacket 123, which is spirally connected along the outer surface of the chamber 121, may form a passage between the chamber 121 and the jacket 123, through which cooling water can circulate. Alternatively, a cooling water inlet pipe 123a and a cooling water outlet pipe 123b may be connected to the jacket 123, allowing for continuous inflow and outflow of cooling water. On the other hand, there are no particular restrictions on the position of the jacket 123, so it is also possible to form the jacket 123 on the inner surface of the chamber 121.

[0068] The temperature sensor 170 is installed inside the chamber 121 and can measure the internal temperature of the chamber 121 and the temperature of the incoming slurry S in real time. The temperature data measured by the temperature sensor 170 is transmitted to the control unit, which can adjust the temperature of the cooling water flowing inside the jacket based on this temperature data and control the temperature of the electrode slurry stored in the first transfer tank 120 to a high temperature.

[0069] The configuration of the first transfer tank 120 described above can also be directly adopted for the second transfer tank 130 and the mixer storage tank 110. That is, the second transfer tank may include a chamber, impeller, temperature sensor, and jacket configuration to control the temperature of the electrode slurry inside the second transfer tank 130 to a low temperature, similar to the first transfer tank, and the mixer storage tank 110 may also include a chamber, impeller, temperature sensor, and jacket configuration to control the temperature of the electrode slurry stored inside the mixer storage tank 110.

[0070] In an electrode slurry transfer system with this configuration, the control unit can control the temperature of the electrode slurry inside the mixer storage tank 110, the first transfer tank 120, and the second transfer tank 130 to a suitable temperature range by adjusting the temperature of the cooling water.

[0071] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the temperature (Th) of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank 120 to satisfy condition 1 below, and the temperature (Tl) of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank 130 to satisfy condition 2 below.

[0072] [Condition 1] Ts ≤ Th ≤ Ts + 5℃

[0073] [Condition 2] Ts-5℃≦Tl≦Ts

[0074] In conditions 1 and 2 above, Ts is the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

[0075] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can also control the temperature (Th) of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank to satisfy condition 3 below, and the temperature (Tl) of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank to satisfy condition 4 below.

[0076] [Condition 3] Ts+1.5℃≦Th≦Ts+3.5℃

[0077] [Condition 4] Ts-3.5℃ ≤ Tl ≤ Ts-1.5℃

[0078] In conditions 3 and 4 above, Ts is the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

[0079] By controlling the temperature of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank 120 and the temperature of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank 130 to satisfy conditions 1 and 2, more specifically conditions 3 and 4, respectively, a temperature change due to the mixing of the high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140 can be achieved in a short time.

[0080] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the temperature of the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank 110 to be the same as the target temperature (Ts) of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140.

[0081] The greater the temperature difference between the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank 110 and the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140, the longer the time required to heat and cool the slurry in the first and second transfer tanks, respectively. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank 110 to be the same as the target temperature (Ts) of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140, the temperature changes of the slurry supplied in the first and second transfer tanks 120 and 130, respectively, can be minimized, and the time required for slurry temperature stabilization can be reduced.

[0082] In an electrode slurry transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the temperature of the electrode slurry so that the sensing value of the temperature sensor 170 installed in the fifth transfer pipe 165 is the same as the sensing value of the temperature sensor 170 installed in the coater supply tank 140. The electrode slurry transfer system thereby ensures that the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140, whose temperature has changed according to the flow rate adjustment of the high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140, is supplied to the coater C.

[0083] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electrode slurry transfer system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the electrode slurry transfer system 200 has a first return pipe 266 branching off from the second transfer pipe 262 to return to the first transfer tank 220, with a first valve 291 installed at the branching point of the second transfer pipe 262 and the first return pipe 266, and a second return pipe 267 branching off from the third transfer pipe 263 to return to the second transfer tank 230, with a second valve 292 installed at the branching point of the third transfer pipe 263 and the second return pipe 267. The first valve 291 and the second valve 292 may each be three-way valves.

[0084] The electrode slurry discharged from the first transfer tank 220 is pumped by a pump (not shown) and transferred to the coater supply tank 240 via the second transfer piping 262. However, if the amount of slurry supplied to the coater supply tank 240 exceeds a set value, the first valve 291 shuts off the supply of slurry to the coater supply tank 240, and the electrode slurry can be returned to the first transfer tank 220 via the first return piping 266.

[0085] Similarly, the electrode slurry discharged from the second transfer tank 230 can also be returned to the second transfer tank 230 via the second return pipe 267 by the second valve 292, which shuts off the slurry supply to the coater supply tank 240.

[0086] The electrode slurry transfer system 200 may further include a first circulation pump (not shown) installed on the first return pipe 266 and providing driving force to circulate the high-temperature slurry to the first transfer tank 220, and a second circulation pump (not shown) installed on the second return pipe 267 and providing driving force to circulate the low-temperature slurry to the second transfer tank 230.

[0087] Furthermore, the electrode slurry transfer system 200 may further include a plurality of temperature sensors 270 for measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry, and these temperature sensors 270 may be installed in the mixer storage tank 210, the first return pipe 266, the second return pipe 267, the coater supply tank 240, and the fifth transfer pipe 265, respectively.

[0088] The temperature sensor 270 may be configured to measure the temperature of the electrode slurry in real time and send the measurement data to the control unit, which may adjust the operation of various components constituting the electrode transfer system based on the measurement data received from the temperature sensor to control the temperature of the electrode slurry so that the temperature of the electrode slurry reaches a target temperature.

[0089] The following describes a method for controlling the temperature of an electrode slurry according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method for controlling the temperature of an electrode slurry according to the present invention controls the temperature of the electrode slurry using the electrode slurry transfer system described above.

[0090] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the electrode slurry temperature control method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a slurry supply process (S1) in which an electrode slurry produced by a mixer (not shown) is supplied to a mixer storage tank 110, a first transfer tank 120, a second transfer tank 130, and a coater supply tank 140; a process (S2) in which the temperature of the electrode slurry is measured via temperature sensors installed in the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, the second transfer tank, the coater supply tank, and the fifth transfer piping, respectively; and a method of indirectly controlling the temperature of the mixer storage tank using cooling water. The process may include (S3) adjusting the temperature of each electrode slurry in the tank 110, the first transfer tank 120, and the second transfer tank 130; (S4) adjusting the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing from the first transfer tank 120 to the coater supply tank 140 and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing from the second transfer tank 130 to the coater supply tank 140 using the flow rate adjustment unit 150; and (S5) controlling the temperature of the cooling water, the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry, and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry in real time using the flow rate adjustment unit.

[0091] In the slurry supply process (S1), the electrode slurry discharged from the mixer storage tank 110 can flow into the first transfer tank 120 and the second transfer tank 130 via the first transfer piping 161, which has a parallel branching structure. As a result, the first transfer tank 120 supplies high-temperature slurry to the coater supply tank 140 via the second transfer piping 162 and the flow rate adjustment unit 150, and the second transfer tank 130 supplies low-temperature slurry to the coater supply tank 140 via the third transfer piping 163 and the flow rate adjustment unit 150.

[0092] The process of measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry (S2) is a process of confirming the current temperature of the electrode slurry. The electrode slurry temperature control method according to the present invention measures the temperature of the electrode slurry in real time via the temperature sensor and sends the temperature data to the control unit.

[0093] In the process (S3) of adjusting the temperature of each electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank 110, the first transfer tank 120, and the second transfer tank 130, the indirect cooling water method may be a heat exchange method in which the cooling water circulates inside the jacket to perform indirect heating or indirect cooling, as described above.

[0094] The process (S4) of adjusting the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140 and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing from the second transfer tank 130 into the coater supply tank 140 is a process of adjusting the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140 and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140 in order to quickly reach the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140.

[0095] At this time, the flow rate adjustment unit 150 can adjust the transfer flow rate of high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank 140 by adjusting the opening and closing rates of the first port 151 connected to the second transfer pipe 162 and the second port 152 connected to the third transfer pipe 163.

[0096] The process (S5) of controlling the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry in real time using the cooling water temperature and flow rate adjustment unit may include a process of controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank 110, the first transfer tank 120, and the second transfer tank 130 by adjusting the temperature of the cooling water circulating through the jackets installed in the mixer storage tank 110, the first transfer tank 120, and the second transfer tank 130, respectively, based on the difference between the current temperature of the electrode slurry measured in real time in the temperature measurement process (S2) by the temperature sensor 170 and the target temperature. It may also include a process of controlling the operation of the flow rate adjustment unit so that the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank 140 conforms to the target temperature.

[0097] The electrode slurry transfer system and electrode slurry temperature control method according to the present invention described above allows for the separate storage of high-temperature slurry and low-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank and the second transfer tank, respectively, and the flow rate adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature slurry and the flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing into the coater supply tank to control the temperature of the slurry in the coater supply tank so that it quickly reaches the target temperature.

[0098] Furthermore, since the time required to reach the target temperature during slurry temperature adjustment can be reduced, the production rate can be increased, and the loss of slurry and current collectors consumed for temperature stabilization during coating can also be reduced.

[0099] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, at the time of filing, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 100, 200: Electrode slurry transfer system 110, 210: Storage tanks 120, 220: First transfer tank 130, 230: Second transfer tank 140, 240: Coater supply tank 150, 250: Flow rate adjustment section 151: Port 1 152: Port 2 153: Third Port 161, 261: First transfer piping 162, 262: Second transfer piping 163, 263: Third transfer piping 164, 264: Fourth transfer piping 165, 265: Fifth transfer piping 266: First return piping 267: Second return piping 170, 270: Temperature sensor 291: Valve No. 1 292: Second valve 293: Third valve C: Quarter

Claims

1. An electrode slurry transfer system for transferring electrode slurry from a mixer where the electrode slurry is mixed to a coater for coating the electrode slurry, A mixer storage tank for storing the electrode slurry discharged from the mixer, The first transfer piping, which branches in parallel, is connected to the mixer storage tank and stores the high-temperature slurry. A second transfer tank for storing low-temperature slurry is connected to the mixer storage tank by a first transfer pipe that branches in parallel, A coater supply tank is configured to receive the high-temperature slurry and the low-temperature slurry from the first transfer tank and the second transfer tank, respectively, and to supply the electrode slurry, which is a mixture of these, to the coater. A flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust the transfer flow rate of the high-temperature slurry flowing from the first transfer tank to the coater supply tank, and the transfer flow rate of the low-temperature slurry flowing from the second transfer tank to the coater supply tank, An electrode slurry transfer system including a control unit for controlling the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

2. A second transfer pipe connects the first transfer tank and the flow rate adjustment unit, allowing the high-temperature slurry to flow into the flow rate adjustment unit, A third transfer pipe connects the second transfer tank and the flow rate adjustment unit, allowing the low-temperature slurry to flow into the flow rate adjustment unit, A fourth transfer pipe connects the flow rate adjustment unit and the coater supply tank, allowing the high-temperature slurry and the low-temperature slurry to flow into the coater supply tank. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth transfer pipe connecting the coater supply tank and the coater to allow electrode slurry to flow into the coater.

3. The aforementioned flow rate adjustment unit is The first port connected to the second transfer piping, It comprises a second port connected to the third transfer pipe, The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 2, configured to adjust the switching ratio of the first port and the switching ratio of the second port.

4. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank by adjusting the switching ratios of the first port and the second port.

5. It further includes multiple temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry, The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are installed in the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, the second transfer tank, the coater supply tank, and the fifth transfer piping, respectively.

6. A first return pipe branches off from the second transfer pipe to return to the first transfer tank, and a first valve is installed at the branching point of the second transfer pipe and the first return pipe. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 2, wherein a second return pipe branches off from the third transfer pipe to return to the second transfer tank, and a second valve is installed at the branching point of the third transfer pipe and the second return pipe.

7. A first circulation pump is installed on the first return piping and provides driving force to circulate the high-temperature slurry to the first transfer tank, The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 6, further comprising a second circulation pump installed on the second return pipe and providing driving force for circulating the low-temperature slurry to the second transfer tank.

8. It further includes multiple temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the electrode slurry, The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are installed in the mixer storage tank, the first return pipe, the second return pipe, the coater supply tank, and the fifth transfer pipe, respectively.

9. One or more of the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, and the second transfer tank are: A chamber for containing slurry, The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising a jacket formed on the wall surface of the chamber, which circulates cooling water to regulate the temperature of the slurry.

10. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry in one or more of the mixer storage tank, the first transfer tank, and the second transfer tank by adjusting the temperature of the cooling water of the jacket.

11. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the temperature of the electrode slurry by PID control.

12. The control unit, The temperature (Th) of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank satisfies the following condition 1: The temperature (Tl) of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank is controlled to satisfy the following condition 2: [Condition 1] Ts ≤ Th ≤ Ts + 5°C [Condition 2] Ts-5℃≦Tl≦Ts The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 1, wherein in the conditions 1 and 2, Ts is the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

13. The control unit, The temperature (Th) of the high-temperature slurry in the first transfer tank satisfies the following condition 3: The temperature (Tl) of the low-temperature slurry in the second transfer tank is controlled to satisfy the following condition 4: [Condition 3] Ts+1.5℃≦Th≦Ts+3.5℃ [Condition 4] Ts-3.5℃≦Tl≦Ts-1.5℃ The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 1, wherein in conditions 3 and 4, Ts is the target temperature of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

14. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the temperature of the electrode slurry in the mixer storage tank to be the same as the target temperature (Ts) of the electrode slurry in the coater supply tank.

15. The electrode slurry transfer system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the temperature of the electrode slurry so that the sensing value of the temperature sensor installed in the fifth transfer pipe is the same as the sensing value of the temperature sensor installed in the coater supply tank.

16. A method for controlling the temperature of an electrode slurry using the electrode slurry transfer system described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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