Battery Module Buffer Layout for Expansion and Cycle Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional batteries connected using structural adhesives lack sufficient buffer space for expansion, leading to accelerated capacity degradation during cycling and reduced cycle life.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design with alternating positive and negative electrode plates forming overlapping and non-overlapping regions, incorporating buffer members between adjacent batteries to accommodate expansion without contacting the non-overlapping regions, thereby preventing uneven force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If batteries are connected using structural adhesives, then the battery structure is firmly fixed, but the battery expansion during cycling is restricted leading to accelerated capacity degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module structure is segmented into multiple regions: overlapping regions where electrode plates are stacked and non-overlapping regions where buffer members are disposed. This segmentation allows different parts of the battery to have different functions - the overlapping regions maintain structural integrity while the non-overlapping regions provide expansion buffer space, resolving the contradiction between firm fixation and expansion accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the battery module are given different local qualities - the overlapping regions have high structural density for strength, while the non-overlapping regions have buffer capacity for expansion. The buffer members are strategically placed only in non-overlapping regions, creating local quality differences that simultaneously provide structural support and expansion accommodation.
2Reliability
If buffer members are disposed between adjacent batteries, then battery expansion space is provided, but if they contact the non-overlapping region of electrode plates, uneven force distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer members act as intermediary elements between adjacent batteries, but they are positioned as intermediaries between the batteries and the non-overlapping regions of electrode plates. By being disposed in non-overlapping regions, they serve as buffers for expansion forces without directly contacting the electrode plates, thus mediating the expansion forces evenly across the battery structure without creating localized stress concentrations.
3Volume of stationary object
If electrode plates are fully overlapping, then structural compactness is improved, but expansion buffer space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into overlapping regions for compactness and non-overlapping regions for expansion buffering. This spatial segmentation allows the majority of the battery structure to maintain compact overlapping configuration while specific non-overlapping regions provide necessary expansion space, achieving both compactness and expansion accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional overlapping layout to a three-dimensional configuration by utilizing non-overlapping regions in the stacking direction (first direction). This dimensional transition creates vertical buffer zones between batteries without compromising the horizontal compactness of the overlapping electrode plates, simultaneously achieving compactness and expansion capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a battery module, a battery pack, and an electrical device. The battery module includes at least one battery group and multiple buffer members. The battery group includes multiple batteries arranged along a first direction. Each battery includes multiple positive electrode plates and multiple negative electrode plates alternately stacked along the first direction. In each battery, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate respectively include portions that overlap with each other in the first direction to form an overlapping region, while the positive electrode plate and a remaining portion of the negative electrode plate do not overlap in the first direction, forming a non-overlapping region.