Battery Cell Cooling Member for Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary battery modules face heat dissipation challenges, leading to reduced lifespan, efficiency, and potential ignition or explosion due to rapid temperature increases during charging.

Innovation Solution

A battery cell design incorporating a cooling member with thermal conductivity of 2W/mK or higher, comprising a core layer and adhesive layer, is used to effectively transfer heat from the electrode assembly to a sealed portion, with a heat transfer portion between the accommodation and sealed portions and a heat dissipating portion on the sealed portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional battery structure without a dedicated cooling member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates leading to rapid temperature increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling member integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a thermal management component and a structural element that joins the accommodation portion and sealed portion. The adhesive layers provide both bonding and thermal conduction pathways, merging structural and thermal management functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling member acts as a multi-functional element that simultaneously: (1) conducts heat from the accommodation portion to the sealed portion, (2) provides structural support by joining case components, and (3) serves as a thermal bridge to external cooling systems through the heat dissipating portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If the cooling member is made with higher thermal conductivity material, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer rateVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling member employs a composite structure with a core layer made of high thermal conductivity material (such as metal or ceramic) sandwiched between adhesive layers. This composite design achieves superior heat transfer while the adhesive layers provide ease of bonding to various surfaces, balancing performance with manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The core layer is positioned specifically between the accommodation portion and sealed portion where maximum thermal conduction is needed, while the adhesive layers are applied only at the bonding interfaces. This localized material distribution optimizes heat transfer pathways without unnecessarily increasing manufacturing complexity throughout the entire component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If the cooling member thickness is increased to improve heat dissipation, then heat transfer capacity is improved, but the battery cell volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capacityVSAvoidbattery cell volume
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the cooling member to achieve the minimum required thermal conduction capacity. By carefully selecting the thickness within the 0.1-1mm range and adjusting the thermal conductivity of the core layer material, the design achieves effective heat dissipation while minimizing the volume occupied by the cooling member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling member is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution, with the core layer being thickest at regions requiring maximum heat conduction (near the electrode assembly) and tapering toward the heat dissipating portion. This localized thickness optimization provides adequate heat transfer capacity while reducing overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides rapid heat dissipation, maximizing energy density and extending battery lifespan while preventing thermal-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling member interposed between the accommodation portion and the sealed portion to transfer heat of the accommodation portion to the sealed portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive layer respectively stacked on both surfaces of the core layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4175018A1Battery cell and battery module having the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SK ON CO LTD
  • EP4175018A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4175018A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4175018A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A battery cell includes an electrode assembly; a case including an accommodation portion in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, and a sealed portion formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the accommodation portion; and a cooling member interposed between the accommodation portion and the sealed portion to transfer heat of the accommodation portion to the sealed portion, wherein the cooling member is formed of a material having thermal conductivity of 2W/mK or higher.