Battery Cell Electrolyte Refilling via Segmented Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for refilling electrolytes in lithium secondary batteries, particularly in pouch-type batteries used for electric vehicles, face challenges such as degradation of sealing properties and high costs due to the need for expensive equipment and complex procedures, making it difficult to refill without dismantling the battery cell.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for refilling electrolytes in battery cells and packs that include a cell accommodating case with filling and discharge valves, a main filling tube, and a main discharge tube, allowing for parallel connection and external exposure of ports, along with a control unit to manage the refilling process, including a solvent tank, electrolyte tank, and a gas discharge tube with a measuring apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the battery cell is dismantled to remove gas and refill electrolyte, then the electrolyte can be refilled, but the sealing property of the battery cell is degraded and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cell structure is segmented by adding separate filling and discharge ports that are spatially distributed on opposite sides of the cell. This allows electrolyte refilling through the filling port while gas removal occurs through the discharge port, enabling maintenance without dismantling the cell and preserving sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling valve and discharge valve act as intermediary components that mediate between the external refilling system and the internal battery cell environment. These valves control the exchange of electrolyte and gas without requiring cell dismantling, thus maintaining sealing while enabling electrolyte replacement.
2Quantity of substance
If expensive apparatus is used to refill electrolyte under controllable environment, then the electrolyte refilling can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cell is equipped with self-service capabilities through integrated filling and discharge ports with valves that enable electrolyte refilling without requiring expensive external apparatus. The cell itself provides the necessary interfaces and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment and controlled environment facilities.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery cell is dismantled to refill electrolyte, then the electrolyte can be replaced, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filling port and discharge port are pre-configured on the battery cell structure during manufacturing, with valves already in place. This preliminary preparation allows electrolyte refilling to be performed quickly and simply by connecting external tubing to the ports, without requiring complex dismantling procedures or specialized facilities during the refilling operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a battery cell refillable with an electrolyte, an electrolyte refilling system for a battery pack configured to include a plurality of battery cells, and an electrolyte refilling method for a battery pack of an electric vehicle.