Battery Cell Sealing with Phase Change Material for Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High power and large capacity rechargeable batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles face issues with heat accumulation during charging and discharging, leading to potential overheating, deterioration, and explosion risks, with existing cooling systems failing to effectively control temperature variations and sudden temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a phase change material (PCM) on the surfaces of sealing parts or in surplus spaces within the battery cell, which changes phase at specific temperatures to absorb or release heat, maintaining the battery cell within an optimal operating temperature range and improving cycle-life and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling system is added to control temperature in high power and large capacity rechargeable batteries, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the sealing structure by integrating the phase change material into the sealing part itself, combining two previously separate functions (sealing and thermal management) into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material provides automatic temperature regulation through its inherent phase transition properties, eliminating the need for external cooling systems with fans, pumps, or control electronics, as the sealing part self-regulates temperature passively
2Loss of energy
If convective heat transfer with coolant flow is used for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but temperature deviation between unit batteries increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sealing part is equipped with its own phase change material, providing localized thermal management tailored to the specific heat generation characteristics of each battery cell, ensuring uniform temperature control across all cells
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as an intermediary thermal management medium that directly contacts each battery cell through the sealing structure, providing gentle and uniform heat absorption without the temperature fluctuations associated with forced convection systems
3Temperature
If rapid temperature increasing operation is performed to raise battery temperature in low temperature conditions, then operating temperature is improved, but component damage and deterioration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is pre-positioned in the sealing part to provide immediate thermal response when temperature changes occur, preventing sudden temperature shocks to battery components during both heating and cooling transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as a thermal buffer that cushions against rapid temperature changes by absorbing or releasing latent heat, protecting battery components from thermal shock before extreme temperatures can cause damage
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 PCM effectively suppresses sudden temperature changes, maintaining the battery cell within an optimal operating range, thereby enhancing the cycle-life and safety of the battery cell under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material (PCM) that is phase-changed in response to a thermal change
Implementation Method 2
a technology of using a material having high latent heat for a specific purpose during phase change thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a battery cell of a plate shape, including: an electrode assembly in which a separator is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, wherein the electrode assembly may be mounted on a receiving part; and sealing parts formed by heat fusion at an external side of the receiving part, wherein lateral sealing parts adjacent to one of the sealing parts at which an electrode terminal is positioned may closely contact an outer surface of the receiving part while being bent toward the receiving part of a battery case, and a phase change material (PCM) that is phase-changed in response to a thermal change may be added to surplus surfaces of the lateral sealing parts or to surplus spaces between the receiving parts and the bent lateral sealing parts.