Cylindrical Battery Cell Winding Core for Controlled Shorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochemical energy storage devices with high energy density face safety risks due to potential short circuits causing thermal dynamics and uncontrolled pressure release, which can lead to casing rupture and fire hazards, especially under mechanical deformation.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical energy storage element with a cylindrical housing and a hollow cylindrically shaped wound composite body, featuring a helical structure with conductive winding core that connects electrode strips upon axial deformation, allowing controlled discharge and preventing uncontrolled pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high energy density is achieved in electrochemical energy storage devices, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential short circuits causing thermal dynamics and uncontrolled pressure release
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the sealed housing and the external environment. This valve provides a controlled pathway for pressure release, preventing uncontrolled rupture while maintaining the high energy density benefits of the sealed design. The valve acts as a safety mediator that allows controlled venting of gas and pressure without compromising the overall structural integrity or energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to be substantially airtight and sealed, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents atmospheric oxygen from entering the cell. This inert environment eliminates the risk of fire and oxidation reactions, even when thermal dynamics occur during short circuits. The sealed environment maintains safety by isolating the electrochemical materials from reactive atmospheric gases.
2Strength
If pressure equalization valve is activated to prevent uncontrolled rupture, then structural safety is improved, but atmospheric oxygen enters the cell increasing fire risk
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to be substantially airtight and sealed, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents atmospheric oxygen from entering the cell. This inert environment eliminates the risk of fire and oxidation reactions, even when thermal dynamics occur during short circuits. The sealed environment maintains safety by isolating the electrochemical materials from reactive atmospheric gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization valve serves as a controlled intermediary that manages pressure release without compromising the airtight seal. It provides a regulated pathway for pressure equalization while maintaining the overall sealed environment, thus preventing both uncontrolled rupture and oxygen ingress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If housing undergoes axial deformation, then mechanical tolerance is improved, but electrical short circuit risk increases between positive and negative electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
Electrically insulating elements are introduced as intermediaries between the positive and negative electrodes. These insulating elements prevent direct electrical contact between oppositely polarized electrodes during axial deformation, while still allowing the housing to accommodate mechanical tolerances and deformation. The insulating elements act as protective mediators that maintain electrical isolation under mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates electrically insulating elements in advance to prevent potential short circuits before they can occur. These insulating elements are positioned to provide protective cushioning against electrical contact during axial deformation, addressing the short circuit risk proactively rather than reactively.
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 conductive winding core ensures safe operation by enabling controlled discharge, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and ingress of atmospheric oxygen, thereby enhancing safety and preventing uncontrolled rupture.
Implementation Method 1
the winding core is electrically conductive, and the winding core is designed and/or arranged such that, in the event of axial deformation of the housing, it electrically connects the first electrically conductive contact element and the second electrically conductive contact element
Implementation Method 2
One partial reaction, occurring at a comparatively lower redox potential, takes place at the negative electrode, while the other, occurring at a comparatively higher redox potential, takes place at the positive electrode
Implementation Method 3
One partial reaction, occurring at a comparatively lower redox potential, takes place at the negative electrode, while the other, occurring at a comparatively higher redox potential, takes place at the positive electrode
Implementation Method 4
an ion current corresponding to the electrode reaction occurs within the electrochemical cell. This is ensured by the ion-conducting electrolyte
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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AI summary
An electrochemical energy storage element (12) comprises a hollow cylindrical wound composite body (10) with a spiral structure consisting of at least two electrode strips (14, 24) wound spirally around a winding axis and at least one separator strip (38, 40) arranged between the electrode strips (14, 24). The hollow cylindrical wound composite body (10) includes two end faces (34, 36), a circumferential outer surface (42), and an axially oriented cavity (46) in the center of the composite body (10) in which an electrically conductive winding core (50) is arranged. The wound composite body (10) is arranged in a cylindrical housing (60) with a base (61) and a cover (62), such that the end faces (34, 36) point towards the base (61) and the cover (62).The energy storage element (12) further comprises electrically conductive contact elements (70, 80) which lie flat on the end faces (34, 36). It is proposed that the winding core (50) be designed and/or arranged such that, in the event of axial deformation of the housing (60), it electrically connects the first electrically conductive contact element (70) and the second electrically conductive contact element (80).