Battery Electrode Composites With High Heat Capacity for Thermal Runaway Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries with high energy density are prone to thermal runaway due to low heat capacity, which can lead to rapid temperature increases and thermal propagation, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating materials with high specific heat capacity and endothermic properties into battery components, such as anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, to absorb and dissipate heat during normal and abnormal operations, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high energy density materials are used in lithium-ion batteries, then energy density is improved, but heat capacity is reduced leading to increased thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high energy density materials (such as silicon anodes, high-nickel cathodes) with high heat capacity materials (such as graphite, aluminum, magnesium, or their compounds) to create composite electrode structures. This composite approach allows the battery to maintain high energy density from the high-capacity materials while the high heat capacity materials provide thermal buffering to prevent rapid temperature increases during thermal runaway events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the battery system by incorporating materials with high specific heat capacity into the electrode structures. This changes the overall heat capacity parameter of the battery, allowing it to absorb more thermal energy before reaching critical temperatures, thereby extending the time window for thermal runaway prevention while maintaining high energy density.
2Quantity of substance
If high energy density battery components are used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but resistance to thermal propagation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high heat capacity materials as intermediary components within the electrode structures, positioned between high energy density materials. These intermediary materials act as thermal buffers that absorb and dissipate heat, preventing direct thermal coupling between high energy density components and thereby resisting thermal propagation while maintaining high overall energy storage capacity.
3Weight of moving object
If materials with low heat capacity are used to achieve high energy density, then battery weight is reduced, but temperature control capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically distributing high heat capacity materials in specific regions or layers within the electrode structure, rather than uniformly throughout. This allows certain local zones to provide enhanced thermal buffering where thermal runaway risks are highest, while other regions maintain low weight characteristics, achieving optimized temperature control without excessive weight penalty.
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 incorporation of high heat capacity materials significantly mitigates the risk and severity of thermal runaway by absorbing heat, maintaining temperature control, and enhancing safety profiles of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
materials with high specific heat capacity and endothermic properties into battery components, such as anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, to absorb and dissipate heat
Implementation Method 2
These materials undergo endothermic phase changes or reactions or combinations thereof, thereby reducing the rate and extent of temperature increases
Implementation Method 3
These materials undergo endothermic phase changes or reactions or combinations thereof, thereby reducing the rate and extent of temperature increases
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes designs for improving the safety profile of a Li-ion, Na-ion or other electrochemical device. These designs improve heat capacity and reduce or delay the triggering of thermal runaway in addition to reducing the temperature rise during thermal runaway.