Battery Module Electrode Assembly Vertical Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules face significant swelling forces in the horizontal direction due to the arrangement of battery cells, leading to increased thickness of end plates which reduces energy density, as the maximum swelling force is accumulated in this direction.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly is designed with a wound or laminated structure where the greatest swelling force is directed vertically, allowing for fewer cells in the vertical direction and enabling the use of smaller end plates, thereby reducing the maximum swelling force and improving energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are arranged horizontally in existing battery modules, then the structure can accommodate more cells, but the swelling force accumulates in the horizontal direction requiring thicker end plates which reduces energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the electrode assembly from horizontal to vertical arrangement. By rotating the electrode assembly 90 degrees so that the winding direction aligns vertically, the swelling force that previously accumulated horizontally is now directed vertically. This dimensional reorientation allows the use of thinner end plates while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving energy density without sacrificing the number of battery cells that can be accommodated.
2Strength
If end plates are made thicker to resist swelling force, then structural strength is improved, but energy density of the battery module decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the electrode assembly vertically so that the maximum swelling force acts in the vertical direction rather than horizontally. This allows the end plates to be thinner since they only need to resist swelling forces in the horizontal direction, which are now minimal. The vertical stacking of battery cells accommodates the vertical swelling while reducing horizontal structural requirements, thereby improving energy density while maintaining sufficient end plate strength.
3Productivity
If battery cells are arranged to maximize horizontal space utilization, then productivity is improved, but the swelling force in horizontal direction increases requiring more material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal to vertical arrangement of battery cells, effectively utilizing the vertical space that was previously underutilized. This vertical stacking allows for high density packing similar to horizontal arrangements but redirects the swelling force vertically. Consequently, less horizontal structural material is needed to contain the swelling, reducing material consumption while maintaining high space utilization and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module including a battery cell array structure, an upper cap and a lower cap, the battery cell array structure is disposed between the upper cap and the lower cap. Each battery cell includes an electrode assembly and a battery case. The electrode assembly is of a wound structure and flat, outer surface of the electrode assembly includes two flat surfaces facing each other in a vertical direction; or the electrode assembly is of a laminated structure, the first electrode plate, the separator and the second electrode plate are laminated in the vertical direction. Being distinguished from the existing technology, the maximum swelling force of the battery module may be reduced, thus end plates with smaller volumes may be selected to improve energy density of the battery module.