Battery Module Side Plate Pressurizing for Cell Swelling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swelling in secondary battery cells due to electrochemical reactions or gas generation under high-temperature conditions leads to deformation and reduces the lifespan of battery cells and modules, causing surface pressure imbalance and rapid capacity decrease or resistance increase.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a pressurizing member on the side plate to apply pressure to the electrode assembly, compensating for thickness deviations and maintaining uniform pressure distribution across the cell assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressible pad is placed around the battery cell to alleviate surface pressure imbalance, then the lifespan of the battery cell is extended, but the pad cannot fully resolve the surface pressure imbalance when thickness deviation occurs in the electrode assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing member is positioned at specific locations (opposing the reduced thickness region of the electrode assembly) rather than uniformly distributed, applying localized pressure where needed to compensate for thickness deviation and achieve uniform surface pressure across the battery cell
2Stability of the object's composition
If a compressible pad is used to address swelling, then deformation of the battery cell is reduced, but the pad cannot prevent sudden drop in capacity or rapid increase in resistance when surface pressure imbalance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing member applies localized pressure at specific positions opposing the reduced thickness region of the electrode assembly, ensuring uniform surface pressure distribution that prevents both deformation and electrical performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurizing member pre-compresses the electrode assembly in regions of thickness deviation before swelling occurs, maintaining uniform surface pressure and preventing subsequent capacity drop or resistance increase
3Reliability
If the battery module structure is designed to limit battery cell capacity deterioration and resistance increase, then the lifespan is extended, but the energy density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing member is strategically positioned only where needed (opposing the reduced thickness region) rather than uniformly distributed throughout the battery module, minimizing the volume occupied by non-active components and preserving energy density while still achieving uniform surface pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurizing member applies concentrated pressure only in the specific region where thickness deviation occurs, rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire battery cell, thereby achieving the necessary pressure uniformity with minimal structural intervention
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 pressurizing member stabilizes the surface pressure, preventing sudden capacity drops and resistance increases, thereby extending the lifespan and maintaining energy density of the battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing member disposed on an inner side of the side plate and configured to apply pressure to a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the electrode lead
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell including a body portion configured to accommodate an electrode assembly and an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the plurality of battery cells being arranged relative to each other in a first direction; a side plate extending to be disposed on at least one side of the cell assembly in the first direction; and a pressurizing member disposed on an inner side of the side plate and configured to apply pressure to a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the electrode lead.