Solid-State Battery Module Pouch Cooling for Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging solid-state lithium batteries is challenging due to their expansion and contraction during charge and discharge cycles, which can adversely affect battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A module design comprising electrochemical stack assemblies with a laminated pouch surrounding a frame and electrochemical cells, incorporating a compressible cooling pouch and a cooling system that utilizes the expansion and contraction of the laminated pouches to pump cooling fluid and employ edge- and face-cooling methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If solid-state lithium batteries are packaged in rigid structures, then structural stability is improved, but the batteries cannot accommodate expansion and contraction during charge and discharge cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a laminated pouch structure comprising multiple layers including flexible materials that can deform to accommodate battery expansion and contraction. The pouch includes a first pouch layer and a second pouch layer with spaces between them, allowing the structure to flex while maintaining containment. This flexible packaging resolves the contradiction by providing both structural integrity and adaptability to dimensional changes during charging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic system where the laminated pouch can change its configuration in response to battery volume changes. The spaces between pouch layers and the flexible nature of the pouch allow it to dynamically adapt its internal volume to match the battery's expansion during charging and contraction during discharging, maintaining optimal contact and thermal management throughout the cycle.
2Temperature
If cooling systems are added to manage thermal stress, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling function directly into the pouch structure itself, merging the containment function with thermal management. The laminated pouch includes cooling channels or thermally conductive elements embedded within the layers, eliminating the need for separate external cooling systems. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing effective thermal management while minimizing additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminated pouch structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical containment, thermal management, and structural support. By incorporating cooling channels or thermally conductive materials into the pouch layers, the same component that contains the battery also actively manages its temperature, reducing the need for dedicated cooling apparatus and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 design accommodates the expansion and contraction of solid-state lithium batteries, maintaining performance by effectively cooling and managing thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
the batteries expand and contract during charge and discharge cycles
Implementation Method 2
using mechanical force created by the expansion and contraction of one or more of the laminated pouches as lithium metal plates at the anode accumulates during a charge and strips during a discharge
Implementation Method 3
drawing heat from the ESA through the edges of the laminated pouches
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a module with at least two electrochemical stack assemblies (ESA), wherein each ESA individually, in each instance, includes one or more electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell including a solid-state electrolyte; a frame surrounding the one or more electrochemical cells; and a laminated pouch surrounding the frame and the one or more electrochemical. Also set forth herein are methods of making and using the same.