Cylindrical Battery Tab Structure for Stress-Powered Thermal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cylindrical rechargeable batteries face issues with stress generated by negative electrode expansion during charge and discharge, leading to thermal management challenges due to high heat generation during the charging and discharging process.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating piezoelectric and thermoelectric elements at the edges or central portion of the positive electrode tab, allowing stress conversion into electrical energy to control thermal energy through electrical energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If silicon content is increased in negative electrode active material to maximize high energy density, then energy density is improved, but volume expansion and stress during charge and discharge worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidstress during charge and discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful stress generated by negative electrode expansion into useful electrical energy through the piezoelectric element. The stress that previously caused structural damage and heat generation is now harnessed to generate electricity that powers the thermoelectric element for thermal management, transforming a detrimental effect into a beneficial function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Temperature

If piezoelectric element and thermoelectric element are integrated in positive electrode tab, then thermal energy control is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the positive electrode tab structure. The tab simultaneously serves as an electrical conductor and as a mounting platform for both the piezoelectric element and the thermoelectric element. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall battery structure while achieving advanced thermal management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positive electrode tab is designed to perform multiple functions: it conducts electricity, mechanically supports the electrode structure, and serves as the integration platform for energy harvesting and thermal management components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively manages thermal energy by converting stress-induced electrical energy to operate the thermoelectric element, enhancing thermal control within the battery.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element and a thermoelectric element are formed at edges of the positive electrode tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a piezoelectric element and a thermoelectric element are formed at edges of the positive electrode tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3754778B1Cylindrical secondary battery comprising piezoelectric element and thermoelectric element

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a cylindrical rechargeable battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, wherein the positive electrode includes a positive electrode tab, and a piezoelectric element and a thermoelectric element are formed at edges of the positive electrode tab.