Battery Electrode Assembly With Switchable Thermoelectric Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries experience performance deterioration due to heat generation at the tab portion during rapid charging, leading to non-uniform temperature distribution, electrolyte leakage, and reduced efficiency and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of thermoelectric element columns with a series/parallel switching unit to control temperature uniformly by switching connections between thermoelectric elements, converting heat into electricity to maintain energy efficiency and improve charging speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high current flows through the tab portion during rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but temperature increases rapidly causing heat generation and potential electrolyte leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tab portion into multiple segments by forming protrusions at regular intervals along the tab. This segmentation increases the surface area for heat dissipation and prevents localized overheating by distributing the thermal load across multiple points, thereby enabling rapid charging while controlling temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to heat dissipation by forming protrusions that extend outward from the tab surface. This creates additional heat dissipation pathways in the vertical direction, enhancing thermal management and preventing temperature buildup during high-current rapid charging operations.
2Power
If high current flows through the tab portion, then charging power is improved, but the narrow path causes rapid temperature increase and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated during high-power charging into a beneficial thermal management solution. The protrusions on the tab are designed to utilize the generated heat for controlled dissipation, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a manageable parameter that maintains charging power while preventing dangerous temperature accumulation.
3Temperature
If the tab portion is cooled to prevent overheating, then temperature control is improved, but charging efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic thermal management approach where the protrusions on the tab actively adapt to temperature conditions during charging. The structure enables real-time heat dissipation adjustment based on charging current and temperature levels, maintaining optimal charging efficiency while preventing overheating through controlled thermal dynamics rather than static cooling.
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 solution enables efficient temperature control, enhances rapid charging capabilities, and improves battery durability by preventing overheating and electrolyte leakage, thereby maintaining energy efficiency and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric element columns arranged on a surface of the electrode assembly, and a circuit structure that electrically connects the thermoelectric element columns
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery is provided in the present application. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a cathode and an anode facing the cathode, thermoelectric elements columns arranged on a surface of the electrode assembly, and a circuit structure that electrically connects the thermoelectric element columns. The circuit structure includes a series/parallel switching unit configured to switch a connection between the thermoelectric element columns from a series connection to a parallel connection or from a parallel connection to a series connection. The thermoelectric element columns are connected selectively in parallel or in series to improve rapid charging and life-span properties.