Large-Aspect-Ratio Cell Module Compression for Uniform Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cell technologies face performance issues due to uneven pressure distribution across large format, low aspect ratio cells, which affects their efficiency and heat dissipation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of structural members with nubs that apply compressive force evenly across electrochemical cell assemblies, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and structural rigidity, combined with semi-solid electrodes that enhance energy density and charge capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large format, low aspect ratio cells are used to increase energy density, then the energy density improves, but uneven pressure distribution occurs leading to performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the nub length in the pressure distribution mechanism. Longer nubs are positioned at locations where greater pressure is needed, while shorter nubs are placed where less pressure is required. This non-uniform local structure compensates for the uneven pressure distribution that occurs in large format, low aspect ratio cells, thereby maintaining reliable performance while achieving high energy density.
2Strength
If pressure is applied to large format cells to improve contact, then structural stability improves, but uneven pressure distribution causes performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through a pressure distribution mechanism with nubs of varying lengths. Each nub is strategically positioned and sized to apply appropriate local pressure to specific regions of the cell stack. This ensures uniform pressure distribution across the entire large format cell surface, maintaining both structural stability and optimal cell performance without the degradation caused by uneven pressure.
3Temperature
If uniform pressure distribution is achieved in large format cells, then heat dissipation improves, but requires complex pressure application mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by using a pressure distribution mechanism composed of multiple nubs with different lengths, where each nub is simple in structure but collectively they achieve uniform pressure distribution. This approach improves heat dissipation by ensuring consistent thermal contact across the cell stack without requiring overly complex pressure application systems.
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
This solution improves the performance and heat dissipation of large format electrochemical cells by ensuring even pressure distribution and increasing energy density through the use of semi-solid electrodes, leading to enhanced charge capacity and rate capability.
Implementation Method 1
a first structural member in compressive contact with the first planar sheet, and a second structural member in compressive contact with the second planar sheet
Implementation Method 2
the first structural member and the second structural member can include pressure plates with nubs that impart a compressive force on the first planar sheet and the second planar sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cell assemblies with structural members for application of compressive force. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell assembly can include a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in a stack, a first planar sheet in contact with a first side of the stack, a second planar sheet in contact with a second side of the stack, a first structural member in compressive contact with the first planar sheet, and a second structural member in compressive contact with the second planar sheet, wherein the compressive contact between the first structural member and the first planar sheet and the compressive contact between the second structural member and the second planar sheet collectively provide structural rigidity to the electrochemical cell assembly.