Concentric Pouch Cell Module Layout for Stable Battery Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pouch cells are susceptible to mechanical damage and volume expansion due to internal pressure, posing challenges in forming a stable and compact cell stack.
Innovation Solution
A cell module design featuring a cylindrical inner current collector and concentric outer current collector, with pouch cells arranged along the mid-axis, ensuring stable mechanical and electrical connections through circular terminals and heat-conducting pads, and enclosed by a flexible outer sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pouch cells are combined to form a cell stack, then electrical connection efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to susceptibility to mechanical loading and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch cells are arranged concentrically around a central inner current collector, with each cell nested around the same central axis. This nesting arrangement allows multiple cells to be electrically connected through the common central conductor while maintaining compact mechanical structure and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner current collector acts as an intermediary element that provides both electrical connection and mechanical support to multiple pouch cells. By introducing this central mediator structure, the patent simultaneously achieves efficient electrical connectivity and enhanced mechanical stability for the cell stack.
2Volume of stationary object
If pouch cells are combined to form a cell stack, then compact arrangement is improved, but safety deteriorates due to volume expansion in the event of pressure rise
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric arrangement of pouch cells around the central current collector achieves compact volume utilization while the radial configuration allows each cell to expand outward away from the center, preventing interference with adjacent cells during pressure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell stack is segmented into multiple independently arranged pouch cells around the central collector, allowing individual cells to manage pressure expansion separately rather than as a constrained rigid structure, thereby improving overall safety.
3Productivity
If pouch cells are arranged in a row on the inner current collector, then electrical contact connection is improved, but mechanical complexity increases due to stable mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The inner current collector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the electrical conductor for connecting cell terminals, provides mechanical support and positioning for the pouch cells, and serves as the structural axis for the entire cell stack arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces overall mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and mechanical support function into a single integrated inner current collector structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or support structures, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining effective electrical contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell module has a plurality of electrochemical pouch cells. Each pouch cell has at least a first and second electrode, a separator arranged between the electrodes, and a flexible outer sleeve. Each pouch cell has a circular outer rim and a circular through-hole arranged in the center of the pouch cell. An outer cell terminal is arranged on the outer rim of each pouch cell, and an inner cell terminal is arranged on an inner rim of the through-hole. The cell module has an inner current collector in the form of a cylindrical rod and an outer current collector in the form of a cylinder jacket. The inner current collector extends along a mid-axis of the cell module, and the outer current collector is arranged concentrically with respect to the inner current collector.