Thermally Conductive Disk for Radial Heat Dissipation in Cylindrical Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical cells, such as lithium-ion batteries, face challenges in heat dissipation, particularly in the 'out-of-plane' direction, leading to reduced performance at cold temperatures and increased risk of failure at high temperatures due to inadequate thermal conductivity across the cell layers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one thermally conductive plate, electrically connected to the electrode components, which is oriented perpendicular to the cell length and extends throughout the cell casing to enhance heat transfer in the 'out-of-plane' direction, thereby improving radial and transverse heat dissipation in cylindrical and prismatic cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional cylindrical or prismatic cell architecture with spiral windings or layered stacks is used, then the cell can be manufactured with standard designs, but heat removal from the center of the cell is difficult due to poor thermal conductivity in the out-of-plane direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermally conductive elements (such as metal plates or heat pipes) oriented perpendicular to the electrode layers, adding thermal conduction pathways in the out-of-plane direction. This dimensional addition allows heat to escape from the center of the cell through new thermal pathways that were previously blocked by the insulating nature of the spiral windings or layered stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thermally conductive intermediary elements (metal plates, heat pipes, or thermally conductive materials) placed between the electrode layers to facilitate heat transfer. These intermediaries act as thermal bridges that connect the inner regions of the cell to the outer surfaces, enabling efficient heat removal without altering the conventional electrode assembly structure.
2Productivity
If the cell operates at high temperatures to maintain performance, then energy delivery capability is improved, but cell lifetime is reduced and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the cell by introducing high thermal conductivity elements, which changes the temperature distribution within the cell. This allows the cell to operate at lower average temperatures while maintaining performance, thereby extending lifetime and improving safety without sacrificing energy delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful heat accumulation in the cell center into a beneficial situation by providing dedicated thermal pathways. The heat that would have been trapped and caused degradation is now efficiently conducted to cooling surfaces, transforming thermal management from a problem into a controlled parameter that enhances both performance and reliability.
3Temperature
If thermally conductive plates are added to improve heat dissipation, then thermal conductivity in the out-of-plane direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermally conductive elements that can serve multiple functions: they provide thermal conduction pathways, act as structural supports for the electrode assembly, and can function as current collectors in some embodiments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thermal management function with existing cell components. For example, thermally conductive metal plates are integrated into the cell structure alongside the electrode layers, combining thermal conduction with mechanical support and electrical conduction functions in a single integrated design rather than adding separate dedicated cooling components.
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 configuration significantly enhances heat transfer capabilities, improving safety and reliability by effectively shedding heat from the innermost parts of the cell, reducing thermal resistance, and maintaining the cell within a safe temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
thermally conductive plate... enhance heat transfer in the 'out-of-plane' direction... improving radial and transverse heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
According to exemplary practice of the present invention, a cylindrical secondary electrochemical cell (e.g., lithium-ion cell) includes a disk that is made of a thermally and electrically conductive material (e.g., metal material), and that lies in a geometric plane that is perpendicular to the cylindrical axis. The disk is adjacently intermediate, axially aligned with, and electrically connected to two cylindrical jelly-roll electrode components. Inventive practice is possible with respect to a variety of cell types, shapes, and chemistries. Depending on the inventive embodiment, the numbers of disks (≥1) and jelly-roll electrode components (≥2) can vary, each disk serving to augment heat transport in the radial direction. An inventive cylindrical cell thus affords superior heat spreading in the direction radially outward, 360 degrees, from the central axis of the cell.