Current Collector Thickness Layout for Higher-Density Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy storage devices, the space required for connecting current collectors to electrode assemblies leads to pressure on the housing space, making it difficult to improve energy density, especially when the current collector is folded and arranged inside the case.
Innovation Solution
A current collector is arranged between the electrode assembly and the case wall with a terminal connecting portion and an electrode connecting portion, where the electrode connecting portion is thinner than the terminal connecting portion, allowing for improved volume occupancy and reduced interference during charge-discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a current collector is arranged between the electrode assembly and the case wall to connect them, then electrical connection is achieved, but the housing space for the electrode assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is designed with different thicknesses at different locations: a first thickness in the first region (terminal connecting portion) and a second thickness in the second region (electrode connecting portion). This local variation in thickness allows the current collector to provide sufficient electrical connection reliability where needed while minimizing the space occupied in the housing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the current collector is changed based on the functional requirements of different regions. By adjusting the thickness parameter locally, the design achieves optimal balance between electrical connection performance and space utilization, thereby improving energy density.
2Reliability
If the current collector is folded and arranged inside the case, then connection is achieved, but the energy density improvement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector employs different thicknesses in different regions to optimize both connection reliability and space utilization. The thinner second region minimizes interference with the electrode assembly while the thicker first region ensures robust terminal connection, thereby improving energy density without compromising connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector is arranged in a specific spatial configuration with terminal connecting portion and electrode connecting portion positioned at different locations. This spatial arrangement optimizes the use of three-dimensional space within the case, reducing interference with the electrode assembly and improving energy density.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform thickness current collector is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the space utilization and energy density are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is designed with non-uniform thickness, having a first thickness in the terminal connecting portion and a second thickness in the electrode connecting portion. This local differentiation optimizes space utilization and energy density while the overall simple structure maintains ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device includes a case, an electrode assembly housed in the case, a current collector arranged between the electrode assembly and a lid of the case in Z-axis direction, and an electrode terminal fixed to the lid. The current collector has a terminal connecting portion connected to the electrode terminal and an electrode connecting portion connected to the electrode assembly. The terminal connecting portion and the electrode connecting portion are arranged side by side in X-axis direction intersecting with the Z-axis direction, and a thickness of the electrode connecting portion is smaller than a thickness of the terminal connecting portion.