Absolute Humidity Calculation via Dew Point for Battery Electrode Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately control absolute humidity during the electrode manufacturing process of battery cells, leading to potential performance deterioration, degradation, or explosion due to inadequate drying and crack formation in electrodes.

Innovation Solution

An absolute humidity calculation apparatus that measures temperature and dew point data in real time to calculate absolute humidity using a conversion formula, enabling precise control of humidity levels in battery manufacturing spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional humidity measurement methods are used during electrode manufacturing, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision is insufficient to accurately control absolute humidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsolute humidity measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dew point sensor as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly measures absolute humidity by detecting the dew point temperature. This mediator approach enables accurate absolute humidity measurement without requiring direct complex measurement systems, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the measurement parameter from direct humidity measurement to dew point temperature measurement. By measuring the dew point temperature and using it to calculate absolute humidity through established thermodynamic relationships, the system achieves high measurement precision while using relatively simple sensing equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time absolute humidity calculation is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and calculation units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode drying precisionVSAvoidhumidity control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of temperature and dew point parameters during the electrode drying process. By continuously monitoring these parameters in real-time before final drying completion, the system can determine whether drying is sufficient and prevent defects, thereby improving manufacturing precision without requiring overly complex real-time control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated absolute humidity values are used to monitor and evaluate the drying process. The controller receives temperature and dew point data, calculates absolute humidity, and uses this feedback information to assess drying adequacy, enabling precise manufacturing control through relatively simple feedback loops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If temperature and dew point measurement are performed simultaneously, then calculation speed is improved for real-time monitoring, but loss of time increases due to multiple measurement operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehumidity calculation speedVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous simultaneous measurement of both temperature and dew point parameters throughout the electrode drying process. Rather than performing sequential measurements, the system continuously captures both parameters at the same time, enabling real-time absolute humidity calculation and maintaining high productivity without significant time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Accurate real-time calculation of absolute humidity reduces the risk of electrode cracks and enhances battery cell safety by ensuring proper drying, thereby improving manufacturing yield and reducing analysis costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first measurement unit measures a temperature in a negative electrode-drying space for the battery to acquire temperature data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a second measurement unit measures a dew point in the battery manufacturing space to acquire dew point data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDew point measurement:

Implementation Method 3

calculating absolute humidity in the battery manufacturing space on the basis of the temperature data and the dew point data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsolute humidity calculation:

Data Source

PatentEP4310486B1Absolute humidity calculation apparatus and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4310486B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4310486B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4310486B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An absolute humidity calculation apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes a first measurement unit configured to measure a temperature in a battery manufacturing space and acquire temperature data, a second measurement unit configured to measure a dew point in the battery manufacturing space and acquire dew point data, and a controller configured to calculate absolute humidity in the battery manufacturing space on the basis of the temperature data and the dew point data.