Elastomer Pressure Module With Cooling Channels for Battery Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face premature aging due to mechanical stress from volume changes during charging and discharging, leading to detachment of the anode coating from the current collector and reduced charging capacity, along with thermal management challenges that can result in damage or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A pressure module with a flexible elastomer outer covering and channel structure for heat transfer, allowing for mechanical load compensation and efficient temperature control, featuring structural elements for heat medium circulation and pressure distribution, ensuring optimal operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the battery cell is clamped together with rigid structures to maintain defined dimensions and counteract mechanical impairment, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the cell undergoes premature aging due to large increase in mechanical forces during volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible pressure module with an elastomeric outer covering that can deform elastically to accommodate volume changes of the battery cell during charging and discharging. This flexible structure maintains mechanical stability and prevents detachment of the anode coating from the current collector, while avoiding the premature aging caused by rigid clamping structures.
2Strength
If a pressure module is designed to be mechanically self-supporting with high structural integrity, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the adaptability to uneven surfaces and distribution of pressure load is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure module utilizes an elastomeric outer covering that combines mechanical strength with flexibility. This flexible material can adapt to uneven surfaces of the battery cell while distributing the pressure load uniformly across the cell surface, preventing localized stress concentrations that could lead to mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure module is constructed as a composite structure with an elastomeric outer covering and internal structural elements. This composite design provides both the mechanical strength needed for structural integrity and the flexibility required to adapt to uneven surfaces and distribute pressure loads effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer covering is made completely flexible to accommodate volume changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural stability and definition of channel structure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure module employs a composite construction with an elastomeric outer covering providing flexibility for volume changes, combined with internal structural elements that maintain the stability and definition of the cooling channel structure. This composite approach allows the module to accommodate cell expansion and contraction while preserving the integrity of the heat transfer medium channels.
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
The pressure module effectively reduces mechanical stress and enables efficient temperature control, prolonging battery life, enhancing performance, and preventing thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
the outer covering has two main surfaces opposing each other, which are interconnected via the edges thereof, wherein structural elements are provided on the inner faces and are arranged so as to correspond to one another and to interact with one another so as to define and stabilize the channel structure for conveying the heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 2
The module comprises an outer covering, which surrounds a cavity that has a channel structure, wherein the outer covering is made of an elastomer material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure module (1) for a battery cell, wherein: the pressure module is an elastomer component for compensating for swelling, and has a simultaneous cooling or heating function, for rechargeable batteries; and the pressure module (1) comprises an outer covering (2) made of a polymer material which surrounds a cavity (9) that has a channel structure; and connections for the inlet (5) and outlet (6) for the thermal transfer medium are provided in the outer covering (2); wherein the outer covering (2) has two main faces opposite one another which are interconnected via the edges thereof, wherein structural elements (10a, 10b; 19a, 19b) are provided on the inner faces (7, 8) and are arranged so as to correspond to one another and to interact with one another so as to define and stabilise the channel structure for conducting the thermal transfer medium.