Battery Cell Electrode Lead Heating for Controlled Thermal Runaway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries are prone to thermal runaway, where a fire or explosion in one cell can spread to adjacent cells, and existing methods lack effective solutions for intentionally inducing thermal runaway to prevent such cascades.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for heating a battery cell using a heating unit that generates flames to supply thermal energy specifically to the electrode lead outside the case, with a blocking unit to prevent direct thermal transfer to the case, and a pressure measuring system to monitor internal pressure changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermal energy is supplied to the battery cell to induce thermal runaway, then the ability to prevent cascading fires is improved, but the risk of excessive explosion and uncontrolled thermal spread increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to prevent cascading firesVSAvoidexcessive explosion and uncontrolled thermal spread

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating unit is positioned to supply thermal energy locally to specific vulnerable areas of the battery cell (such as the electrode assembly or electrolyte region) rather than uniformly heating the entire cell. This localized heating approach enables controlled thermal runaway initiation at specific points while limiting uncontrolled thermal spread to adjacent cells, thus preventing cascading fires without causing excessive explosions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode lead serves as an intermediary component for thermal energy transfer. By heating the electrode lead which is partially disposed outside the case, thermal energy is transferred to the electrode assembly inside the cell, initiating controlled thermal runaway. This intermediary approach allows precise control of the heating process and limits direct flame contact with the case, reducing the risk of uncontrolled thermal spread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If thermal energy is supplied directly to the case to heat the battery cell, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the case structure is damaged and thermal spread to adjacent cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidcase structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The heating process is extracted from direct case heating and redirected to target the electrode lead and electrode assembly instead. The heating unit is positioned to supply thermal energy to components inside the cell without directly heating the case structure. This extraction approach maintains heating efficiency while preserving case structural integrity and preventing thermal spread through the case to adjacent cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the heating unit is positioned close to the battery cell for efficient heating, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled thermal runaway and explosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiduncontrolled thermal runaway and explosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode lead acts as an intermediary that bridges the heating unit and the battery cell interior. The heating unit is positioned to heat the electrode lead which is partially outside the case, allowing thermal energy to be transferred to the electrode assembly inside the cell. This intermediary approach enables efficient heating while maintaining a safe distance between the heating unit and the enclosed cell components, reducing the risk of uncontrolled thermal runaway and explosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively initiates thermal runaway in a controlled manner, preventing excessive explosions by concentrating thermal energy on the electrode lead, reducing the risk of cascading fires, and allowing for precise measurement of internal pressure changes.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit configured to partially supply thermal energy to the battery cell, wherein the heating unit supplies thermal energy to the electrode lead disposed outside of the case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

the electrode assembly receives thermal energy through the electrode lead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240039085A1Device for heating battery cell and method of heating battery cell using the same

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

A device for heating a battery cell including an electrode assembly accommodated in a case and an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly and having at least a portion disposed outside of the case includes a cell fixing portion in which at least one battery cell is disposed; and a heating unit configured to partially supply thermal energy to the battery cell, wherein the heating unit supplies thermal energy to the electrode lead disposed outside of the case.