Electrode Plate Thickness Gradient for Fast-Charge Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face issues with electrochemical non-uniformity and local temperature rise due to high electrical resistance at the end portions of the electrode plates, which are exacerbated by rapid charging and increased energy density.
Innovation Solution
The electrode plates are designed with a coated area having a thinner substrate thickness and an uncoated area with a thicker substrate, where the thickness gradually increases from the coated area to the uncoated area, reducing electrical resistance and minimizing local temperature rises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the electrode substrate is thinned to increase energy density, then energy density is improved, but electrochemical non-uniformity and local temperature rise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode substrate is designed with varying thickness: thinner in the coated area (for high energy density) and thicker in the uncoated area (for low electrical resistance). This local differentiation allows the substrate to simultaneously achieve high energy density in active regions and low resistance in current collection regions, resolving the contradiction between energy density and electrochemical uniformity.
2Quantity of substance
If the electrode substrate is thinned to increase energy density, then energy density is improved, but local temperature rise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thicker uncoated area serves as a thermal management zone with lower electrical resistance, reducing Joule heating at the ends. The thinner coated area maximizes energy density. This spatial differentiation of thickness allows the substrate to simultaneously achieve high energy density and control local temperature rise.
3Reliability
If the electrode substrate thickness is increased to decrease electrical resistance, then electrical resistance is improved, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode substrate is segmented into two functional zones: a coated area with thinner substrate for high energy density and an uncoated area with thicker substrate for low electrical resistance. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function, achieving both low overall resistance and high energy density simultaneously.
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 design effectively resolves electrochemical non-uniformity and decreases local temperature rises by optimizing the electrode substrate thickness distribution, enhancing fast charging performance and overall battery lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
decreasing electrical resistance at an end portion of an electrode plate
Implementation Method 2
decreasing a local temperature rise
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery may include an electrode assembly including a separation layer between a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate including an electrode substrate, the electrode substrate including a coated area with an active material layer, and having a second thickness, and an uncoated area at a boundary of the coated area in a width direction, and having a first thickness that is greater than the second thickness, and a case accommodating the electrode assembly.