Electrolyte Partition Structure for Horizontal Energy-Storage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy-storage apparatuses face performance issues when laid flat, as the electrolyte level decreases, preventing electrode assemblies from being infiltrated, which affects their usage performance.
Innovation Solution
The energy-storage apparatus includes a partition member with a through-recess and through-hole, separating the housing into two sub-cavities, allowing electrolyte to flow from one sub-cavity to the other due to pressure differences, maintaining a high liquid level and ensuring continuous infiltration of the electrolyte into all electrode assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the energy-storage apparatus is laid flat with stacked electrode assemblies, then the apparatus can operate in horizontal position, but the electrolyte level decreases and upper electrode assemblies cannot be infiltrated
Solution Approach 1:
The interior cavity is divided into a first cavity and a second cavity by a partition, with each cavity containing electrode assemblies. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to be distributed across multiple cavities, ensuring that electrode assemblies in both lower and upper positions can be properly infiltrated regardless of the apparatus's orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition with electrolyte supply channels acts as an intermediary structure between the two cavities. These channels enable the electrolyte to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity, ensuring continuous supply to electrode assemblies in both cavities and maintaining reliable infiltration in horizontal operating position.
2Quantity of substance
If electrode assemblies are stacked to increase capacity, then energy storage capacity increases, but electrolyte distribution becomes uneven and upper assemblies are not infiltrated
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the stacked electrode assemblies into different cavities separated by a partition, the system maintains better electrolyte distribution. Each cavity can be independently managed, and the partition with supply channels ensures that electrolyte reaches all electrode assemblies regardless of their vertical position in the stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition with integrated electrolyte supply channels serves as an intermediary that actively distributes electrolyte to multiple stacked electrode assemblies. This intermediary structure overcomes the gravity-induced distribution problem by providing dedicated channels that deliver electrolyte to both lower and upper electrode assemblies in the stack.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple housing structure is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but electrolyte circulation and pressure equalization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The partition divides the housing into functional segments (first and second cavities) with integrated electrolyte supply channels. This segmentation provides a relatively complex internal structure for better electrolyte management, while the partition itself can be manufactured as a single component, balancing structural functionality with manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition serves multiple functions: it separates the two cavities, provides structural support, and incorporates electrolyte supply channels for circulation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve complex electrolyte management without requiring multiple separate parts, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
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 maintains a stable electrolyte level, ensuring continuous operation and extending the service life of the energy-storage apparatus by allowing electrolyte circulation and infiltration into all electrode assemblies, even when the apparatus is in a lying state.
Implementation Method 1
The through-hole is configured to make the electrolyte in the first accommodating sub-cavity flow to the second accommodating sub-cavity when a difference between the gas pressure in the first accommodating sub-cavity and the gas pressure in the second accommodating sub-cavity is generated during operation of the energy-storage apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-storage apparatus, an energy-storage module, and an electricity-consumption device are disclosed. The energy-storage apparatus includes an end cover assembly, an electrode assembly, a partition member, a protection member, and a housing. The partition member defines a through-recess and a through-hole, and the through-recess and the through-hole penetrate through the partition member in a thickness direction of the partition member. The protection member defines a first accommodating cavity, the electrode assembly passes through the through-recess, and the electrode assembly is in sealing connection to a recess wall of the through-recess. The partition member is in sealing connection to a cavity wall of the first accommodating cavity, and separates the first accommodating cavity into a first accommodating sub-cavity and a second accommodating sub-cavity. The first accommodating sub-cavity is in communication with the second accommodating sub-cavity through the through-hole. An electrolyte of the energy-storage apparatus is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity.