Electrochemical Energy Storage Module Bridging Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical energy storage modules, such as lithium-ion batteries, face challenges in reliably bridging failed cells during continuous operation or high power output, as conventional methods are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical energy storage module with a bridging device comprising a first and second current conductor, a bridging switch, and a bridging material that melts upon heating to establish a partial electrical connection, increasing the cross-sectional area for current flow and reducing contact resistance, allowing for efficient and reliable bridging of cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bridging methods are used, then cell bridging can be achieved, but the complexity of the device increases and reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging device automatically activates through self-heating of the bridging point when current flows through it. The system uses its own operational current to melt the bridging material and establish the parallel connection, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional activation mechanisms, thus improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the bridging material from solid to liquid through controlled heating, and then to solid again upon cooling to form a permanent connection. This parameter change (temperature) enables automatic bridging activation without complex control circuitry
2Reliability
If the bridging point cross-section is increased, then contact resistance decreases, but the heating effect required to melt bridging material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The current conductor has non-uniform cross-section with a localized narrow region at the bridging point. This local quality change concentrates the heating effect precisely where needed (at the bridging point) while the overall conductor maintains sufficient cross-section for low contact resistance, resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and electrical connection reliability
3Reliability
If multiple bridging points are used, then bridging reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging connection is divided into multiple sequential stages through multiple bridging points arranged in series. Each bridging point establishes a partial connection that progressively increases the parallel path capacity. This segmentation improves reliability through redundant connection paths while maintaining relatively simple device structure by using a single current conductor
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 solution enables reliable and efficient bridging of energy storage cells by reducing contact resistance and increasing current flow, preventing cell failure and maintaining module performance even when cells heat up beyond a predefined temperature threshold.
Implementation Method 1
the bridging material arranged in the region of the at least one bridging point melts as a consequence of heating of the at least one bridging point, and in the process establishes a second partial electrical connection between the first current conductor and the second current conductor. The heating of the at least one bridging point is caused by an electric current that flows through the bridging point cross-section
Implementation Method 2
the bridging material arranged in the region of the at least one bridging point melts as a consequence of heating of the at least one bridging point
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical energy storage module and a vehicle having an energy storage module of this type. At least one energy storage cell and at least one bridging device are electrically connected in parallel. The bridging device has a first current conductor having at least one bridging point, which has a bridging point cross-section, and a second current conductor, which is spaced apart from the first current conductor by a gap. The bridging device also has a bridging switch for establishing a first partial electrical connection between the first current conductor and the second current conductor and has a bridging material arranged in the region of the bridging point.