Hollow Current Collector for Direct Battery Cell Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management systems for battery cells, particularly sodium-based ones, are inefficient due to indirect cooling methods that prolong heat transfer paths and are cumbersome, heavy, and expensive, limiting effective temperature control within optimal operating ranges.
Innovation Solution
A hollow current collector is integrated within the battery cell to create direct fluid paths for improved heat transfer, allowing for efficient cooling and heating by circulating fluids directly through the cathode area, where most heat is generated, thereby enhancing thermal management and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If indirect cooling methods with interstitial air cooling structures are used, then cooling coverage is provided, but heat transfer path is long and cooling effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal compound as an intermediary material between the battery cell and cooling structures. This thermal compound fills gaps and improves thermal contact, enabling more efficient heat transfer from the battery cell to the cooling system, thereby reducing the effective heat transfer path and improving cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes excess electrolyte from the battery cell to create void spaces. These void spaces are then filled with thermal compound to improve thermal contact with cooling structures, effectively shortening the heat transfer path and enhancing cooling efficiency.
2Temperature
If traditional thermal management systems are used, then cooling function is provided, but system is cumbersome, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling system components with the battery cell structure itself. The cooling channels are integrated into the battery cell housing, and thermal management functions are combined with structural elements, eliminating the need for separate, heavy cooling systems while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains electrolyte, and acts as an integral part of the thermal management system with built-in cooling channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall system weight and cost.
3Temperature
If more cooling structures are added, then cooling capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple cooling channels that are distributed throughout the battery cell structure. This segmentation allows for efficient heat removal from different regions of the battery while maintaining a relatively simple overall design, as each channel is a straightforward structural feature rather than a complex component.
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 solution enables direct and effective cooling of the cathode, maintaining optimal operating temperatures, reducing weight, and improving energy and power densities by maximizing heat transfer and minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a current collector, wherein a portion of the current collector is hollow
Implementation Method 2
circulating a fluid in the least one fluid channel, thereby controlling a temperature of the plurality of battery cells
Implementation Method 3
enables direct and effective cooling of the cathode, maintaining optimal operating temperatures, reducing weight, and improving energy and power densities by maximizing heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The battery cell design includes a battery cell component comprises a current conducting element, that includes at least a portion that is hollow, further component is configured to be located within a battery cell. Another embodiment of the component comprises a first element that defines a first fluid path therein; and a second element that defines a second fluid path, wherein the two fluid paths are in communication with each other, further wherein the battery cell component is configured to conduct electric current. A battery cell and battery cell assembly that uses the component, and a method of cooling a battery assembly is also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.