Hydraulic Isotropic Battery Module Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery assemblies face challenges with non-uniform pressure distribution and added weight/volume due to rigid jigs, which can affect the performance of batteries, especially those requiring pressure between the electrolyte, anode, and cathode.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized battery module design using a sealed housing with a thermally-conductive, electrically-insulative liquid that applies isotropic pressure to cylindrical or planar pouch cells, supported by pillars, to maintain consistent pressure and thermal distribution, enhancing energy and power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If rigid plates with fasteners are used to compress battery cells, then compressive force is applied to maintain pressure between electrolyte, anode, and cathode, but the pressure distribution becomes non-uniform due to thickness variances and plate flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic pressurization system where a pressurizable fluid is contained within a flexible membrane that directly contacts the battery cells. When pressure is applied to the fluid, it distributes uniformly in all directions (Pascal's principle), ensuring even pressure distribution across all battery cells regardless of thickness variations. This eliminates the non-uniform pressure problem associated with rigid plates while maintaining reliable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the pressurization medium from solid rigid plates to a pressurizable fluid contained in a flexible membrane. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to thickness variations in battery cells while maintaining uniform pressure distribution, thereby improving both pressure uniformity and performance consistency.
2Stress or pressure
If rigid jigs with multiple plates and fasteners are used to maintain pressure, then compressive force is provided, but the assembly weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy rigid jig structure with a hydraulic pressurization system consisting of a flexible membrane and pressurizable fluid. This system provides the necessary compressive force through fluid pressure while significantly reducing the weight and volume of the pressurization apparatus, as fluids and flexible membranes are much lighter and more compact than rigid metal plates and fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible membrane to contain the pressurizable fluid and transmit pressure to the battery cells. This thin-film approach replaces bulky rigid structures with a lightweight, flexible barrier that maintains pressure while minimizing added weight and volume, directly addressing the contradiction between providing compressive force and reducing assembly mass.
3Strength
If rigid plates are used to compress battery cells, then structural support is provided, but the design does not accommodate thickness variances in battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the pressurization system by using a flexible membrane instead of rigid plates. This allows the system to adapt to varying battery cell thicknesses while maintaining structural integrity and uniform pressure distribution. The flexible membrane can conform to different cell dimensions, providing both structural support and adaptability.
4Stress or pressure
If conventional rigid jig designs are used, then pressure is applied to battery cells, but thermal distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the pressurizable fluid not only for pressure application but also as a thermal management medium. The fluid can be circulated or designed with thermal conductivity properties to efficiently distribute heat away from the battery cells, addressing thermal runout issues. This dual function of the hydraulic system improves both pressure application and thermal distribution efficiency.
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 achieves uniform pressure and efficient heat dispersion, leading to improved performance and reduced weight/volume in battery assemblies, suitable for high-energy applications like electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A battery assembly may include a flexible membrane that contacts a battery cell in a battery pack and a pressurizable fluid that is contained by the flexible membrane. Application of a pressurization force to the pressurizable fluid may result in the pressurizable fluid applying an outward pressure against the flexible membrane and the battery cell
Implementation Method 2
the pressurizable fluid applying an outward pressure against the flexible membrane and the battery cell may help prevent degradation of the battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements of pressurized battery modules are detailed herein. Such a pressurized battery module may include a sealed battery module housing. The pressurized battery module may include multiple pouch cells. Each pouch cell may be located within the sealed battery module housing. The pressurized battery module may further include an insulative oil that is pressurized within the sealed housing. This insulative oil may exert pressure on an external surface of each pouch cell within the pressurized battery module.