Jelly-Roll Electrode Assembly Using PCM to Reduce Core Heat Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

The temperature difference between the center and outer shell of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly in secondary batteries leads to performance deterioration due to varying reaction rates.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating phase change materials at the winding center of the electrode stack to absorb heat and reduce temperature differences, using materials that change phase from solid to liquid at specific temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a jelly roll type electrode assembly is used for easy manufacturing and high energy density, then manufacturing ease and energy density are improved, but temperature difference between center and outer shell increases causing performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidtemperature difference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a cooling agent specifically to the winding center portion of the electrode assembly, creating a localized cooling system where different regions have different thermal properties. The cooling agent is disposed between the separator and the winding center, providing targeted thermal management to the hottest region without affecting the overall structure or manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If heat is collected in the center of the cell during charging and discharging, then energy density is improved, but temperature difference increases causing performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidtemperature difference
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful heat accumulation in the winding center into a beneficial effect by using the cooling agent to absorb this heat through phase change. The heat generated during charging and discharging, which previously caused performance deterioration, is now utilized to drive the phase change of the cooling agent, which in turn absorbs excess heat and maintains temperature equilibrium, thereby converting a harmful thermal effect into a useful thermal management mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 phase change materials effectively mitigate temperature differences, preventing battery performance degradation by maintaining temperature equilibrium, thereby enhancing battery performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the phase change material disposed at the winding center of the electrode stack may be changed in phase to absorb the heat of the winding center

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the temperature difference compensating member comprising the phase change material disposed at the winding center of the electrode stack may be changed in phase to absorb the heat of the winding center

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Latent Heat

Data Source

PatentEP4164028B1Electrode assembly and secondary battery comprising the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4164028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4164028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4164028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly and a secondary battery comprising the same. The electrode assembly according to the present invention comprises an electrode stack, in which electrodes and a separator are alternately stacked to be wound and a temperature difference compensating member disposed at a winding center of the electrode stack to compensate so that a temperature difference between a winding outer shell and a winding center of the electrode stack is reduced, wherein the temperature difference compensating member comprises a phase change material.