Multi-tabbed Electrodes for Uniform Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face challenges in maintaining uniform current distribution and preventing lithium plating, which can lead to reduced battery life and durability, especially during fast charging and high current conditions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates anode and cathode electrodes with specific length-to-width aspect ratios (at least 2:1 or 2.5:1 to 10:1) and a two-tabbed configuration, where the tabs can be asymmetric or symmetric, along with a microporous polymer separator, to facilitate efficient lithium ion transport and reduce the risk of lithium plating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-tab electrode configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but current distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple tabs (first tab and second tab) instead of using a single tab configuration. This segmentation allows current to be collected at multiple points along the electrode length, distributing the current more uniformly and preventing localized overheating and lithium plating.
2Productivity
If high current charging is applied, then charging speed is improved, but lithium plating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the current collection into multiple tabs, the charging current is distributed across multiple contact points with the current collector. This reduces the current density at each individual tab, allowing high overall charging rates without causing localized lithium plating that would occur with a single tab configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration is optimized with tabs positioned at specific locations (first end and second end of the electrode) to create favorable local current distribution characteristics. This local optimization prevents high current density zones that would lead to lithium plating during fast charging.
3Temperature
If electrode length-to-width ratio is increased, then thermal dissipation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode geometry is optimized by specifying a length-to-width ratio within a particular range (at least 2:1). This parameter optimization balances thermal dissipation performance with manufacturability, ensuring that electrodes are sufficiently elongated for effective heat management while remaining within practical manufacturing tolerances.
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 configuration enhances current distribution, thermal dissipation, and reduces the risk of lithium plating, allowing for higher charge/discharge voltages while maintaining battery performance and extending the life of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a separator disposed between the anode and cathode and capable of allowing lithium ion transport between the anode and cathode
Data Source
AI summary
Lithium battery cells, and battery packs comprising the same, include an electrolyte, and an anode and a cathode, each of which include a current collector having a length, the length defining a first end and a second end, a width, a host or active material disposed on the current collector between the first end and the second end, a first tab extending from the first end, and a second tab extending from the second end. A plurality of cells can be stacked in a planar configuration, and a plurality of anode first tabs, a plurality of anode second tabs, a plurality of cathode first tabs, and a plurality of cathode second tabs can each be electrically connected via a respective busbar. The anode and cathode can have a length:width ratio of at least three, or 2.5 to 10. The battery cell can be a power source for an electric/hybrid vehicle.