Battery Thermal Management Using Phase Change Material Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries face rapid temperature elevation during normal and abnormal operations, leading to degradation and safety risks, with existing solutions either ineffective in preventing temperature increases during normal operation or causing irreversible changes that render the battery unusable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating phase change materials with high latent heat into capsules made of inert materials within the battery structure, such as electrode active materials, current collectors, and battery cases, to absorb and dissipate heat without reacting with other battery components, thereby controlling temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flame retardants are incorporated into structural elements or electrolytes are hardened at high temperatures to prevent battery explosion, then safety under abnormal operation is improved, but the battery state changes irreversibly and the battery cannot be used anymore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition (melting) of phase change material contained in capsules at specific temperatures to absorb excess heat. The PCM transitions from solid to liquid phase during thermal events, providing reversible thermal management that maintains battery usability while preventing thermal runaway, unlike irreversible chemical hardening methods
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material in capsules acts as an intermediary substance between the battery components and the thermal environment. It absorbs and stores thermal energy during phase transition, mediating the thermal management without causing irreversible changes to the battery system, thereby maintaining both safety and usability
2Temperature
If heat absorbing mass or network-like endothermic mass is inserted into the interior of the battery case, then temperature elevation is inhibited, but the battery size increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is divided into numerous small capsules dispersed throughout the battery structure. This segmentation allows the thermal management function to be distributed across multiple small units rather than requiring a single large heat absorbing mass, thereby controlling temperature elevation without significantly increasing overall battery volume
Solution Approach 2:
The capsules are strategically positioned at specific locations within the battery structure where thermal management is most needed, such as near heat-generating components. This local placement provides targeted temperature control without adding heat absorbing material throughout the entire battery volume, thus avoiding performance deterioration and excessive size increase
3Temperature
If phase change material is added to electrode active materials or applied to battery case surfaces, then temperature elevation is inhibited during normal operation, but the battery structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The capsules are integrated into existing battery components such as electrode active materials, current collectors, separators, or battery case structures. This merging approach combines the thermal management function with existing structural elements rather than adding separate complex thermal management systems, thereby inhibiting temperature elevation while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule-containing structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as battery components while simultaneously providing thermal management through phase change. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated thermal management systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving temperature elevation inhibition
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 approach effectively inhibits temperature elevation during normal operation, prolongs battery life, and enhances safety by preventing rapid temperature increases, while maintaining battery performance and size integrity.
Implementation Method 1
materials having high latent heat of phase change at a specific temperature... phase change material (PCM)... materials undergoing phase change at a specific temperature and having high latent heat of phase change
Implementation Method 2
high latent heat of phase change... materials having high latent heat of phase change at a specific temperature... high-latent heat material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery system in which an interior part of a battery structure includes particles (phase-change particles) containing materials (phase-change materials) having a high latent heat of phase change at a specific temperature, contained in a capsule made of an inert material. The battery system in accordance with the present invention can prolong a service life of the battery by inhibiting temperature elevation inside the battery under normal operating conditions without substantial effects on size, shape and performance of the battery, and further, can inhibit the risk of explosion resulting from a sharp increase in temperature inside the battery under abnormal operating conditions, thereby contributing to battery safety.