Pouch Battery Electrolyte Replenishment via Heat-Variable Laminate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pouch-type secondary batteries face challenges with electrolyte depletion during manufacturing and use, leading to reduced battery life, as existing solutions like auxiliary bags increase battery size and require separate passages for electrolyte replenishment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat-variable layer in the battery case's laminate sheet, which releases a replenishing electrolyte through phase transformation when heated, allowing for electrolyte replenishment without increasing the battery's size or requiring additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary bag containing replenishing electrolyte is added to the exterior circumferential surface of the battery case, then electrolyte depletion during manufacturing and use is solved, but the overall size of the battery cell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte holding portion is nested within the laminate sheet structure of the battery case itself, rather than being added as an external auxiliary bag. The laminate sheet is formed with a recess that contains the holding portion, effectively hiding the electrolyte reservoir within the existing battery structure without increasing overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte holding portion is integrated into the laminate sheet forming the battery case, combining the case structure and electrolyte reservoir into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary bags and their associated mounting structures.
2Reliability
If an auxiliary bag is used for electrolyte replenishment, then electrolyte depletion is addressed, but a separate passage is required for electrolyte flow
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is formed as a recess directly in the laminate sheet, extracting the electrolyte reservoir function from separate components and embedding it within the case structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate passages and connections between external bags and the battery interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminate sheet serves multiple functions: it forms the battery case structure, provides sealing, and contains the electrolyte holding portion through its recess structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate passages and components dedicated solely to electrolyte replenishment.
3Ease of manufacture
If sufficient electrolyte is initially injected, then battery assembly is straightforward, but electrolyte is depleted during degassing and manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte holding portion is pre-formed within the laminate sheet during case manufacturing, with the recess structure ready to contain replenishing electrolyte. This preliminary preparation allows for simple assembly while ensuring electrolyte availability throughout the manufacturing process and battery life.
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 effectively replenishes depleted electrolytes during manufacturing or use, enhancing battery life and maintaining the battery's compact size by using a heat-variable layer within the laminate sheet to supply additional electrolyte, thus preventing electrolyte depletion and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-variable layer, in contact with the receiving portion of the battery case and partially melted or phase-transformed by applied heat to release a liquid component
Implementation Method 2
a heat-variable layer, in contact with the receiving portion of the battery case and partially melted or phase-transformed by applied heat to release a liquid component
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery is provided. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly that is sealed in a receiving portion of a pouch-type battery case together with an electrolyte. The pouch-type battery case is formed from a laminate sheet having an exterior coating layer, a metal layer and an interior adhesive layer. Additionally, electrolyte holding portion for replenishing an electrolyte that is depleted during the manufacturing process or the use of the secondary battery is disposed in the laminate sheet, without contacting the electrolyte disposed in the receiving portion of the pouch-type battery case.