Pouch Battery Cell Voltage Sensing With Internal Cathode Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell stacks face complexity and increased contact points due to the need to connect voltage sensors to cathode and anode terminals, which are not always aligned, leading to potential degradation and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a conductive element within the sealed pouch of each cell, connecting the cathode terminal to a sensor terminal on the same side as the anode terminal, reduces the complexity of sensor connections and minimizes contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage sensors are connected to cathode and anode terminals at different sides of the stack, then accurate voltage monitoring is achieved, but connection complexity and contact points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an additional conductive dimension by adding a conductive element inside the pouch that creates a third path for electrical connection. This allows the sensor terminal on the first end to connect to the cathode terminal through the conductive element, while the sensor terminal on the second end connects directly to the cathode terminal, effectively distributing the measurement function across multiple spatial dimensions and reducing external connection complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive element acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the electrical connection between the cathode terminal and the sensor terminal on the first end. This intermediary element is embedded within the pouch structure, providing a reliable electrical path without requiring external wiring, thus simplifying the overall connection architecture while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple contact points are used for sensor connections, then voltage monitoring is achieved, but potential degradation and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage sensing function with the existing pouch structure by integrating the conductive element within the pouch layers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate contact points required, as the conductive element is already embedded in the pouch that contains the battery cell, thereby reducing potential degradation sites while maintaining reliable voltage monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch structure serves dual purposes: it contains the battery cell components and simultaneously provides the conductive path for voltage sensing through the embedded conductive element. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external connection mechanisms, reducing the number of contact points and potential degradation sources while maintaining monitoring reliability
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 allows for simplified and reduced contact points between the sensor and the stack, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of battery cell monitoring while reducing potential degradation.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive element connects the cathode terminal to a sensor terminal on the first end. The conductive element passes internal to at least an outermost layer of the sealed pouch.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery includes a plurality of cells arranged in a stack. The cells include a first set of cells and every cell in the first set of cells includes an internal energy storage element disposed within a sealed pouch. The internal energy storage element includes an anode terminal extending through the pouch from a first end of the internal power storage element and a cathode terminal extending through the pouch from a second end of the internal power storage element with the second end being opposite the first end. A conductive element connects the cathode terminal to a sensor terminal on the first end. The conductive element passes internal to at least an outermost layer of the sealed pouch.