Pouch Battery Cell Layout for Heat Dissipation and Gas Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs face limitations in increasing battery cell capacity due to the use of separate module casings, which also lead to reduced battery capacity and safety issues from heat and gas generation in lithium-ion batteries, causing thermal propagation and potential explosions.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design that directly stacks pouch-type battery cells with a heat exchange portion and a heat conduction member, incorporating a bus bar assembly and side covers for improved heat dissipation and gas discharge, while minimizing components to maximize volume efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate module casings are used to accommodate battery cells, then the battery cells are protected and organized, but the battery capacity cannot be increased and the volume efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the module casing function with the battery cell structure by directly seating multiple pouch-type battery cells in the battery pack without separate module casings. The battery pack housing itself serves as the containment structure, eliminating the need for intermediate module casings and maximizing the volume available for battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the battery pack into directly stacked pouch-type battery cells arranged in series or parallel configurations. Each battery cell is individually structured with electrode tabs and heat exchange portions, allowing flexible arrangement to achieve desired voltage and capacity while maximizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If safety devices and cooling devices are installed in the module, then heat and gas are managed, but the space for battery cells becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates cooling channels directly into the battery pack housing structure, merging the cooling device function with the structural component. This eliminates separate cooling devices and maximizes the volume available for battery cells while maintaining effective heat dissipation through the housing-integrated channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the battery cells, manages heat through integrated cooling channels, and handles gas discharge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, maximizing battery cell volume ratio.
3Productivity
If battery cells are directly stacked without module casings, then the battery capacity is increased, but the heat dissipation and safety management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates heat exchange portions at specific locations on the battery cells (such as at the electrode tabs) and positions cooling channels in the housing to contact these heat exchange portions. This localized heat exchange approach efficiently manages heat from high-density battery arrangements without requiring additional space for comprehensive cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heat dissipation function with the structural housing by integrating cooling channels directly into the housing that contact the battery cell heat exchange portions. This eliminates separate cooling devices and enables effective heat management in the high-density direct-stack configuration.
4Temperature
If the sealed surface of the pouch is in contact with the heat conduction member, then heat dissipation is achieved, but gas leakage cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct contact zones: the heat exchange portion contacts the heat conduction member for heat dissipation, while the sealed surface remains elevated and does not contact the heat conduction member. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of effective heat transfer and gas leakage prevention through the sealed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the battery cell structure into distinct functional zones: the sealed surface for gas containment, the heat exchange portion for heat dissipation, and the electrode tab lead portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each surface to perform its specific function without interference from other functions.
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 design enhances battery capacity, improves heat dissipation, and ensures safe gas discharge, reducing the risk of thermal propagation and explosions by optimizing the arrangement of battery cells and components within the pack.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conduction member disposed between the heat exchange portion and the bottom portion
Implementation Method 2
the electrode tab lead portion includes a sealed surface formed by thermally compressing a pouch accommodating an electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pouch-type battery cell capable of being directly accommodated in a battery pack, and a battery pack including the same. In the battery pack, a heat exchange portion of a battery cell assembly formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells each including an electrode tab lead portion and a heat exchange portion is configured to be in contact with a heat conduction member disposed on a bottom portion of a housing without a sealed surface, and a corner portion formed to protrude from one end of the electrode tab lead portion is configured to be accommodated through a bus bar assembly, a cover plate, or a step portion of the bottom portion of the housing to be electrically insulated.