Prismatic Battery Cell Heating Layout for Uniform Thermal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing battery cell manufacturing process for prismatic cells is inefficient due to non-uniform heating, long heating times, and potential deformation of the cell case, which affects electrolyte impregnation and pre-charging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery manufacturing apparatus with cell processors arranged in a direction, featuring heating units and a movement adjuster to maintain a predetermined distance and pressure, ensuring uniform heating and reducing deformation, while incorporating pressure and temperature sensors for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heating is performed by using only the bottom surface of the prismatic battery cell, then the heating process is simple, but the heating time is long and the heating uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating units arranged in an array, with each unit capable of heating a specific region of the battery cell. This segmentation allows parallel heating across multiple zones simultaneously, dramatically reducing total heating time while maintaining system simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The heating approach transitions from one-dimensional (single bottom surface heating) to two-dimensional or three-dimensional heating by arranging heating units in an array configuration. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous heating of multiple surfaces or regions, significantly reducing heating time while improving uniformity
2Device complexity
If heating is performed by using only the bottom surface of the prismatic battery cell, then the heating structure is simple, but the heating uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating structure is divided into multiple discrete heating units arranged in an array, where each unit independently controls a specific heating zone. This segmentation enables precise control over temperature distribution across different regions, achieving uniform heating without requiring complex integrated heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating units are combined in an array configuration to work simultaneously on different regions of the battery cell. This merging of multiple simple heating elements achieves the effect of a complex heating system, providing uniform heating across the entire cell surface while maintaining structural simplicity
3Device complexity
If heating is performed by using only the bottom surface of the prismatic battery cell, then the heating setup is simple, but the case deformation occurs due to gas expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The heating setup transitions from single-point bottom heating to distributed multi-point heating by arranging heating units in an array across different surfaces. This dimensional distribution of heating sources prevents localized gas expansion and pressure buildup, thereby preventing case deformation while keeping each individual heating element simple
4Productivity
If the heating area of the battery cell is increased, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expanded heating area is achieved through segmentation into multiple independent heating units, each controlled separately. This modular segmentation allows the system to manage large heating areas by dividing control into manageable zones, maintaining control simplicity while maximizing heating efficiency across the entire battery cell surface
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
The apparatus enhances heating efficiency, reduces deformation, improves electrolyte impregnation, and facilitates pre-charging, thereby increasing the overall manufacturing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the process of heating the battery cell may improve the wettability of an electrolyte in the battery cell and facilitate pre-charging
Implementation Method 2
heating is performed by using a bottom surface of the prismatic battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing apparatus and a controlling method thereof. The battery manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of cell processors arranged in a first direction, the plurality of cell processors each including a heating unit to heat a battery cell, and a movement adjuster adjusting a distance between the plurality of cell processors by moving the plurality of cell processors in the first direction, wherein one cell processor among the plurality of cell processors maintains a distance between the one cell processor and another cell processor adjacent to the one cell processor at a predetermined target distance by the movement adjuster, and heats the battery cell mounted on the one cell processor together with the another cell processor adjacent to the one cell processor.