Recessed Battery Case Structure for Cooling and Compact Cell Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary batteries face challenges in achieving efficient cooling and compact design while maintaining high energy density.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a case with a recessed portion and non-recessed portions on the bottom surface, accommodating an electrode assembly with varying active material coating amounts and shapes to fit the case's geometry, and includes a cooling channel between stacked cells for enhanced heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat bottom surface is used in the case, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface of the case is designed with asymmetric geometry, featuring a recessed portion and a non-recessed portion. This asymmetric structure enables differentiated cooling strategies: the recessed portion provides direct thermal contact with the electrode assembly for efficient heat dissipation, while the non-recessed portion maintains structural integrity and simplifies manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bottom surface are assigned different functional qualities. The recessed portion is optimized for thermal management with enhanced cooling capability, while the non-recessed portion maintains structural support functions. This local differentiation allows the case to simultaneously achieve improved cooling efficiency and manufacturing simplicity in different areas.
2Quantity of substance
If the electrode assembly is designed to fit the recessed portion, then the energy density is increased, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into two distinct parts: a first electrode assembly that fits into the recessed portion and a second electrode assembly that fits into the non-recessed portion. This segmentation allows each electrode assembly to be optimized independently for its specific location, maximizing energy density in the recessed area while maintaining easier manufacturing tolerances in the non-recessed area.
3Device complexity
If cells are stacked vertically without recessed portions, then the structure is simple, but the vertical stacking height is large
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode assembly is nested within the recessed portion of the case, allowing it to be positioned closer to the electrode assembly above it in the stacked configuration. This nesting arrangement enables the cells to be stacked vertically with reduced overall height, as the recessed portions create interlocking interfaces that eliminate gaps between stacked cells.
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 improves cooling efficiency and allows for a more compact battery module with increased energy density and reduced vertical stacking height.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling channel between the upper rack cells and the lower rack cells
Implementation Method 2
a cooling channel between the upper rack cells and the lower rack cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A secondary battery including a case having a bottom surface, the bottom surface including a recessed portion and a non-recessed portion, the recessed portion being recessed into an interior of the case, and the non-recessed portion being flat, and an upper surface facing the bottom surfaces, the upper surfaces including a cap assembly, and an electrode assembly accommodated in the case.