Rechargeable Cell Central Cooling Hollow Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable cylindrical cells face challenges in cooling due to their low external surface area for heat dissipation, leading to hotspots that can degrade their performance and limit their use in applications with high electrical demand.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an externally accessible hollow core within the rechargeable cell, connected to a core insert that runs along the entire axial length of the active layer, allowing for central cooling through an aperture in the outer casing, and a cooling system with fingers for coolant flow pathways to efficiently manage heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cylindrical cell design is used to achieve high energy density, then energy density is improved, but cooling capability deteriorates due to low external surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central cooling core running through the axial dimension of the cylindrical cell, transitioning from external surface cooling to internal volumetric cooling. This dimensional change allows heat dissipation from the cell center without compromising the cylindrical external geometry that provides high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coolant as an intermediary substance that flows through the central core, acting as a heat transfer medium between the hot active material and the external environment. This intermediary enables efficient heat removal from the cell interior without requiring increased external surface area.
2Device complexity
If traditional cylindrical design is used to maintain structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell structure into distinct functional zones: the external cylindrical casing for structural integrity and the internal central core for thermal management. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central core serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrical conductor connecting the active material layers, provides a structural support framework, and functions as a coolant flow channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling effective heat dissipation.
3Temperature
If central cooling is implemented to improve temperature management, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cooling structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and the cooling function into a single integrated central core structure. The conductive material that provides electrical connectivity also forms the coolant flow channel, eliminating the need for separate electrical and thermal management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The central core is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides electrical conductivity, structural support, and thermal management. This universality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one component rather than adding separate systems.
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 enables effective central cooling of rechargeable cells, enhancing their performance and extending their use in applications where traditional cylindrical cells are not viable, including electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system with fingers for coolant flow pathways to efficiently manage heat
Implementation Method 2
coolant flow pathways
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A rechargeable cell (100) comprising an outer casing (38) and a roll (32) comprising layers of active and insulator material disposed within the outer casing. The rechargeable cell additionally comprises an externally accessible hollow core (34) which enables central cooling of the rechargeable cell.