Segmented Battery Cell with Dual Cathode Foils for Low-Temperature Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery cells with Li(NiCoMn)O2 cathode materials experience reduced vehicle range at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, requiring energy-intensive preheating, while alternative materials like LiFePO4 offer lower energy density at higher temperatures, compromising overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell design featuring at least two different active cathode materials, where the control unit dynamically switches between electrode foils based on temperature, using the first electrode foil at low temperatures and the second electrode foil at higher temperatures to maintain vehicle range without additional heating, thus optimizing energy density and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If Li(NiCoMn)O2 cathode material is used, then vehicle range is improved at high temperatures, but vehicle range deteriorates at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius requiring energy-intensive preheating
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cell is segmented into multiple electrode foils with different active materials (first electrode foil with LiFePO4, second electrode foil with Li(NiCoMn)O2). Each electrode foil type is connected to separate power connections, allowing independent selection and operation of specific electrode foils based on temperature conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between high-temperature performance and low-temperature performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by dynamically selecting which electrode foils to operate based on temperature measurements. The control unit switches between different electrode foil configurations (first electrode foil at low temperatures, second electrode foil at high temperatures), effectively changing the battery's chemical and electrical parameters to match environmental conditions
2Ease of manufacture
If LiFePO4 active material is used, then cost is reduced and low temperature performance is improved, but energy density deteriorates at higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple electrode foils with different active materials (cheaper LiFePO4 and more expensive Li(NiCoMn)O2), each connected to separate power connections. This segmentation allows the system to select the cheaper LiFePO4 electrode foils for operation at low temperatures while reserving Li(NiCoMn)O2 electrode foils for high-temperature operation when higher energy density is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes operational parameters by selecting which electrode foils to activate based on temperature and power demands. At low temperatures, the system operates cheaper LiFePO4 electrode foils; at high temperatures with higher power demands, the system switches to or combines with Li(NiCoMn)O2 electrode foils to maintain energy density
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 approach maintains vehicle range at low temperatures without preheating, reduces energy consumption, and offers improved energy density at higher temperatures, while being cost-effective by using cheaper active materials, with the option to adjust electrode foil ratios for desired performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode foil (7) arranged in such a way that as many of the second electrode foils (8) as possible are heated as a result of operation of the battery cell (2) via the first electrode foil (7) and the plurality of third electrode foils (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Method for operating a battery cell arrangement (1), wherein the battery cell arrangement (1) comprises at least one battery cell (2), a circuit (3) and a control unit (4), wherein the battery cell (2) comprises at least one housing (5) and arranged therein a stack (6) formed from a plurality of electrode foils (7, 8, 9) and separator materials (10) arranged between them; wherein the plurality of electrode foils (7, 8, 9) comprises at least one first electrode foil (7) and at least one second electrode foil (8) of a first electrode type, i.e. a cathode, as well as at least one third electrode foil (9) of a second electrode type, i.e. an anode.