Semiconductor Safety Unit for Battery Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are prone to rapid temperature rises leading to ignition or explosion due to short-circuits or overcharging, which existing technologies fail to effectively prevent.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly with a safety unit comprising semiconductor materials that act as insulators at lower temperatures and conductors at higher temperatures, disconnecting and reconnecting to dissipate heat and prevent temperature rises, including a first semiconductor material between the radical unit and a safety plate, and a second semiconductor material between the safety plates, along with a third semiconductor material for generating a short-circuit at higher temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semiconductor material is used as insulator at lower temperature, then electrical disconnection is achieved, but heat dissipation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor material's electrical conductivity parameter is changed by temperature variation. At normal temperatures, it maintains high resistance for electrical disconnection. When temperature rises to a threshold, its resistance decreases, transforming it into a conductor that enables heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety unit dynamically transitions between two functional states based on temperature: an insulating state for electrical disconnection at normal temperatures, and a conducting state for heat dissipation at elevated temperatures. This dynamic behavior allows the same component to address both electrical safety and thermal management requirements.
2Temperature
If safety unit with semiconductor material is added, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor material automatically responds to temperature changes without external control systems. When temperature rises, the material's intrinsic properties change, causing it to transition from insulator to conductor and activate heat dissipation. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex control circuits, sensors, or external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor material undergoes a phase transition in its electrical properties based on temperature. This phase change from insulating to conducting state provides a simple, reliable mechanism for temperature-controlled safety activation, avoiding the need for complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
3Temperature
If semiconductor material changes from insulator to conductor at set temperature, then heat dissipation is enabled, but electrical short-circuit risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor material acts as an intermediary between the electrode assembly and the external circuit. It provides controlled electrical connection based on temperature conditions, mediating between the need for electrical disconnection at normal temperatures and the need for heat dissipation at elevated temperatures, while preventing unauthorized electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductivity parameter of the semiconductor material is dynamically adjusted based on temperature. At normal operating temperatures, high resistance provides electrical disconnection. At elevated temperatures, resistance decreases to enable heat dissipation through controlled conduction, preventing thermal runaway while managing heat flow.
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
Effectively suppresses temperature rises in the electrode assembly, preventing ignition and explosion by dissipating heat through the safety plates and generating a short-circuit when necessary, thereby enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
the first semiconductor material serves as an insulator at a first set temperature or less to disconnect the radical unit to the first safety plate and changes from the insulator to a conductor at the first set temperature or more to connect the radical unit to the first safety plate
Implementation Method 2
thereby dissipating heat of the radical unit while conducting the heat to the first safety plate
Implementation Method 3
the second semiconductor material serves as an insulator at a second set temperature or less to disconnect the first safety plate from the second safety plate and changes from the insulator to a conductor at the second set temperature or more to connect the first safety plate to the second safety plate
Implementation Method 4
thereby dissipating heat of the first safety plate while conducting the heat to the second safety plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrode assembly comprising: a radical unit provided with first and second electrodes stacked with a separator therebetween, wherein the first electrode is stacked at the outermost side; and a safety unit disposed on the outermost surface of the radical unit, wherein the safety unit comprises: a first safety plate disposed above the outermost surface of the radical unit; and a first semiconductor material provided between the radical unit and the first safety plate, wherein the first semiconductor material changes from an insulator to a conductor at the first set temperature or more to connect the radical unit to the first safety plate, thereby dissipating heat of the radical unit while conducting the heat to the first safety plate.