Square Pillar Battery Cell Layout for Dense Module Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable batteries, particularly those in battery modules, face inefficiencies due to empty spaces between cylindrical batteries, which reduces output and capacity, and limits cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A square pillar-type rechargeable battery design with a can having a square top portion and four-sided side portion, an electrode assembly with sheet-type electrodes stacked in a rectangular shape, and a cap plate to seal the can, minimizing empty space and enhancing integration and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical rechargeable batteries are used in a battery module, then the battery structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but empty spaces are created between batteries reducing output and capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the reverse of this principle by using a square pillar shape instead of a cylindrical shape. The square can has four side surfaces that can closely contact with adjacent batteries, eliminating the empty spaces that would exist between cylindrical batteries. This geometric change from curved to flat surfaces enables denser packing in the battery module while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Device complexity
If cylindrical rechargeable batteries are used in a battery module, then the battery structure is simple, but cooling performance is limited due to reduced contact area
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the cylindrical curved surface with a square pillar shape having four flat side surfaces, the invention increases the contact area between adjacent batteries and with cooling plates. The flat surfaces provide better thermal contact for heat dissipation while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
3Productivity
If square pillar-type batteries are used, then empty spaces are eliminated and output increases, but the battery structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The square pillar battery is segmented into distinct functional components: a square can with four side surfaces, an electrode assembly with stacked electrodes, and a cap plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while assembling into a compact unit that eliminates empty spaces in the battery module.
4Quantity of substance
If square pillar-type batteries are used, then battery integration density increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into manufacturable segments including the square can, electrode assembly, and cap plate. The electrode assembly itself is segmented into stacked electrodes that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, enabling high integration density while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery includes a can including a top portion and a side portion connected to an edge of the top portion, the top portion having a square shape, and the side portion having four surfaces, an electrode assembly inside the can, the electrode assembly including electrodes stacked between two facing surfaces of the four surfaces of the side portion, and a cap plate coupled to an end portion of the side portion, the cap plate being configured to seal the can.