Stacked Secondary Battery Thermal Management via Localized Cathode Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stack-type secondary batteries face limitations where the entire battery must be discarded even if only one film (anode, cathode, or separator) is damaged, leading to premature deterioration and reduced lifespan due to heat generation and temperature non-uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A design method for secondary batteries involves calculating the temperature profile across positions in a stacked direction and selecting cathode active materials based on this profile to ensure thermal stability, using different materials for regions with varying temperatures to prevent deterioration and extend lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a plurality of anodes and cathodes are stacked with separators interposed therebetween to form one pack battery, then the battery capacity and energy density are improved, but the entire battery must be discarded even if only one film is damaged or deteriorated, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each containing its own anodes, cathodes, and separators stacked in sequence. Each module functions independently with isolated electrical connections, allowing individual modules to be replaced or repaired without affecting the entire battery pack, thus improving reliability while maintaining high capacity through parallel configuration of multiple modules
Solution Approach 2:
Different cathode active materials are selected for different positional regions within the battery pack based on local temperature characteristics. High-temperature stable materials are placed in regions prone to heat accumulation, while materials optimized for lower temperatures are used in cooler regions, ensuring optimal performance and reliability across the entire battery pack
2Volume of moving object
If cathodes and anodes are alternately stacked with separators interposed therebetween, then the battery structure is compact and space utilization is improved, but temperature non-uniformity occurs during charging and discharging, leading to heat generation and material deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple positional regions based on temperature distribution characteristics during operation. Different cathode active materials are assigned to different regions: high-temperature stable materials (e.g., lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide) are placed in regions prone to heat accumulation, while materials with high capacity are used in regions with better heat dissipation, achieving both compact structure and thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple independent modules with separate electrode stacks. Each module can be designed with optimized electrode arrangements and spacing to facilitate heat dissipation. The modular structure allows for strategic placement of thermal management components and creates natural heat distribution patterns that reduce temperature non-uniformity across the entire battery pack
3Productivity
If a single type of cathode active material is used throughout the battery, then the manufacturing process is simplified and production efficiency is improved, but the battery deteriorates prematurely due to heat generation and temperature non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
Different cathode active materials are selected for different positional regions within the battery pack based on local temperature characteristics and performance requirements. This regional differentiation extends battery lifespan by preventing thermal deterioration in high-temperature regions while maintaining high capacity in cooler regions, without significantly complicating the manufacturing process through standardized material placement protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack utilizes a composite structure where multiple types of cathode active materials are combined in different positional regions. Each material is selected for its specific properties: high-temperature stability, high capacity, or cost-effectiveness. This composite approach optimizes overall battery performance and lifespan by leveraging the strengths of different materials in their respective operational environments
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a design method of a secondary battery, including: calculating temperature profile per position of a battery in a stacked direction of a stack-type secondary battery in which cathodes and anodes are alternately stacked with separators interposed therebetween at the time of charging and discharging the stack-type secondary battery; and selecting cathode active materials used for cathodes per corresponding positions by the temperature profile per position.