Stacked Energy Storage Module With Wide Leads for Series Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage modules require separate external components to connect multiple supercapacitors or secondary batteries in series, leading to increased resistance and heat generation due to the small width of protruding terminals.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage module is designed with a structure where multiple energy storage devices are stacked vertically, with their positive and negative electrode leads electrically connected, eliminating the need for external components and increasing the terminal width to minimize resistance and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If terminals protrude from the lateral side of the electrode assembly for connection, then the energy storage devices can be connected in series, but separate external components are required and the terminal width is small causing increased resistance and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the terminal function with the electrode assembly structure itself. The terminals are formed by extending the electrode tabs directly from the stacked electrode assembly, eliminating the need for separate external terminal components. This integration increases the effective terminal width and reduces resistance while maintaining series connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from lateral side protruding terminals to top/bottom surface terminals. By stacking multiple electrode assemblies vertically and providing terminals on the top and bottom surfaces, the effective terminal area is increased in the vertical dimension, reducing current density and heat generation while enabling direct series connection between stacked assemblies.
2Device complexity
If terminals protrude from the lateral side with small width, then the structure is simple, but resistance increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure is merged with the electrode assembly by extending electrode tabs directly from the stacked electrodes. This eliminates separate terminal components while increasing the effective terminal width, thereby reducing resistance and heat generation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal configuration moves from lateral protrusion to top/bottom surface extension, utilizing the vertical stacking dimension to increase terminal area. This dimensional change reduces current density and resistive heating while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If separate external components are used for series connection, then connection is possible, but the module structure becomes complex and manufacturing is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The series connection function is merged into the electrode assembly structure itself. Terminals are formed as integral parts of the stacked electrode assembly, eliminating the need for separate external connection components and simplifying the overall module structure for more efficient manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly provides its own terminal structures for series connection without requiring external components. The stacked electrodes with extended tabs on top and bottom surfaces enable direct series connection between multiple assemblies, making the system self-sufficient for connection purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage module may include first and second energy storage devices each including: an electrode assembly; an external member accommodating the electrode assembly therein; and electrode leads joined to electrodes provided in the electrode assembly, in which the first and second energy storage devices are stacked in a vertical direction V so that a positive electrode lead of the first energy storage device and a negative electrode lead of the second energy storage device are electrically connected to each other.