GB2585916A - Apparatus and method for a cylindrical cell - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for a cylindrical cell Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2585916A
GB2585916A GB1910551.9A GB201910551A GB2585916A GB 2585916 A GB2585916 A GB 2585916A GB 201910551 A GB201910551 A GB 201910551A GB 2585916 A GB2585916 A GB 2585916A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
end member
housing
cylindrical cell
jelly
roll
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1910551.9A
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GB2585916B (en
GB201910551D0 (en
Inventor
Somerville Limhi
Nicholls Stephen
Taylor Nigel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
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Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
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Priority to GB1910551.9A priority Critical patent/GB2585916B/en
Publication of GB201910551D0 publication Critical patent/GB201910551D0/en
Publication of GB2585916A publication Critical patent/GB2585916A/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/052Li-accumulators
    • H01M10/0525Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/058Construction or manufacture
    • H01M10/0587Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only wound construction elements, i.e. wound positive electrodes, wound negative electrodes and wound separators
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/61Types of temperature control
    • H01M10/613Cooling or keeping cold
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/62Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
    • H01M10/625Vehicles
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/64Heating or cooling; Temperature control characterised by the shape of the cells
    • H01M10/643Cylindrical cells
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/653Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by electrically insulating or thermally conductive materials
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/654Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells located inside the innermost case of the cells, e.g. mandrels, electrodes or electrolytes
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/655Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
    • H01M10/6553Terminals or leads
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/655Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
    • H01M10/6554Rods or plates
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/102Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure
    • H01M50/107Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/116Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
    • H01M50/117Inorganic material
    • H01M50/119Metals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147Lids or covers
    • H01M50/148Lids or covers characterised by their shape
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147Lids or covers
    • H01M50/148Lids or covers characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/152Lids or covers characterised by their shape for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147Lids or covers
    • H01M50/155Lids or covers characterised by the material
    • H01M50/157Inorganic material
    • H01M50/159Metals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147Lids or covers
    • H01M50/166Lids or covers characterised by the methods of assembling casings with lids
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/147Lids or covers
    • H01M50/166Lids or covers characterised by the methods of assembling casings with lids
    • H01M50/169Lids or covers characterised by the methods of assembling casings with lids by welding, brazing or soldering
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/183Sealing members
    • H01M50/19Sealing members characterised by the material
    • H01M50/191Inorganic material
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/528Fixed electrical connections, i.e. not intended for disconnection
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/531Electrode connections inside a battery casing
    • H01M50/533Electrode connections inside a battery casing characterised by the shape of the leads or tabs
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/543Terminals
    • H01M50/547Terminals characterised by the disposition of the terminals on the cells
    • H01M50/548Terminals characterised by the disposition of the terminals on the cells on opposite sides of the cell
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/543Terminals
    • H01M50/552Terminals characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/559Terminals adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round, elliptic or button cells
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10Energy storage using batteries
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02PCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)

Abstract

A cylindrical cell 2 form a secondary battery comprises a housing 20 with a peripheral wall 20a, a first end member 22 and a second end member 21, and a jelly-roll 23 and thermally conductive member 24 both located within the housing. The thermally conductive member 24 is centrally disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the jelly-roll and to the first end member. One or more of the end members may be removably attached to the peripheral wall of the housing, e.g. by screw fitting, or may instead be welded. A pair of central thermally conductive members (34a,b; Fig 3) may be provided on each end wall, which members may be joined together by an electrical insulator. A method of forming the cell is also disclosed, which method may comprise inserting the jelly-roll into a preformed housing, or the housing may be formed around the jelly-roll.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A CYLINDRICAL CELL
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a cylindrical cell for a secondary battery and particularly, but not exclusively, to a cylindrical cell comprising a jelly-roll. Aspects of the invention relate to a cylindrical cell, to a battery pack, to a vehicle comprising said cylindrical cell or battery pack and to a method, where a cylindrical cell, a battery pack and a vehicle comprising said cylindrical cell or battery pack are the subjects of each of the independent apparatus and method claims.
BACKGROUND
Batteries are devices comprising a connected group of one or more electrochemical cells, wherein chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power. While primary batteries are not rechargeable and are discarded after a single use, secondary batteries are rechargeable. The chemical reactions in secondary batteries can be reversed by running a current into the cell to recharge the battery and regenerate the chemical reactants.
Although secondary batteries generally have a lower energy density than primary cells, primary batteries typically comprise toxic heavy metals and strong acids, which are hazardous waste materials. As such, primary batteries, in contrast to secondary batteries, are considered wasteful as the small energy content does not overcome the high pollution content. Lithium-ion secondary batteries have one or more of a high cycle count, higher self-discharge rates, lower internal resistance, low maintenance, reduced cost per cycle, are more economical and less loss of rechargeable capacity with current draw.
Electrochemical cells are limited in terms of voltage and capacity. A battery intended for electric vehicles may comprise many cells connected in series and/or parallel depending on the requirements in terms of voltage, power and capacity. The configuration of electrodes affects the cells performance, for example the capacity. Cells connected in series share the same current, while cells connected in parallel share the same voltage. In identical cells connected in parallel, the current is divided equally among individual cells, resulting in increased battery capacity.
Cylindrical cells have high energy density, high power, high performance and a long-life span. It is known to provide a so-called jelly roll' which comprises an anode layer at least one separator layer and a cathode layer, the layers being rolled up to form the 'jelly roll'. The rolled-up layers are provided with appropriate contacts and located in a housing (usually cylindrical) to form an electrochemical cell. The larger the diameter of the cylinder the larger the capacity of the cell. Whilst cylindrical cells are typically simple to produce, drawbacks lie in the packaging of cells, weight cost of rectifying energy-density issues, difficulty of welding cells in a module/pack due to the thickness of the housing, thermal management, including temperature uniformity and extraction, such that the temperature varies within the cell and is difficult to extract from the cell, and propagation from cell to cell through deterioration of the gasket in the case of a thermal event.
When a cell is in use the internal temperature increases due to Joule heating. Optimal performance requires a uniform temperature distribution. However, the core of the cell is typically significantly warmer than the periphery. To avoid abuse situations such as thermal runaway and to improve performance and lifetime heat needs to be removed from the core.
The size of the cells is therefore a trade-off between capacity and thermal performance, with thinner cells often being used in power-optimised applications.
From a battery perspective, cylindrical cells cannot be packed in a space-optimal way. Voids are left between cells (connected in series and/or parallel) when located in a box such as those intended for vehicle installation. Consequently, the final size of the power pack may include void space and be larger than desired.
It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a cylindrical cell, a battery pack or a vehicle comprising said cylindrical cell or battery pack, as claimed in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a prismatic cell for a secondary battery, which comprises a housing having a peripheral wall, and one or more end members, and a thermally conductive member electrically connected to one or more of the end members and located within the housing. The prismatic cell may be cylindrical, or it may be an alternate prismatic form for example, hexagonal, rectangular, square and/or any other suitable prismatic form.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell for a secondary battery, which comprises a housing having a peripheral wall, and one or more end members, a jelly-roll located within the housing and a thermally conductive member electrically connected to the jelly-roll and to one or more of the end members.
The thermally conductive member does not function as an electrode but rather as a current collector/tab and acts as a heat sink, where it may facilitate in situ heat management and thermal transfer from the cell. The thermally conductive member may be a mandrel core or a bus-bar. The thermally conductive member may improve capability, providing a better distribution and increasing the total tabbed surface area of the electrode by up to 30-50 times higher, which may allow for a much higher temperature transfer between the cell internals and its externals.
The thermally conductive member improves temperature uniformity and extraction. We believe that this may improve the pack reliability.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, which comprises: a housing having a peripheral wall, a first end member and a second end member; a jelly-roll located within the housing; and a substantially centrally disposed thermally conductive member electrically connected to the jelly-roll and to the first end member. In this specification, "substantially centrally disposed" means that the thermally conductive member may be centrally disposed, or it may be off-centre but not so far off-centre that the thermally conductive member is proximate the housing, for example is in direct contact with the housing.
The thermal and electrical connection of the thermally conductive member to the jelly-roll and to the first and or second end member, facilitates thermal transfer from the cell and provides electrical connectivity.
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the jelly-roll may be electrically connected to the second end member.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the first end member may be thicker than the peripheral wall. The first end member may have a thickness in the range 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, for example from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the second end member may be thicker than the peripheral wall. The second end member may have a thickness in the range 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, for example from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.
The first end member may be the same thickness as the second end member or it may be a different thickness to the second end member. Incorporating a thicker first end member and/or second end member allows the cylindrical cell to act as a better heat sink. Additionally, or alternatively, the thicker first end member and/or second end member may improve the welding capability of the cell within the module or battery pack design, creating a greater barrier between the internals of the cell and the atmosphere.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall may be greater than or equal to 0.3 mm thick, for example 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm thick. Less than 0.3 mm thickness may be too thin, as the attachment, for example crimping, of the peripheral wall may be stronger than the peripheral wall itself and as such, in the case of a thermal event, the peripheral wall would be damaged as opposed to the end members.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein one or more of the peripheral wall, the thermally conductive member, the first end member and/or the second end member may be comprised of aluminium. Aluminium may be employed to overcome the weight cost of rectifying energy density problems and therefore the viability of the cell as an energy storage device. The use of a lightweight material such as aluminium may offset the weight of the incorporation of a thermally conductive member. Additionally or alternatively, the use of aluminium may improve heat dissipation from or to the cell from the surround.
Optionally, one or more of the peripheral wall, the thermally conductive member, the first end member and/or the second end member may be comprised of copper or steel.
The peripheral wall, the thermally conductive member, the first end member and/or the second end member may be comprised of the same material or they may be comprised of different materials.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the first end member may provide a negative terminal.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the first end member may provide a positive terminal.
Switching the electrodes/polarity may stop corrosion of the housing at the potentials of the positive electrode. Specifically, the switching of electrodes may be employed in order to facilitate the use of the aluminium housing.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the first end member and/or the second end member may be removably attached to the housing.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the first end member and/or the second end member may be welded or screw fitted to the housing.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, which may comprise a gasket formed from glass. Optionally, the gasket may be a plastics material. The gasket may be located between the peripheral wall and the first end member and/or between the peripheral wall and the second end member. Inclusion of a gasket stops the components from coming into contact with one another, preventing transmission of electricity between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. Additionally, the gasket may be required to withstand high compressive loads.
Inclusion of a glass ceramic gasket that is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 700 °C may stop burning of the gasket in the case of a thermal event. It may stop propagation from cell to cell through deterioration of the gasket.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein there may be a headspace between the jelly-roll and the first and/or second end member and wherein the headspace may be less than or equal to 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm.
Wherein the headspace is the space between the jelly-roll and the first end member and/or between the jelly-roll and the second end member.
Current designs require headspaces in the range 2 mm to 5 mm. However, here the 35 headspace may be reduced. The headspace may be from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, for example from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Alternatively, in the presence of a glass gasket, the headspace may be eliminated entirely. Although insertion of a glass ceramic gasket may increase the cell cost by approximately 0.2%, it enables the headspace/venting to be removed from the pack due to heat dissipation, accounting for approximately 26 mm, saving approximately 12% in pack volume.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, which may comprise a plurality of thermally conductive members, for example the cylindrical cell may comprise a second thermally conductive member connected to the second end member.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the second thermally conductive member may be substantially centrally disposed.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the jelly-roll may be electrically connected to the second end member.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the first thermally conductive member and the second thermally conductive member may be joined by an electrical insulator.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cylindrical cell, wherein the cell may be a lithium-ion battery cell.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a battery pack which comprises a plurality of cylindrical cells according to any of the previous aspects or embodiments of the invention. The adjacent cells may be touching or alternatively, there may be a space between the adjacent cells. The space may be for example from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, for example 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle which comprises; a cylindrical cell or a battery pack according to any of the previous aspects or embodiments of the invention.
According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a cylindrical cell, the method comprising providing a first end member of the housing having a substantially centrally disposed member upstanding therefrom; electrically connecting a jelly-roll to the member; locating the jelly-roll within a housing. Wherein upstanding therefrom necessitates the substantially centrally disposed member being attached to the first member and protruding therefrom. The substantially centrally disposed member may be at an angle approximately 90° to the first end member, the angle may be exactly 90° or substantially 90°, such that the substantially centrally disposed end member may stay attached to the first end member.
According to an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a method of forming a cylindrical cell, wherein locating the jelly-roll within the housing may comprise inserting the jelly-roll into the housing, wherein the housing may be a preformed housing with a void, for instance a cylindrical central void.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a method of forming a cylindrical cell, wherein locating the jelly-roll within the housing may comprise securing the housing around the jelly-roll.
According to a yet further embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a method of forming a cylindrical cell, wherein a connection may be made to the second end member of the housing.
The invention may be multi-faceted in order to make the necessary improvements whilst off-setting the negative impact of such improvements on the rest of the system.
For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cylindrical cell according to a first example; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a cylindrical cell according to a second example; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a cylindrical cell according to a third example; Figure 4 shows a flow diagram of a method for forming a prismatic cell according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 shows a vehicle comprising a cylindrical cell or battery pack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a cylindrical cell 1, which includes a housing 10, a first end member 11, a second end member 12, a jelly-roll 13, a thermally conductive member 14 and a glass ceramic gasket 15.
The housing 10 is in the form of a hollow cylinder with a peripheral wall 10a. The first and second end members 11, 12 are both in the form of flat, circular discs. The peripheral wall 10a of the housing 10 is attached to the periphery of the second end member 12 to provide a cylindrical receptacle with a closed end. The jelly-roll 13 is received within the housing 10 and is electrically connected to the second end member 12.
The thermally conductive member 14 is secured to the centre of the first end member 11 and depends therefrom. The jelly-roll 13 is wrapped around the thermally conductive member 14 prior to being inserted into the central void of the housing 10. In an assembled condition, the first end member 11 is secured to the upper end of the peripheral wall 10a of the housing 10, with the gasket 15 captivated there between.
As a result, the thermally conductive member 14 depends from the first end member 11, into the housing 10, within which it is centrally disposed, and extends into the jelly roll 13.
The thermally conductive member 14 is electrically connected to the jelly-roll 13 and to the first end member 11.
The glass ceramic gasket 15 is configured to withstand temperatures in excess of 700°C.
Advantageously, deterioration of the gasket 15 prevents propagation from cell to cell in the case of a thermal event. Additionally, as the glass ceramic gasket 15 allows for heat dissipation, the headspace, the space between the jelly-roll 13 and the first end member 11 and/or between the jelly-roll 13 and the second end member 12, can be eliminated.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a cylindrical cell 2 according to an alternative example, which is similar to the cylindrical cell 1 of Figure 1. Like features are depicted with like reference numerals with the prefix '2' in place of '1' and will therefore not be described further herein. The cylindrical cell 2 according to this example differs from that of Figure 1 in that the thermally conductive member 24 is secured to the centre of the second end member 22 and projects upwardly therefrom. After insertion of the gasket (not shown) and the first end member 21 the end 20b of the housing 20, opposite the second end member 22, is crimped to accommodate the first end member 21.
The jelly-roll 23 is wrapped around the thermally conductive member 24 prior to being inserted into the cylindrical central void of the housing 20. In an assembled condition, the thermally conductive member 24 projects from the second end member 22, into the housing 20, within which it is centrally disposed, and extends into the jelly-roll 13. The thermally conductive member 24 is electrically connected to the jelly-roll 23 and to the second end member 22.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a cylindrical cell 3 according to an alternative example, which is similar to the cylindrical cell 1 of Figure 1. Like features are depicted with like reference numerals with the prefix '3' in place of '1' and will therefore not be described further herein. The cylindrical cell 3 according to this example differs from that of Figure 1 in that it includes two thermally conductive members 34a, 34b.
Optionally, an insulator may be provided in the void between the first thermally conductive member 34a and the second thermally conductive member 34b.
The first thermally conductive member 34a is secured to the centre of the first end member 31 and depends therefrom. The second thermally conductive member 34b is secured to the centre of the second end member 32 and projects upwardly therefrom. The jelly-roll 33 is wrapped around the second thermally conductive member 34b prior to attachment of the housing 30. In an assembled condition, the gasket 35 is positioned at the first end before the first end member 31 is welded into position.
The first and second thermally conductive members 34a, 34b extend into the housing 30, within which they are centrally disposed, and extend into the jelly-roll 13. The first thermally conductive member 34a electrically connects the jelly-roll 33 to the first end member 31 and the second thermally conductive member 34b electrically connects the jelly-roll 33 to the second end member 32.
In this example, a gasket 35 is provided at the first end of the housing 30. However, the gasket may be situated at the opposing end of the housing 30, at both ends of the housing 30 or neither end of the housing 30.
When no gasket is present, the first centrally disposed thermally conductive member 34a is attached to the first end member 31 and the second centrally disposed thermally conductive member 34b is attached to the second end member 32. The jelly-roll 33 is wrapped around the thermally conductive members 34a, 34b prior to the housing 30 being secured around the jelly-roll 33.
Although the gasket 35 is a glass ceramic gasket 35, where the headspace may be eliminated entirely, in these examples, the gasket 35 may instead be formed of a plastics material. The headspace may be from 0.1 to 1 mm, for example from 0.1 to 0.5 mm.
The second end members 12, 22 in the examples of Figures 1 and 2 are preferably formed of the same material as the housing 10, 20, while the first end member 11, 21 may be formed of the same or a different material. In contrast, the first and second end members 31, 32 of the example of Figure 3 may be formed of the same or a different material to the housing 30.
The first end member 11, 21, 31 and the second end member 12, 22, 32 may each have a thickness greater than that of the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a. For example, the thickness of the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a may be 0.3 mm, the thickness of the first end member 11, 21, 31 may be 0.8 mm and the thickness of the second end member 12, 22, 32 may be 0.6 mm. The provision of a thicker end member 11, 31, 12, 22, 32 improves the welding capability of the cell, providing a greater barrier between the internals of the cell and the atmosphere.
This also allows the cylindrical cell 1, 2, 3 to act as a better heat sink.
The housing 10, 20, 30 may be formed of aluminium, giving a significant weight saving per cell and resulting in a significant reduction in pack cost. The light-weight material, in comparison to steel, offsets the weight cost of the addition of the thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34 and enhances heat dissipation from the cell to the surround.
The first end member 11, 21, 31 is typically a positive terminal. However, switching the electrodes may facilitate the use of the aluminium housing. As such, the first end member 11, 21, 31 may provide a negative terminal.
The thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34, which may be a mandrel rod core, a bus-bar or any equivalent or similar feature, is preferably welded to the first end member 11, 21, 31. It may function as a heat sink, overcoming the problems of temperature uniformity and extraction by acting as a current collector/tab.
The thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34 may also improve capability, providing a better distribution and increasing the total tabbed surface area of the electrode. This may allow for a much higher temperature transfer between the cell internals and its externals.
Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown a method of forming a prismatic cell according to an embodiment of the invention.
The prismatic cell may be for example a cylindrical cell 1, 2, 3 or it may be another form of prismatic cell for example hexagonal, square, rectangular or other suitable form of suitable prismatic cell.
In a first step S1 there is provided a housing 10, 20, 30 having a peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a a first end member 11, 21, 31 and a second end member 12, 22, 32.
The housing 10, 20, 30 may be in the form of a hollow cylinder and the first end member 11, 21, 31 and second end member 12, 22, 32 may be in the form of flat circular discs.
Alternatively, the housing may be prismatic and the end members appropriately shaped.
The first end member 11, 21, 31 and/or second end member 12, 22, 32 may be removably attached to the housing.
In a second step S2 a thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34a is secured to the first end member 11 and depends therefrom.
The thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34a may be substantially centrally disposed (i.e. the thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34a may be centrally disposed, or it may be off-centre but not so far off-centre that the thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34a is proximate the housing 10, 20, 30).
It will be understood that step S2, and the ensuing steps, may instead comprise securing the first thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34a to the second end member 12, 22, 32 in place of the first end member 11, 21, 31, so that the first thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34b projects upwardly therefrom the second end member 12, 22, 32.
In a third step S3 the anode/cathode system is wrapped around the thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34 to form a jelly-roll 13, 23, 33 wrapped around the thermally conductive member(s) 14, 24, 34.
In a fourth step S4 said jelly-roll 13, 23, 33 wrapped around the thermally conductive member(s) 14, 24, 34 is located within the housing 10.
Locating the jelly-roll 13, 23, 33 within the housing 10, 20, 30 may comprise inserting the jelly-roll 13, 23, 33 into the housing 10, 20, 30 wherein the housing 10, 20, 30 may be a preformed housing 10, 20, 30 with a void, for instance a cylindrical central void. Alternatively, locating the jelly-roll 13, 23, 33 within the housing 10, 20, 30 may comprise securing the housing 10, 20, 30 around the jelly-roll 13, 23, 33.
In a fifth step S5 an electrical connection is formed between the jelly-roll 13, 23, 33 and the second end member 12, 22, 32.
In a sixth step S6 a gasket 15, 35 is provided between the first end member 11, 21, 31 and the upper end of the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a of the housing 10.
Inclusion of a gasket 15, 35 is optional. Where present, the gasket 15, 35 may be located between the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a and the first end member 11, 21, 31 and/or between the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a and the second end member 12, 22, 32.
In a seventh step S7 the first end member 11, 21, 31 is secured to the upper end of the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a of the housing 10, 20, 30.
The first end member 11, 21, 31 may be welded or screw fitted to the housing 10, 20, 30. As a result, the thermally conductive member(s) 14, 24, 34 depends from the first end member 11, 21, 31, into the housing 10, 20, 30, within which it is centrally disposed, and extends into the jelly roll 13, 23, 33.
In an eighth step S8 the periphery of the second end member 12, 22, 32 is attached to the lower end of the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a of the housing 10, 20, 30.
The second end member 12, 22, 32 may be welded or screw fitted to the housing 10, 20, 30, creating a receptacle with closed ends.
It will be understood that the method may involve incorporating a plurality of thermally conductive members 14, 24, 34.
A first supplementary step S2A may be performed after S2 and prior to S3 in which a second thermally conductive member 34b is connected to the second end member 12, 22, 32.
As with the first thermally conductive member 12, 24, 34a, the second thermally conductive member 34b may also be substantially centrally disposed.
A second supplementary step S2B may be performed after S2A and before S3 wherein the first thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34a and the second thermally conductive member 34b may be joined by an electrical insulator.
It will also be understood by a person of skill in the art that where S2A is not performed, i.e. the thermally conductive member 14, 24, 34 only depends from the first end member 11 21, 31, the second end member 12, 22, 32 may be integral with the peripheral wall 10a, 20a, 30a of the housing 10, 20, 30 and as such S8 is also not required.
The method may be performed in an alternative order.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a vehicle 5 within which a cylindrical cell or secondary battery pack 50 is incorporated. The secondary battery pack 50 includes one or more cylindrical cells described in the examples above.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (23)

  1. CLAIMS1. A cylindrical cell for a secondary battery, comprising: a housing having a peripheral wall, a first end member and a second end member; a jelly-roll located within the housing; and a substantially centrally disposed thermally conductive member electrically connected to the jelly-roll and to the first end member.
  2. A cylindrical cell according to Claim 1, wherein the jelly-roll is electrically connected to the second end member.
  3. A cylindrical cell according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first end member is thicker than the peripheral wall and the first end member has a thickness in the range 0.4 to 1.0 mm, for example from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.
  4. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein the second end member is thicker than the peripheral wall and has a thickness in the range 0.4 to 1.0 mm, for example from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.
  5. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein the thickness of the peripheral wall is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm thick, for example 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm thick.
  6. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein one or more of the peripheral wall, the thermally conductive member, the first end member and/or the second end member is comprised of aluminium, copper or steel.
  7. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first end member provides a negative terminal.
  8. A cylindrical cell according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the first end member provides a positive terminal. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
  9. 9. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first end member and/or the second end member are removably attached to the housing.
  10. 10. A cylindrical cell according to Claim 9, wherein the first end member and/or the second end member is welded or screw fitted to the housing.
  11. 11. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, comprising a gasket formed from glass or a plastics material.
  12. 12. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein there is a headspace between the jelly-roll and the first and/or second end member and wherein the headspace is less than or equal to 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm.
  13. 13. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, comprising a second thermally conductive member connected to the second end member.
  14. 14. A cylindrical cell according to Claim 13, wherein the second thermally conductive member is substantially centrally disposed.
  15. 15. A cylindrical cell according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the jelly-roll is electrically connected to the second end member.
  16. 16. A cylindrical cell according to Claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the first thermally conductive member and the second thermally conductive member are joined by an electrical insulator
  17. 17. A cylindrical cell according to any preceding Claim, wherein the cell is a lithium-ion battery cell.
  18. 18. A battery pack comprising a plurality of cylindrical cells according to any preceding Claim.
  19. 19. A vehicle comprising; a cylindrical cell according to any one of Claims 1 to 17 or a battery pack according to Claim 18.
  20. 20. A method of forming a cylindrical cell, the method comprising providing a first end member of the housing having a substantially centrally disposed member upstanding therefrom; electrically connecting a jelly-roll to the member; locating the jelly-roll within a housing.
  21. 21. A method of forming a cylindrical cell according to Claim 20, wherein locating the jelly-roll within the housing comprises inserting the jelly-roll into the housing, wherein the housing is a preformed housing with a cylindrical central void.
  22. 22. A method of forming a cylindrical cell according to Claim 20, wherein locating the jelly-roll within the housing comprises securing the housing around the jelly-roll.
  23. 23. A method of forming a cylindrical cell according to any of Claims 20 to 22, wherein an electrical connection is made between the jelly-roll and the second end member of the housing.
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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05234616A (en) * 1992-02-20 1993-09-10 Toyota Autom Loom Works Ltd Spiral type battery
JP2007311274A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-11-29 Toyota Motor Corp Battery
US20100279159A1 (en) * 2007-02-27 2010-11-04 Daimler Ag Electrochemical Cell and Battery
CN202259557U (en) * 2011-08-30 2012-05-30 珠海汉格能源科技有限公司 Overcharge-resistant polymer lithium ion battery
JP2013004402A (en) * 2011-06-20 2013-01-07 Toshiba Corp Secondary battery cell, secondary battery device, vehicle, electric device, and method for manufacturing secondary battery cell
CN109065941A (en) * 2018-06-28 2018-12-21 华南理工大学 It is a kind of can be from the internal thermally conductive lithium ion battery to radiate
US10164304B1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2018-12-25 The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Thermally dissipative electrochemical cell

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05234616A (en) * 1992-02-20 1993-09-10 Toyota Autom Loom Works Ltd Spiral type battery
JP2007311274A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-11-29 Toyota Motor Corp Battery
US20100279159A1 (en) * 2007-02-27 2010-11-04 Daimler Ag Electrochemical Cell and Battery
JP2013004402A (en) * 2011-06-20 2013-01-07 Toshiba Corp Secondary battery cell, secondary battery device, vehicle, electric device, and method for manufacturing secondary battery cell
CN202259557U (en) * 2011-08-30 2012-05-30 珠海汉格能源科技有限公司 Overcharge-resistant polymer lithium ion battery
US10164304B1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2018-12-25 The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Thermally dissipative electrochemical cell
CN109065941A (en) * 2018-06-28 2018-12-21 华南理工大学 It is a kind of can be from the internal thermally conductive lithium ion battery to radiate

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