High-throughput process for manufacturing an electrode-separator composite (ESV) for battery cells
Patent 21004/TUB

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the continuous production of electrode-separator assemblies for battery cells. Electrodes are picked up, transported, redirected and transferred with precise positioning onto a separator material fed in the form of a strip by means of at least one vacuum roller. Different surface areas of the roller independently generate a vacuum to hold the electrode and positive pressure to selectively detach and press it against the separator. An adhesive bond is formed between the electrode and the separator, which can be achieved even without the application of heat. The method is designed for high throughput, short process times and precise positioning of the electrodes.

Benefits
  1. High throughput
  2. Continuous process
  3. No pick-and-place reset movements
  4. Elimination of process-related downtime during the joining of materials
  5. Production of a handling-stable electrode-separator laminate as an intermediate product
  6. Suitable for high-capacitance battery cells with a stacked or Z-folded ESV design
  7. Cost-effective
Possible Applications

Manufacture of electrode-separator composite structures for various battery cell designs, in particular for stacked and Z-folded cell architectures, as well as for the large-scale production of high-capacity battery cells for various battery systems in stationary or mobile applications.

Background

In the manufacture of high-capacitance cells with stacked or Z-folded ESVs, the stacking process is the rate-limiting stage and thus restricts throughput in battery cell production. Whilst it is possible to increase throughput by raising the speed or introducing parallelisation in existing ESV manufacturing processes, the necessary stoppages in the process flow result in a throughput limitation that is virtually insurmountable. The search for alternative, high-throughput approaches to stacking is therefore a major driver in industry and academia.

Technical Description

Using the proposed technology, it is possible to manufacture the electrode-separator assembly in large quantities with high precision and in a time-saving manner. The process is characterised by the use of a cold, fast-setting (<1 s) bonding process for joining during ESV production, rather than a heat-induced bonding process, as is currently standard, such as that used in lamination. The cold application of the adhesive via variably adjustable dispensers also allows for flexible application formats, enabling the production of various discrete and tape-shaped ESVs without the need for lengthy changeover times. An innovative mounting concept for the rollers required for the process also allows adaptation to other geometries without prolonged shutdowns of the entire production line.

Contact Us

Ina Krüger

Technology Transfer Manager

+49 (0)30 314-75916
ina.krueger@tu-berlin.de

Technology Readiness Level
TRL 7

System prototype demonstration in operational environment

Property Rights

pending: CA, US
approved: DE

Patent Holder

Technische Universität Berlin

Possible Cooperation
  • R&D Cooperation
  • Licensing
  • Patent Purchase