Improving mechanical/temperature homogeneity through 3D metal lattice splint in prismatic battery module

The inhomogeneity of the multi-physics field significantly has played a key role on the lifetime degradation of the prismatic battery, especially in battery modules. It is important to improve the cycle performance by optimizing structure design of the module. Here, a novel 3D metal lattice structure with equal stiffness is developed for interlayer structure in the battery module to lighten the non-uniform temperature and pressure distributions. The lattice sandwich structure, with high specific stiffness and lightweight properties, is optimized through simulation using a combination of ABAQUS and FLOEFD software. A 3D metal lattice splint with runner heat transfer is reasonably designed. The non-uniformity coefficients of pressure and temperature between single batteries decrease by 90.8 % and 35.6 %, respectively, indicating the excellent mechanical properties and heat transfer performance of lattice structure. Furthermore, the capacity degradation rate of the module with lattice splint reduces by 18.7 % compared to the pristine module. The lattice structure can provide the basis for optimizing the structure of battery to improve safety and lifetime.