Golden Ratio for Cell Design

Jerry Wan’s post (right) asks whether cell design has a “golden ratio” for aspect ratio. He concludes that there isn’t a universal one, and that’s right. But the reasons are worth working through, because the best shape changes completely depending on where the tabs are and which edge the heat leaves by. A ratio that … Read more

Resistance Increase with Single Side Busbars

V4Smart cap-to-bottom and cap-to-shoulder resistance comparison

Single side busbars give you some advantages in designing cylindrical cells, but we have always known there is a resistance increase. Single Side 21700 Busbars If we look at the section through the cylindrical cell we see that the main can of the cell is the negative electrode. This can gets crimped onto the top-cap … Read more

Designing Batteries for Winter: Why the Electrolyte is Everything

Ionic resistivity versus temperature for cell electrolyte

AION Engineering INC No matter how optimized your internal cell structure, electrode design, or N/P ratio might be, the ultimate bottleneck in freezing temperatures is the electrolyte. Just as a flawless, 1,000-horsepower engine is utterly useless if the diesel in its fuel tank has frozen, a lithium-ion battery faces the exact same fate. The electrolyte … Read more

Slurry Viscosity & Solid Content Optimization

The Hidden Hero of Electrode Manufacturing AION Engineering INC In Lithium-ion battery production, the electrode coating process is a defining step for the cell’s final performance. However, achieving a pristine coating isn’t just about machine settings; it begins with the correct formulation of the slurry structure. In this article, we examine slurry viscosity not merely … Read more

How Anode Porosity Changes at High Energy Densities

anode porosity versus energy density

AION Engineering INC Anode Electrode Porosity vs. Energy Density: The Turning Point in High-Energy Lithium-Ion Cells In lithium-ion cell design, one of the most critical relationships shaping performance is the link between anode porosity and energy density. As energy density increases, conventional design logic suggests reducing anode porosity to pack more active material into the … Read more

Tubular Redox Flow Cell Design

tubular flow cell design

Tubular lead acid batteries have long stood as a symbol of endurance, simplicity and affordability. They shaped the stationary energy storage landscape by offering deep cycle life and rugged operation. Yet a new wave of tubular design is emerging that could redefine the future: tubular redox flow batteries. Ary L. C. Assunção, DSc. reviews this … Read more

Relation Between Silicon-Based Additives in the Anode and the Gap Between Jelly Roll and Can

graph of Si additive and gap between jelly roll and can in a cylindrical cell design

AION Engineering INC All cells discussed here are 18650 NMC cells. Balancing Energy Density and Safety Using silicon-based additives in the anode requires a delicate trade-off in cell design. While silicon increases the energy density, it also brings significant challenges for cell safety. Why More Space is Needed Silicon expands and contracts during charge-discharge cycling, … Read more

Why N/P Ratio Matters in Lithium-Ion Cells

NP ratio

AION Engineering INC What is the N/P Ratio? The N/P ratio refers to the ratio between the effective capacity of the anode (negative electrode, N) and the cathode (positive electrode, P). In simple terms, it compares how much lithium the anode can store versus how much the cathode can provide. For a safe and reliable … Read more

Importance of Electrode Parameter Changes After Calendaring in Lithium-Ion Cell Production

AION Engineering INC Calendaring is a crucial step in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, where electrodes are compressed to reduce porosity and increase density. Optimizing this process directly impacts the performance, longevity, and efficiency of the final cell. Why Calendaring Matters The primary goals of calendaring are: Effectively, proper calendaring ensures a balance between mechanical stability, electrochemical … Read more

The Influence of NMC Composition on Li-ion Cell Performance

as Ni content of NMC chemistry increases the energy density of the battery cell increases

AION Engineering INC The performance of a lithium-ion cell is fundamentally governed by its material chemistry, particularly the composition of its cathode active material (CAM). In this article, we focus specifically on the role of nickel content in Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) materials and how it correlates with energy density and power capability. Although … Read more