CFD-based structural optimization of suspension drying ovens for lithium-ion batteries to enhance oven performance

The suspension drying oven serves as a key apparatus for drying electrode sheets in lithium-ion battery production. In this study, a validated three-dimensional CFD model was developed to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the oven. The air velocity uniformity on the electrode sheet surface was quantified using the non-uniformity coefficient (ku), while the airflow resistance was evaluated through the total pressure difference. To improve air velocity uniformity and reduce airflow resistance, optimization strategies were proposed and evaluated, including relocating the air inlet to the right side of the oven and adding curved deflectors with a large bending radius. The results demonstrate that these modifications enhanced the air velocity uniformity on the electrode sheet surface by 21% and reduced the airflow resistance by 29%. This approach provides a valuable reference for the structural optimization and design of suspension drying ovens.