Prolonging the Cycle Life of a Multi-tab Battery by Alternating Electrode Charging

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for extending the cycle life of a multi-tab battery by alternating electrode charging. In one or more embodiments, the battery includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery also includes a plurality of anode electrodes and a plurality of cathode electrodes disposed around the perimeter of the battery for each of the battery cells. Additionally, the battery includes a controller that applies a load or charge from the anode electrode to the cathode electrode for each of the battery cells in a pattern that evenly distributes the charge across both ends of each of the battery cells. In one or more embodiments, the controller is located external or internal to the battery. In some embodiments, the battery further includes a processor for determining the pattern for applying a load or charge from the anode electrode to the cathode electrode for each of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a full-perimeter electrode battery cell. Background Art

[0002] Currently, battery cells having a pouch-like or prismatic nature typically form two electrodes, the two electrodes including a single anode and a single cathode. The dual-electrode design limits the electrical and structural connections to the battery cell and does not allow for the distribution of electrical and mechanical forces across the ends of the battery cell structure.

[0003] In addition, a battery cell having only two electrodes has a limited number of connection points that must be correctly aligned with corresponding connection points. The dual-electrode design also limits the current capacity of the battery cell and may create hot spots within the battery cell during operation. The lifespan of the battery cell may be affected by charge distribution limitations and / or mechanically induced structural deformations.

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved design for pouch-like or prismatic battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for full-perimeter electrode battery cells. In one or more embodiments, a battery includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery also includes a plurality of anode electrodes and a plurality of cathode electrodes for each of the battery cells, the plurality of anode electrodes and the plurality of cathode electrodes being arranged around the perimeter of the battery.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes for each of the battery cells are arranged such that they alternate around the perimeter of the battery. In at least one embodiment, for each of the battery cells, there is an equal number of anode electrodes and cathode electrodes.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, each of the battery cells includes a plurality of layers. In one or more embodiments, the layers for each of the battery cells include an insulator layer, an anode layer, a separator layer, and a cathode layer. In some embodiments, the insulator layer is made of an electrically insulating material. In at least one embodiment, the separator layer includes an electrolyte material. In one or more embodiments, both the anode layer and the cathode layer are made of electrically conductive materials.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the battery is a pouch battery or a prismatic battery. In at least one embodiment, the anode electrode of a battery is electrically connected to the cathode electrode of another battery, and the cathode electrode of the battery is electrically connected to the anode electrode of another battery.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the battery is sealed. In some embodiments, each of the battery cells is sealed such that they are electrically insulated from each other.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the battery further includes a plurality of anode electrode current collector tabs, where the anode electrode current collector tabs collect the anode electrodes of a plurality of battery cells. In some embodiments, the battery further includes a plurality of cathode electrode current collector tabs, where the cathode electrode current collector tabs collect the cathode electrodes of a plurality of battery cells.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the battery is housed within a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the battery forms a structural component of the vehicle. Examples of vehicles include but are not limited to aerospace vehicles such as airplanes (commercial and military), rotorcraft, unmanned vehicles, space vehicles, submarines, and other aerospace vehicles.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a method of operating a battery includes applying a load or charge across the ends of a plurality of battery cells of the battery. The method further includes generating a current that flows from a plurality of anode electrodes of each of the battery cells to a plurality of cathode electrodes. In one or more embodiments, the anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes are arranged around the perimeter of the battery.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the battery includes a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell including an anode layer and a cathode layer. The battery further includes a plurality of anode cross ties that are electrically connected to at least some of the anode layers of the battery. Additionally, the battery includes a plurality of cathode cross ties that are electrically connected to at least some of the cathode layers of the battery.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the anode cross ties and the cathode cross ties extend through all of the battery cells of the battery. In at least one embodiment, the anode cross ties and the cathode cross ties are made of an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, both the anode cross ties and the cathode cross ties include conductive protrusions located outside of the battery.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the conductive protrusions of the anode cross ties of the battery are electrically connected to the conductive protrusions of the cathode cross ties of another battery. In some embodiments, the conductive protrusions of the cathode cross ties of the battery are electrically connected to the conductive protrusions of the anode cross ties of another battery. In some embodiments, at least some of the conductive protrusions include connection portions.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a method for operating a battery includes applying a load or charge across a plurality of battery cells of the battery. In one or more embodiments, each of the battery cells includes an anode layer and a cathode layer. The method further includes generating a current flowing through a plurality of anode cross-connections that are electrically connected to at least some of the anode layers of the battery. Additionally, the method includes generating a current flowing through a plurality of cathode cross-connections that are electrically connected to at least some of the cathode layers of the battery.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the battery includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery further includes a plurality of anode electrodes and a plurality of cathode electrodes for each of the battery cells, the plurality of anode electrodes and the plurality of cathode electrodes being arranged around the perimeter of the battery. Additionally, the battery includes a controller that applies a load or charge from the anode electrodes to the cathode electrodes for each of the battery cells in a pattern that causes the charge to be evenly distributed across the ends of each of the battery cells.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the controller is located outside or inside the battery. In at least one embodiment, the battery further includes a processor that determines the pattern for applying a load or charge from the anode electrodes to the cathode electrodes for each of the battery cells.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the controller includes a processor. In some embodiments, the battery is housed within a portion of a vehicle.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a method for operating a battery includes applying, by a controller, a load or charge from anode electrodes to cathode electrodes for each of a plurality of battery cells of the battery in a pattern that causes the charge to be evenly distributed across the ends of each of the battery cells. In one or more embodiments, the anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes are arranged around the perimeter of the battery.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes determining, by the processor, the pattern for applying a load or charge from the anode electrodes to the cathode electrodes for each of the battery cells.

[0022] The features, functions, and advantages may be realized independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:

[0024] Figure 1A is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode battery including a rectangular shape according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1B It is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode battery including a polygonal shape according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1C It is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode battery including a circular shape according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1D It is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode battery including a semi-circular shape according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a detailed part of a full-perimeter electrode battery depicting the layers of the battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an exploded view of a part of a full-perimeter electrode battery showing the layers of the battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a detailed part of a full-perimeter electrode battery showing multiple anode electrodes of the battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a part of a full-perimeter electrode battery showing the layers of the battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration including multiple full-perimeter electrode batteries connected to each other according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of the disclosed method for operating a full-perimeter electrode battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode battery including multiple conductive cross-links according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9A It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a part of a full-perimeter electrode battery including multiple conductive cross-links according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9B It is a diagram showing an exploded view of a part of a full-perimeter electrode battery including multiple conductive cross-links and showing the layers of the battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a full-perimeter electrode cell showing the layers of a battery including an anode cross-connection and a cathode cross-connection, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 11 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration including a plurality of full-perimeter electrode cells, each full-perimeter electrode cell including a plurality of conductive cross-connections stacked together, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 12 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration including a plurality of full-perimeter electrode cells, each full-perimeter electrode cell including a plurality of conductive cross-connections encapsulated together within a finned wing spar of an aircraft, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 13 FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a disclosed method for operating a full-perimeter electrode cell including conductive cross-connections, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 14 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode cell including a controller for controlling selective switching of electrodes, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 15 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing selective switching of electrodes of a full-perimeter electrode cell, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 16 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration including a plurality of full-perimeter electrode cells, each full-perimeter electrode cell including a controller and a plurality of conductive cross-connections encapsulated together within a finned wing spar of an aircraft, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 17 FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a disclosed method for selective switching of electrodes of a full-perimeter electrode cell, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The methods and devices disclosed herein provide an operating system for full-perimeter electrode battery cells. In one or more embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure provide a battery cell that is surrounded by any desired amount of alternating electrodes to distribute electrical and mechanical connections and to spread current and stress throughout the battery cell.

[0046] As described above, battery cells having a pouch-like or prismatic nature typically form two electrodes, the two electrodes including a single anode and a single cathode. The dual electrode design limits the electrical and structural connections to the battery cell and does not allow for the distribution of electrical and mechanical forces across the ends of the battery cell structure.

[0047] In addition, battery cells having only two electrodes have a limited number of connection points that must be properly aligned with corresponding connection points. The dual electrode design also limits the current capacity of the battery cell and may create hot spots within the battery cell during operation. The lifespan of the battery cell may be affected by charge distribution limitations and / or mechanically induced structural deformations.

[0048] In contrast, the battery cells of the present disclosure include a plurality of electrodes located on their outer perimeter. The electrodes switch polarity as they are distributed around the perimeter of the battery cell. This distribution of electrodes allows the battery cells to be stacked together or assembled adjacent to each other while facilitating the proper alignment of the electrodes to their corresponding electrode connectors. The plurality of electrodes conduct current throughout the battery cell and distribute stress across the ends of the battery cell structure. For example, when the battery cell is used as a structural member, such as in an aircraft, the plurality of electrodes on the perimeter of the battery cell assist in stress loading across the ends of the battery cell structure.

[0049] A battery or energy unit that can be structurally integrated into a vehicle can reduce the weight of the vehicle, such as an aerospace vehicle. For example, weight can be a significant factor in creating lighter vehicles for the development of future electric aircraft. When the weight of the aircraft becomes an issue, how to mount the battery cells to the aircraft structure becomes crucial. The cross-linking integrated within the battery cell can provide a conductive connection as well as a structural connection to the aircraft structure for the entire battery. Integrating the battery cell within the aircraft structure can allow for a reduction in the total weight of the aircraft.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, conductive cross - joints are integrated within the disclosed battery cells. One or more cross - joints in a battery cell can provide both electrical and structural interconnections to carry electrical and structural types of loads, with the cross - joints spanning the entire battery cell and protruding or otherwise connecting to the structure. These conductive protrusions can be captured within the surrounding structure and help control shear, tension, and compression loads as well as serve as distributed electrical connections. Each conductive cross - joint is insulated from one another to prevent short - circuits and is interconnected only with the appropriate electrode layers within the battery cell. Thermal welding or mechanical connection can be used to seal the conductive cross - joints and electrically connect the conductive cross - joints to the electrode layers, insulator layers, and external encapsulation housing. Incorporating the cross - joints within the battery cell creates opportunities for stacking the battery cells and for creating structural members in which the cross - joints can carry loads. Thus, the cross - joints in a battery cell can connect the two ends of multiple battery cells stacked together and can also serve as a structural connection of the entire battery cell to the aircraft structure.

[0051] Electrochemical cells are composed of materials that geometrically distribute and transport charge. Significant charge - related movements occur especially in wet - chemical cells, where electrolyte substances and contaminants move as charge is transported into or removed from the cell. These movement aspects are driven by the consumption of electrochemical substances, which also drives the formation of dendrites and moss - like structures within the battery cell, which can interrupt battery cell function.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, selective switching of the external distributed electrodes of the battery is employed during charging and discharging of the battery. This selective switching allows control and management of the movement of electrolyte substances and contaminants to ensure maximum battery performance, which includes maximizing the amount of energy delivered by the battery while extending the life of the battery cell. In one or more embodiments, logic - based use of switching charging control and electrode switching is employed to computationally distribute charge across the two ends of the battery cell to achieve and maximize performance goals. In one or more embodiments, during operation, by using intelligent switching techniques, the battery cell is selectively charged through the patterned use of external electrodes to evenly move electrochemical substances within the battery cell, thereby allowing reduction of the degradation effects of the battery cell, which extends the life of the battery cell.

[0053] In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the system. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed system can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well - known features are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the system.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical components and various processing steps. It should be understood that these components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, etc.) that may perform various functions under the control of one or more processors, microprocessors, or other control devices. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with other components, and the systems described herein are merely example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] For simplicity, conventional techniques and components related to battery cells and other functional aspects of the system (as well as various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. Additionally, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1A is a diagram showing a full-perimeter electrode battery 100 including a rectangular shape according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the battery 100 is shown as a pouch-type battery or a prismatic battery. It should be noted that a prismatic battery is generally similar to a box shape and can thus meet the demand for thinner-sized batteries. Generally, a prismatic battery is encapsulated in a welded aluminum housing. The prismatic battery cell design allows for improved space utilization and allows for flexible design. A pouch-type battery is similar to a prismatic battery in that they are generally similar to a box shape. However, a pouch-type battery includes external conductive foil tabs welded to the electrodes of the battery. Different from a prismatic battery, a pouch-type battery does not employ a metal housing, which allows for a reduction in battery weight. Thus, a pouch-type battery provides a simple, flexible, and lightweight solution for battery design.

[0057] Figure 1A The battery 100 is also shown as including a plurality of electrodes (i.e., an anode electrode 110 and a cathode electrode 120), which are located outside the body 160 of the battery 100. In one or more embodiments, the body 160 of the battery 100 may be anisotropic. In this figure, the electrodes are arranged around the perimeter of the battery 100. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the electrodes may be arranged on the perimeter of the battery 100 in a configuration different from that Figure 1A shown (e.g., the electrodes may be arranged on only two sides of the battery 100).

[0058] Similarly, as Figure 1AAs shown, the electrodes are arranged such that they alternate around the perimeter of the battery 100 (i.e., the anode electrodes 110 and the cathode electrodes 120 alternate around the perimeter of the battery 100). However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the electrodes may be arranged such that they do not alternate around the perimeter of the battery 100 (e.g., one side of the battery 100 may have only anode electrodes 110 and the opposite side of the battery 100 may have only cathode electrodes 120).

[0059] In addition, in Figure 1A the battery 100 is shown to include an equal number of anode electrodes 110 and cathode electrodes 120. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the battery 100 may include an unequal number of anode electrodes 110 and cathode electrodes 120.

[0060] Figure 1A The battery 100 of Figure 1A is also shown to include a plurality of anode electrode current collector tabs 130 and cathode electrode current collector tabs 140. As Figure 1A shown, each anode electrode current collector tab 130 aggregates a plurality of anode electrodes 110, and as Figure 1A shown, each cathode electrode current collector tab 140 aggregates a plurality of cathode electrodes 120. In one or more embodiments, the anode electrode current collector tabs 130 and the cathode electrode current collector tabs 140 may be made of a rigid conductive material (e.g., a metal such as copper or aluminum), which provides a robust connection port for the battery 100.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the battery 100 is sealed within a housing 150 (e.g., a pouch) such that the battery 100 is electrically insulated from other batteries and other electrical components. In some embodiments, the housing is made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a non-porous plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene).

[0062] During the operation of the battery 100 in Figure 1A a load (for discharging the battery 100) or alternatively a charge (for charging the battery 100) is applied across the battery 100 (e.g., across the anode electrodes 110 and the cathode electrodes 120). Then, a current is generated that flows from the anode electrodes 110 to the cathode electrodes 120.

[0063] It should be noted that traditionally, the terms "anode" and "cathode" are not defined by the voltage polarity of the electrodes, but rather by the direction of the current passing through the electrodes. An "anode" is an electrode through which conventional current (i.e., positive charge) flows into the device from the external circuit, while a "cathode" is an electrode through which conventional current flows out of the device. However, if the direction of the current passing through the electrodes is reversed, as occurs in a rechargeable battery when it is being charged, then the names of the electrodes "anode" and "cathode" are reversed.

[0064] In addition, it should be noted that although Figure 1A FIG. shows a battery 100 including a rectangular shape, the battery 100 can be manufactured in other different shapes, including but not limited to regular shapes (i.e., shapes with equal dimensions for all sides and equal dimensions for all interior angles) and irregular shapes (i.e., shapes with unequal dimensions for all sides or unequal dimensions for all interior angles). Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D FIGS. show all-peripheral electrode batteries including various different exemplary shapes. In particular, Figure 1B is a diagram showing an all-peripheral electrode battery 170 including a polygonal shape, Figure 1C is a diagram showing an all-peripheral electrode battery 180 including a circular shape, and Figure 1D is a diagram showing an all-peripheral electrode battery 190 including a semi-circular shape.

[0065] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a detailed part of an all-peripheral electrode battery 200 depicting the layers of the battery 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the battery 200 is shown as including a plurality of layers. In particular, in this figure, two sets of layers of the battery 200 are shown. Each set of layers forms battery cells 250a, 250b. For example, the first battery cell 250a includes an insulator layer 210a, an anode layer 220a, a separator layer 230a, and a cathode layer 240a. And, the second battery cell 250b includes an insulator layer 210b, an anode layer 220b, a separator layer 230b, and a cathode layer 240b.

[0066] As shown in this figure, anode electrodes (i.e., anode electrode tabs) are formed on the edges of the anode layers 220a, 220b of the battery cells 250a, 250b; and cathode electrodes (i.e., cathode electrode tabs) are formed on the edges of the cathode layers 240a, 240b of the battery cells 250a, 250b. In one or more embodiments, the anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes are arranged around the perimeter of each of the battery cells 250a, 250b. In some embodiments, the anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes alternate around the perimeter of the battery cells 250a, 250b. In at least one embodiment, each of the battery cells 250a, 250b includes an equal number of anode electrodes and cathode electrodes.

[0067] It should be noted that in other embodiments, each of the battery cells 250a, 250b may include an additional insulator layer (i.e., a secondary insulator layer) after the cathode layers 240a, 240b (e.g., refer to Figure 10 the embodiment of to view battery cells including secondary insulator layers such as layers 1050a, 1050b, 1050c).

[0068] The layers of battery cells 250a, 250b can be made of various different types of materials. For example, in one or more embodiments, the anode layers 220a, 220b and cathode layers 240a, 240b of battery 200 are made of electrically conductive materials (e.g., metals such as aluminum or copper). In some embodiments, the insulator layers 210a, 210b of battery 200 are made of electrically insulating materials (e.g., non-porous plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene). In at least one embodiment, the separator layers 230a, 230b of battery 200 are made of porous insulating materials (e.g., porous plastics such as porous polyethylene or porous polypropylene). The separator layers 230a, 230b include electrolyte materials (e.g., a solvent including salts) to allow electrochemical reactions within battery cells 250a, 250b.

[0069] Figure 3 FIG. is an illustration showing a partial exploded view of a full-perimeter electrode battery 300 showing the layers of a battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 3 shows an exploded view of some of the layers of a full-perimeter electrode battery. In Figure 3 it, the layers shown include insulator layer 310a, anode layer 320a, separator layer 330a, cathode layer 340a, and another insulator layer 310b.

[0070] Figure 4 FIG. is an illustration showing a detailed portion (e.g., Figure 1A a detailed portion of a corner of battery 100) of a full-perimeter electrode battery 400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows a plurality of anode electrodes (i.e., anode electrode tabs) 410 of battery 400. In this figure, the anode electrodes 410 of the sixteen battery cells of battery 400 are shown extending outside the body 460 of battery 400. The anode electrodes 410 are shown being aggregated by anode current collector tabs 430. In one or more embodiments, the anode current collector tabs 430 can be made of electrically conductive materials (e.g., metals such as aluminum or copper). The anode current collector tabs 430 provide a robust connection port for the connection of the anode electrodes 410.

[0071] Figure 5It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a part of a full-perimeter electrode battery 500 showing the layers of the battery 500 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this diagram, a plurality of battery cells (e.g., battery cell 550a) are shown, where each battery cell 550a includes a plurality of layers. Specifically, the battery cell (i.e., cell group) 550a is shown to include an insulator layer 510a, an anode layer 520a, a separator layer 530a, and a cathode layer 540a. In one or more embodiments, the battery cell 520a may include a secondary insulator layer 510b, or alternatively, the insulator layer 510b may be part of a different battery cell. In some embodiments, each of the battery cells 550a is sealed (e.g., within a housing such as a pouch around the layers of the battery cell 550a) such that the battery cells 550a are electrically insulated from each other. In some embodiments, the housing for sealing the battery cell 550a may be made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a non-porous plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene).

[0072] Also shown in this diagram is an anode current collector tab 560 that collects the anode electrodes extending from the anode layer 520a of the battery 500. The anode current collector tab 560 may be made of a rigid conductive material (e.g., metal), which provides a robust connection port for the battery 500.

[0073] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration 600 including a plurality of full-perimeter electrode batteries 630 connected to each other according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this battery configuration 600, the batteries 630 are shown to be connected in series in columns. The columns of connected batteries 630 are shown to be connected to a positive (+) battery bus 640 and a negative (-) battery bus 650. Specifically, the anode electrode 620 of the battery 630 is connected to the cathode electrode 610 of an adjacent battery 630 in the same column, and the anode electrode 620 of the battery 630 positioned adjacent to the negative (-) battery bus 650 is connected to the negative (-) battery bus 650. Similarly, the cathode electrode 610 of the battery 630 is connected to the anode electrode 620 of an adjacent battery 630 in the same column, and the cathode electrode 610 of the battery 630 positioned adjacent to the positive (+) battery bus 640 is connected to the positive (+) battery bus 640. It should be noted that Figure 6 The shown battery configuration 600 is only one example configuration for connecting a plurality of batteries 630. Therefore, in other embodiments, other configurations for connecting a plurality of batteries 630 may be employed.

[0074] Figure 7is a flowchart showing the disclosed method 700 for operating a full perimeter electrode cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. At the start 710 of method 700, a load or charge is applied across both ends of a plurality of battery cells of the battery 720. Then, a current is generated that flows from a plurality of anode electrodes of each of the battery cells to a plurality of cathode electrodes, where the anode electrodes and the cathode electrodes are arranged around the perimeter of the battery 730. Then, method 700 ends 740.

[0075] Figure 8 is an illustration showing a full perimeter electrode cell 800 including a plurality of conductive cross-links 170 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the full perimeter electrode cell 800 (e.g., also refer to Figure 1A the cell 100) may additionally include a plurality of conductive cross-links 170 (e.g., which may include anode cross-links and / or cathode cross-links), as Figure 8 shown. In one or more embodiments, the conductive cross-links 170 may be made of an electrically conductive material such as a metal (e.g., aluminum or copper). The cross-links 170 incorporated within the cell 800 may provide both electrical interconnection and structural interconnection to accommodate both electrical type and structural type loads. The cross-links 170 may also help control shear, tensile, and compressive loads on the cell 800, as well as act as a distributed electrical connection. Incorporating the cross-links 170 within the cell 800 allows the cells 800 to be stacked together (e.g., refer to Figure 11 ) and for creating structural members (e.g., refer to Figure 12 ), where the cross-links 170 may carry the loads.

[0076] It should be noted that in Figure 8 , only the top conductive protrusions of the cross-links 170 are visible, and the cross-links 170 actually include a barbell shape (e.g., refer to Figure 10 ). In Figure 8 , the top conductive protrusions of the cross-links 170 (which are external to the body 160 of the cell 800) are shown as including a connecting portion in the form of a rivet ball. In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be a different type of shape other than the rivet ball shown in Figure 8 . And in other embodiments, the top conductive protrusions of the cross-links 170 may not include the additional connecting portion at all. Additionally, it should be noted that in one or more embodiments, the cell 800 may include a greater number or a lesser number of cross-links than specifically shown in Figure 8 .

[0077] Figure 9AFIG. is a cross-sectional view illustration showing a portion 900 of a full-perimeter electrode cell including a plurality of conductive cross-junctions according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, a top conductive protrusion 970 of the cross-junction is shown, which is outside the main body 960 of the cell. A rod portion 980 of the cross-junction is also shown. The rod portion 980 of the cross-junction spans the entire cell unit (i.e., the rod portion 980 of the cross-junction extends through all layers of the cell).

[0078] Figure 9B FIG. is an exploded view illustration showing a portion of a full-perimeter electrode cell including a plurality of conductive cross-junctions and showing the layers of the cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, each cross-junction is shown as including a top conductive protrusion 970 and a rod portion 975. It should be noted that Figure 9B the bottom conductive protrusion of the cross-junction is not shown in FIG.. A plurality of cell layers are also shown in this figure, and the plurality of cell layers include an insulator layer 910a, an anode layer 920a, a separator layer 930a, a cathode layer 940a, and another insulator layer 910b.

[0079] Figure 10 FIG. is a cross-sectional view illustration showing a portion of a full-perimeter electrode cell 1000 including an anode cross-junction and a cathode cross-junction and showing the layers of the cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this figure, the anode cross-junction is shown as including a top conductive protrusion 1070a (the top conductive protrusion 1070a includes a connecting portion 1080a in the form of a rivet ball), a rod portion 1075a, and a bottom conductive protrusion 1090a. And similarly, the cathode cross-junction is shown as including a top conductive protrusion 1070b (the top conductive protrusion 1070b includes a connecting portion 1080b in the form of a rivet ball), a rod portion 1075b, and a bottom conductive protrusion 1090b.

[0080] Furthermore, in this figure, the cell 1000 is shown as including a plurality of cell units, and each of the plurality of cell units includes a plurality of layers. In particular, Figure 10 the cell 1000 in FIG. is shown as including a first cell unit (which includes an insulator layer 1010a, an anode layer 1020a, a separator layer 1030a, a cathode layer 1040a, and a secondary insulator layer 1050a), a second cell unit (which includes an insulator layer 1010b, an anode layer 1020b, a separator layer 1030b, a cathode layer 1040b, and a secondary insulator layer 1050b), and a third cell unit (which includes an insulator layer 1010c, an anode layer 1020c, a separator layer 1030c, a cathode layer 1040c, and a secondary insulator layer 1050c).

[0081] In Figure 10In [the figure], the anode cross-connections and the cathode cross-connections are shown as extending through all the layers of the battery 1000. However, it should be noted that the anode cross-connections are electrically connected to all the layers of the battery 1000 except for the cathode layers 1040a, 1040b, 1040c, and the cathode cross-connections are electrically connected to all the layers of the battery 1000 except for the anode layers 1020a, 1020b, 1020c.

[0082] It should be noted that although in Figure 10 the anode cross-connections are electrically connected to all the anode layers 1020a, 1020b, 1020c of the battery 1000, in other embodiments, the anode cross-connections may be electrically connected to only some of the anode layers 1020a, 1020b, 1020c of the battery 1000. Similarly, although in Figure 10 the cathode cross-connections are electrically connected to all the cathode layers 1040a, 1040b, 1040c of the battery 1000, in other embodiments, the cathode cross-connections may be electrically connected to only some of the cathode layers 1040a, 1040b, 1040c of the battery 1000.

[0083] During the operation of the battery 1000 in Figure 10 a load (for discharging the battery 1000) or alternatively a charge (for charging the battery 1000) is applied across the battery 1000 (e.g., across the anode cross-connections and the cathode cross-connections). Then, a current flows through the anode cross-connections, and a current flows through the cathode cross-connections.

[0084] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration 1100 including a plurality of all-perimeter electrode batteries 1110 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and each of the all-perimeter electrode batteries includes a plurality of conductive cross-connections stacked together. In this battery configuration 1100, the batteries 1110 are shown stacked on top of each other. In particular, for this configuration 1100, the top conductive protrusion 1170a of the anode cross-connection of the battery 1110 is electrically connected to the bottom conductive protrusion 1190b of the cathode cross-connection of the adjacent battery 1110, and the top conductive protrusion 1170b of the cathode cross-connection of the battery 1110 is electrically connected to the bottom conductive protrusion 1190a of the anode cross-connection of the adjacent battery 1110.

[0085] Figure 12FIG. is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration including a plurality of all-perimeter electrode cells 1210a, 1210b according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the all-perimeter electrode cells includes a plurality of conductive cross-connections encapsulated together within a finned spar 1240 of an aircraft. As described above, the cross-connections integrated within the battery can provide electrical and structural connection of the battery to a structure such as a vehicle (e.g., an aerospace vehicle). Integrating the battery within an aerospace structure can allow for a reduction in the total weight of the aircraft. The cross-connections can be connected to the structure to provide electrical and structural interconnection to the structure.

[0086] In this figure, the cells 1210a, 1210b are shown stacked on top of each other within the finned spar 1240 of the aircraft. In particular, as shown, the top and bottom conductive protrusions of the anode cross-connections of the cells 1210a, 1210b are electrically connected to the top and bottom conductive protrusions of the cathode cross-connections of the adjacent cells 1210a, 1210b. Additionally, the top and bottom conductive protrusions of the anode cross-connections and cathode cross-connections of the cells 1210a, 1210b are electrically and structurally connected to the structure (i.e., connected to the interior of the finned spar 1240). Figure 12 It is also shown that the anode electrodes 1220 of the cells 1210a, 1210b are electrically connected to the cathode electrodes 1230 of the adjacent cells 1210a, 1210b (e.g., the anode electrode 1220 of the cell 1210a is electrically connected to the cathode electrode 1230 of the cell 1210b).

[0087] It should be noted that Figure 12 the shown battery configuration is only one example configuration for encapsulating the cells 1210a, 1210b within a structure, and thus, in other embodiments, other configurations for encapsulating the cells 1210a, 1210b within a structure can be employed.

[0088] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a disclosed method 1300 for operating an all-perimeter electrode cell including conductive cross-connections according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. At the start 1310 of the method 1300, a load or charge is applied across the ends of a plurality of battery cells of the battery, where each of the battery cells includes an anode layer and a cathode layer 1320. Then, a current is generated that flows through a plurality of anode cross-connections that are electrically connected to at least some of the anode layers of the battery 1330. Additionally, a current is generated that flows through a plurality of cathode cross-connections that are electrically connected to at least some of the cathode layers of the battery 1340. Then, the method 1310 ends 1350.

[0089] Figure 14FIG. is a diagram showing a full-peripheral electrode cell 1400 including a controller 1410 for controlling selective switching of electrodes according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, during charging and discharging of the cell 1400, selective switching of the electrodes of the cell allows the movement of electrolyte substances and contaminants within the cell 1400 to be controlled and managed to ensure maximum cell performance. In one or more embodiments, switched charging control and logic-based use of electrode switching are employed to evenly distribute charge across the two ends of the cell 1400.

[0090] In this figure, the anode electrodes of the cell 1400 are labeled from +1 to +12, and the cathode electrodes of the cell 1400 are labeled from -1 to -12. During operation of the cell 1400, the processor 1420 determines a pattern for applying a load (for discharging the cell 1400) or charge (for charging the cell 1400) from the anode electrodes +1 to +12 to the cathode electrodes -1 to -12 such that the charge is evenly distributed across both ends of the body 1430 of each of the cells in the cell 1400. In one or more embodiments, the processor may utilize previously acquired charging data of the cell 1400 (e.g., from laboratory tests of the cell 1400) to determine the pattern. Then, the controller 1410 applies the load or charge from the anode electrodes +1 to +12 to the cathode electrodes -1 to -12 according to the pattern determined by the processor.

[0091] In this figure, the controller 1410 is shown to be located outside the body 1430 of the cell 1400. In particular, the controller 1410 is shown to be located at the corner between the anode electrode +1 and the cathode electrode -12 of the cell 1400. In other embodiments, the controller 1410 may be located at other positions outside the body 1430 of the cell 1400. And, in alternative embodiments, the controller 1410 may be housed within the body 1430 of the cell 1400. Additionally, the controller 1410 is shown to include a processor 1420. In other embodiments, the processor 1420 may be located separately from the controller 1410.

[0092] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing selective switching of the electrodes of a full-peripheral electrode cell 1400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, this figure shows an exemplary algorithm (or pattern) for selectively switching the electrodes to apply a load or charge from the anode electrodes +1 to +12 to the cathode electrodes -1 to -12 such that the charge is evenly distributed across both ends of the body 1430 of each of the cells in the cell 1400. It should be noted that Figure 15 the algorithm shown in is only one example algorithm that can be used for selective switching of the electrodes of the cell 1400, and in other embodiments, other similar algorithms that allow the charge to be evenly distributed across both ends of the cell 1400 may be employed.

[0093] Specifically, in this figure, the algorithm (or pattern) starts by applying a load or charge from anode +1 to cathode -8 (see step A). Then, a load or charge is applied from anode +7 to cathode -4 (see step B). Then a load or charge is applied from anode +10 to cathode -12 (see step C). Then, a load or charge is applied from anode +4 to cathode -7 (see step D). Then a load or charge is applied from anode +6 to cathode -11 (see step E). Then, a load or charge is applied from anode +8 to cathode -2 (see step F). Then a load or charge is applied from anode +3 to cathode -5 (see step G). Finally, a load or charge is applied from anode +2 to cathode -10 (see step H). The operation of applying a load or charge across the electrodes according to the determined switching pattern ensures that the charge is evenly distributed across the body 1430 of the battery 1400, thus allowing the performance and lifespan of the battery 1400 to be maximized.

[0094] Figure 16 FIG. is a diagram showing an exemplary battery configuration including a plurality of all-perimeter electrode cells 1610a, 1610b according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the all-perimeter electrode cells including controllers 1650a, 1650b and a plurality of conductive cross-connections encapsulated together within a finned spar 1640 of an aircraft. In particular, this figure shows how the controllers 1650a, 1650b of the batteries 1610a, 1610b are structurally integrated within a structure such as the finned spar 1640 of an aircraft.

[0095] Also shown in this figure, the batteries 1610a, 1610b are stacked on top of each other within the finned spar 1640. The top and bottom conductive protrusions of the anode cross-connections of the batteries 1610a, 1610b are electrically connected to the top and bottom conductive protrusions of the cathode cross-connections of the adjacent batteries 1610a, 1610b. In addition, the top and bottom conductive protrusions of the anode cross-connections and cathode cross-connections of the batteries 1610a, 1610b are electrically and structurally connected to the structure (i.e., connected to the interior of the finned spar 1640). Also as Figure 16 shown, the anode electrodes 1620 of the batteries 1610a, 1610b are electrically connected to the cathode electrodes 1630 of the adjacent batteries 1610a, 1610b (e.g., the anode electrode 1620 of the battery 1610a is electrically connected to the cathode electrode 1630 of the battery 1610b).

[0096] Figure 16The battery configuration shown is merely an example configuration for encapsulating batteries 1610a, 1610b and controllers 1650a, 1650b within a structure. It should be noted that in other embodiments, other configurations for encapsulating batteries 1610a, 1610b and controllers 1650a, 1650b within a structure may be employed.

[0097] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the disclosed method 1700 for selective switching of electrodes for a full perimeter electrode battery according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. At the start 1710 of method 1700, for each of a plurality of battery cells of the battery, a processor determines a pattern 1720 for applying a load or charge from an anode electrode to a cathode electrode such that the charge is evenly distributed across both ends of each of the battery cells. Then, for each of the battery cells, a controller applies the load or charge from the anode electrode to the cathode electrode in accordance with the pattern, thereby evenly distributing the charge across both ends of each of the battery cells 1730. Then, method 1700 ends 1740.

[0098] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that the foregoing discussion is not intended to limit the scope of these embodiments. While embodiments and variations of many aspects of the present invention have been disclosed and described herein, such disclosure is provided for purposes of explanation and illustration only. Accordingly, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0099] In cases where the above method indicates specific events occurring in a particular order, those of ordinary skill in the art benefiting from the present disclosure will recognize that the order may be modified and such modifications are variations in accordance with the present disclosure. Additionally, portions of the method may be performed simultaneously in parallel processes where possible, as well as sequentially. Further, more or fewer steps of the method may be performed.

[0100] In addition, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0101] 1. A battery 1400, the battery 1400 comprising:

[0102] a plurality of battery cells 250a;

[0103] a plurality of anode electrodes 110 and a plurality of cathode electrodes 120 for each of the plurality of battery cells 250a, the plurality of anode electrodes 110 and the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 being arranged around a perimeter of the battery 1400; and

[0104] A controller 1410 that applies a load or charge from the plurality of anode electrodes 110 to the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 for each of the plurality of battery cells 250a in a pattern that evenly distributes the charge across both ends of each of the plurality of battery cells 250a.

[0105] 2. The battery according to clause 1, wherein the controller 1410 is located outside or inside the battery 1400.

[0106] 3. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the battery 1400 further includes a processor 1420 for determining a pattern for applying the load or the charge from the plurality of anode electrodes 110 to the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 for each of the plurality of battery cells 250a.

[0107] 4. The battery according to clause 3, wherein the controller 1410 includes the processor 1420.

[0108] 5. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the battery 1400 is housed within a part 1640 of a vehicle.

[0109] 6. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the battery 1400 forms a structural component of a vehicle.

[0110] 7. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of anode electrodes 110 and the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 of each of the plurality of battery cells 250a are arranged such that they alternate around the perimeter of the battery 1400.

[0111] 8. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein for each of the plurality of battery cells 250a, there is an equal number of the plurality of anode electrodes 110 and the plurality of cathode electrodes 120.

[0112] 9. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells 250a includes a plurality of layers.

[0113] 10. The battery according to clause 9, wherein the plurality of layers of each of the plurality of battery cells 250a includes an insulator layer 210a, an anode layer 220a, a separator layer 230a, and a cathode layer 240a.

[0114] 11. The battery according to clause 10, wherein the insulator layer 210a comprises an electrical insulator material.

[0115] 12. The battery according to clause 10, wherein the separation layer 230a comprises an electrolyte material.

[0116] 13. The battery according to clause 10, wherein both the anode layer 220a and the cathode layer 240a comprise an electrically conductive material.

[0117] 14. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the battery 1400 is one of a pouch cell or a prismatic cell.

[0118] 15. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of anode electrodes 620 of the battery 630 are electrically connected to the cathode electrode 610 of a second battery 630, and the plurality of cathode electrodes 610 of the battery 630 are electrically connected to the anode electrode 620 of the second battery 630.

[0119] 16. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells 250a is sealed such that the plurality of battery cells 250a are electrically insulated from each other.

[0120] 17. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the battery 1400 further comprises a plurality of anode electrode current collector tabs 130, wherein the plurality of anode electrode current collector tabs 130 collect the plurality of anode electrodes 110 of the plurality of battery cells 250a.

[0121] 18. The battery according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the battery 1400 further comprises a plurality of cathode electrode current collector tabs 140, wherein the plurality of cathode electrode current collector tabs 140 collect the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 of the plurality of battery cells 250a.

[0122] 19. A method of operating a battery 1400, the method comprising:

[0123] Applying a load or charge from a plurality of anode electrodes 110 to a plurality of cathode electrodes 120 by a controller 1410 for each of the plurality of battery cells 250a of the battery 1400 in a pattern such that charge is evenly distributed across both ends of each of the plurality of battery cells 250a,

[0124] wherein the plurality of anode electrodes 110 and the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 are arranged around the perimeter of the battery 1400.

[0125] 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the method further comprises determining, by the processor 1420, the mode of applying the load or the charge from the plurality of anode electrodes 110 to the plurality of cathode electrodes 120 for each of the plurality of battery cells 250a.

[0126] Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure that variations and modifications can be made to these embodiments and methods without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. There are many other embodiments, each differing from the others only in details. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.

Claims

1. A battery (1400), the battery (1400) comprises: a plurality of battery cells (250a), each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells (250a) comprising an insulator layer (210a), an anode layer (220a), a separator layer (230a) and a cathode layer (240a); a plurality of anode electrodes (110) and a plurality of cathode electrodes (120) located outside the body (160) of the battery, the anode electrodes (110) being formed on the edges of the anode layer (220a) of the battery cells (250a), the cathode electrodes (120) being formed on the edges of the cathode layer (240a) of the battery cells (250a), the plurality of anode electrodes (110) and the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) being arranged around the periphery of the battery (1400); and a controller (1410) that applies a load or charge from the plurality of anode electrodes (110) to the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) for each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells (250a) in a pattern that causes the charge to be evenly distributed across both ends of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells (250a), wherein the battery (1400) further comprises a plurality of anode electrode current collector tabs (130), wherein the plurality of anode electrode current collector tabs (130) aggregate the plurality of anode electrodes (110) of the plurality of battery cells (250a), wherein the battery (1400) further comprises a plurality of cathode electrode current collector tabs (140), wherein the plurality of cathode electrode current collector tabs (140) aggregate the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) of the plurality of battery cells (250a).

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, the battery (1400) further comprises a processor (1420) for determining the pattern for applying the load or charge from the plurality of anode electrodes (110) to the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) for each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells (250a).

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the plurality of anode electrodes (110) and the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells (250a) are arranged such that they alternate around the periphery of the battery (1400).

4. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, the separator layer (230a) comprises an electrolyte material.

5. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the plurality of anode electrodes of the battery are electrically connected to the cathode electrodes of a second battery, and the plurality of cathode electrodes of the battery are electrically connected to the anode electrodes of the second battery.

6. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells (250a) is sealed such that the plurality of battery cells (250a) are electrically insulated from each other.

7. A method of operating a battery (1400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising: applying, by the controller (1410), a load or charge from the plurality of anode electrodes (110) to the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) for each of the plurality of battery cells (250a) of the battery (1400) in a pattern that causes charge to be evenly distributed across opposite ends of each of the plurality of battery cells (250a), wherein the plurality of anode electrodes (110) and the plurality of cathode electrodes (120) are arranged around a perimeter of the battery (1400).

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