Devices that dynamically change the internal state of the battery

Abstract

Techniques for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery are described herein. Generally, different battery configurations are described that support transitions between different battery power states (such as to accommodate different battery charging and / or discharging scenarios).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application whose international application date is February 2, 2016, entered the Chinese national stage on August 17, 2017, has Chinese national application number 201680010765.0, and the invention name is “Dynamically changing the internal state of a battery”. Background Art

[0002] Many devices now use some form of battery for various power needs (such as primary power, backup power, etc.). Battery life is a major concern particularly with mobile devices such as mobile phones, portable computing devices, wearable devices, etc. Current battery designs typically provide little, if any, flexibility in affecting battery performance during various usage scenarios. Summary of the invention

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Techniques for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery are described herein. Generally, different battery configurations are described that support transitions between different battery power states (such as to accommodate different battery charging and / or discharging scenarios). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit(s) in a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the drawings may indicate similar or identical items.

[0006] Figure 1 is an illustration of an environment in an example implementation that is operable to employ the techniques discussed herein in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an example dynamic battery is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an example dynamic battery is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 Depicted are example implementation scenarios for changing an internal state of a dynamic battery in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 Depicted are example implementation scenarios for changing an internal state of a dynamic battery in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 Depicted are example implementation scenarios for activation of dynamic battery materials in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7 is a flow chart describing steps in a method for changing an internal state of a battery, according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 The diagram is shown as reference Figure 1 Described are example systems and computing devices that are configured to implement embodiments of the techniques described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Overview

[0015] Techniques for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery are described herein. Generally, different battery configurations are described that support transitions between different battery power states (such as to accommodate different battery charging and / or discharging scenarios).

[0016] For example, one or more implementations utilize temperature to control the power state of a battery. For example, consider a scenario in which a mobile device detects a requirement for additional battery life (such as keeping the device powered on, providing power to a high priority application, etc.). In response, heat is applied to the battery of the mobile device to expand the electrolyte within the battery. Typically, the expansion of the electrolyte increases the ability of the battery to discharge its available stored charge (e.g., increases its discharge capacity). For example, the expansion of the electrolyte increases the ionic porosity of the internal components of the battery, so as to promote increased ion exchange.

[0017] In another example scenario, fast battery charging may be desirable. For example, a user may be at an airport and may wish to quickly charge a mobile device before boarding a flight. Accordingly, the user plugs their device into a power source (e.g., a mains alternating current (AC) power outlet or a charging station) to begin battery charging. As part of a fast charging implementation, heat is applied to the electrolyte of the battery to cause the electrolyte to expand and, thereby, increase the porosity of the internal components of the battery. This increase in porosity can increase the rate at which charge is retained by the battery (e.g., compared to a non-heated implementation).

[0018] In an alternative or additional implementation, a hybrid electrode battery configuration is utilized that includes activatable materials that are responsive to various stimuli adapted to different power scenarios. For example, an example battery includes a main electrode material that provides power during a standard operating scenario and a dynamic electrode material that is typically inactive during a standard operating scenario. When a power event occurs that indicates an increased power requirement (e.g., additional battery life), the dynamic electrode material is activated to increase ions and / or conductivity across the dynamic electrode material. Typically, activation of the dynamic electrode material increases the discharge capability and / or actual charge rate of the battery. Various stimuli can be used to activate the dynamic electrode material (such as applied heat, catalytic activation, mechanical activation (e.g., battery vibration), high frequency radio frequency (RF) waves, etc.). Further details and implementations are described below.

[0019] In the following discussion, an example environment operable to employ the techniques described herein is first described. Next, a section entitled "Example Dynamic Battery" describes some example batteries according to one or more implementations. Following this, a section entitled "Example Implementation Scenarios" describes some example scenarios for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery according to one or more embodiments. Next, a section entitled "Example Programs" describes example programs for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery according to one or more embodiments. Finally, a section entitled "Example Systems and Devices" describes example systems and devices operable to employ the techniques discussed herein according to one or more embodiments.

[0020] Example Environment

[0021] Figure 1 An example environment 100 for performing techniques for dynamically changing an internal state of a battery is illustrated. Environment 100 includes a computing device 102, which can be implemented in various ways. For example, computing device 102 can be configured as a traditional computer (e.g., a desktop personal computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a mobile station, an entertainment tool, a wireless phone, a tablet computer, a notebook, a wearable device, etc., as described with respect to Figure 8 Further described.

[0022] Thus, computing device 102 may range from full resource devices (e.g., personal computers, game consoles) with large amounts of memory and processor resources to low resource devices (e.g., traditional set-top boxes, handheld game consoles, wearable devices, smart appliances (e.g., "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices), health monitoring and assistance devices, personal navigation devices, etc.) with limited memory and / or processing resources. Computing device 102 also refers to software that enables computing device 102 to perform various operations. Furthermore, while implementations are discussed herein with reference to computing devices, it will be understood that the techniques discussed herein may be utilized in any device that utilizes a battery (such as medical devices, vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles), robots, toys, etc.). For example, computer device 102 may represent an internal controller of a device.

[0023] Computing device 102 includes computer processor(s) 104 and computer readable storage medium 106 (media 106 ). Medium 106 includes operating system 108 , applications 110 , and power manager module (hereinafter “power manager”) 112 .

[0024] The computing device 102 also includes a power circuit 114 and a dynamic battery 116. According to various implementations, the dynamic battery 116 represents one or more battery cells from which the computing device 102 draws power to operate and which can be recharged to refill the power within the dynamic battery 116. In general, the power circuit 114 represents functionality that enables the computing device 102 to draw operating power from the dynamic battery 116 or apply charging power to the dynamic battery 116. Although a single dynamic battery 116 is illustrated, it will be understood that the dynamic battery 116 may include any suitable number or type of battery cells and may be implemented according to a variety of different types and form factors of batteries. The implementation and use of the power circuit 114 and the dynamic battery 116 vary and are described in more detail below.

[0025] The power manager 112 represents functionality that supports the control of various operating parameters of the dynamic battery 116. For example, the power manager 112 may interface with the power circuit 114 and / or directly with the dynamic battery 116 to configure and reconfigure operating parameters, operating states, and / or physical states of the dynamic battery 116.

[0026] The computing device 102 also includes one or more displays 118 and input mechanisms 120. The display 118 generally represents the hardware and logic for visual output. The input mechanisms 120 may include gesture-sensitive sensors and devices, such as touch-based sensors and motion-tracking sensors (e.g., camera-based), as well as a mouse (standalone or integrated with a keyboard), a light pen, a touchpad, an accelerometer, and a microphone with accompanying voice recognition software, to name a few. The input mechanisms 120 may be separate from the display 118 or integrated; integrated examples include a gesture-sensitive display with an integrated touch-sensitive or motion-sensitive sensor.

[0027] The operating system 108 manages the resources of the computing device 102 and may be implemented using any suitable instruction format. For example, the operating system 108 generally implements functionality for the computing device 102 to access the hardware and logic resources of the computing device 102. Although the power manager 112 is illustrated separately from the operating system 108, it will be appreciated that in at least some implementations, the functionality of the power manager 112 may be implemented as part of the operating system 108.

[0028] Applications 110 include any suitable type of applications and / or services (such as productivity applications, web browsers, media viewers, navigation applications, multimedia editing applications, etc.). According to various implementations, application 110 may be implemented as locally installed code that is executed as part of a local runtime environment. Additionally or alternatively, application 110 represents a portal to distributed functionality (such as a web service, a cloud service, a distributed enterprise service, etc.).

[0029] The computing device 102 also includes a battery controller 122, which represents functionality for controlling different state conditions of the dynamic battery 116. For example, the battery controller 122 is configured to provide various types of stimuli to the dynamic battery 116 to change the internal state of the dynamic battery 116 (such as changing the power state of the dynamic battery 116). In at least some implementations, the battery controller 122 is physically and / or communicatively associated with the dynamic battery 116. Example implementations and operations of the battery controller 122 are discussed below.

[0030] Having discussed example environments in which techniques for dynamically changing an internal state of a battery may be employed, consider now some example dynamic batteries in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0031] Example Dynamic Battery

[0032] This section describes some example dynamic batteries according to one or more implementations. For example, the example dynamic batteries represent different example implementations of the dynamic battery 116. For ease of understanding, the diagram of the example dynamic battery is simplified, and it will be understood that the example dynamic battery can be implemented according to a variety of different configurations and form factors within the spirit and scope of the claimed implementations.

[0033] Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an example dynamic battery 200 is illustrated according to one or more implementations. The dynamic battery 200 includes a container 202, a negative terminal 204, and a positive terminal 206. Generally, the container 202 represents an outer packaging of the dynamic battery 200 for containing the internal components of the dynamic battery 200.

[0034] The internal components of the dynamic battery 200 include an anode (negative electrode) 208 and a cathode (positive electrode) 210 separated by a separator 212. The anode 208 includes an anode material 214 and an electrolyte 216, and the cathode 210 includes a cathode material 218 and an electrolyte 220. According to various implementations, the electrolyte 216 and the electrolyte 220 represent the same electrolyte or two different types of electrolytes.

[0035] Anode material 214 represents the material to which negative ions will migrate, and cathode material 218 represents the material to which positive ions will migrate. In general, separator 212 represents a physical divider that allows ions to flow between anode 208 and cathode 210, but prevents mixing of anode material 214 with cathode material 218 and mixing of electrolyte 216 with electrolyte 220.

[0036] The dynamic battery 200 also includes a battery controller 222 and a battery controller 224. For example, the battery controllers 222, 224 represent implementations of the battery controller 122 introduced above. The battery controller 222 represents functionality that interacts with the components of the anode 208 to implement transitions between different operating modes, examples of which are discussed below. In at least some implementations, the battery controller 222 is communicatively connected to the power circuit 114 and / or the power manager 112.

[0037] The battery controller 224 represents functionality that interacts with the components of the cathode 210 to implement transitions between different operating modes, examples of which are discussed below. In at least some implementations, the battery controller 224 is communicatively connected to the power circuit 114 and / or the power manager 112. Further operational aspects of the battery controller 222 and the battery controller 224 are discussed below.

[0038] In at least some implementations, one or more of the battery controllers 222, 224 can interact with the separator 212 to cause a physical and / or chemical reconfiguration of the separator 212. For example, the techniques discussed herein can be used to activate the separator 212 to increase ion flow across the separator 212 (such as to increase battery life, increase charging rate, etc.).

[0039] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an example dynamic battery 300 according to one or more implementations is illustrated. The dynamic battery 300 includes a container 302, a negative terminal 304, and a positive terminal 306. Generally, the container 302 represents an outer packaging of the dynamic battery 300 for containing the internal components of the dynamic battery 300.

[0040] The internal components of the dynamic battery 300 include an anode 308 and a cathode 310 separated by a separator 312. The anode 308 includes a main anode material 314, a dynamic anode material 316, and an electrolyte 318. The main anode material 314 and the dynamic anode material 316 are formed of different corresponding materials and generally represent the materials to which the negative ions will migrate. Example materials that can be used to form the main anode material 314 include graphite, silicon, etc. Example materials that can be used to form the dynamic anode material 316 include silicon alloys, sulfur, lithium alloys, etc. As further described in detail below, the dynamic anode material 316 can be converted between different states to accommodate different operating and power scenarios.

[0041] Cathode 310 includes a main cathode material 320, a dynamic cathode material 322, and a cathode electrolyte 324. The main cathode material 320 and the dynamic cathode material 322 are formed of different corresponding materials and generally represent the material to which the positive ions will migrate. Example materials that can be used to form the main cathode material 320 include lithium compounds (e.g., lithium cobalt oxide), nickel, etc. Example materials that can be used to form the dynamic cathode material 322 include titanium compounds (e.g., titanium dioxide), lithium iron phosphate, etc. As further described in detail below, the dynamic cathode material 322 can be converted between different states to accommodate different operating and power scenarios. According to various implementations, electrolyte 318 and electrolyte 324 represent the same electrolyte or two different types of electrolytes.

[0042] Generally, separator 312 represents a physical divider that allows ions to flow between anode 308 and cathode 310 , but prevents mixing of the internal components of anode 308 with the internal components of cathode 310 .

[0043] The dynamic battery 300 also includes a battery controller 326 and a battery controller 328. For example, the battery controllers 326, 328 represent implementations of the battery controller 122 described above. The battery controller 326 represents functionality that interacts with the components of the anode 308 to implement transitions between different operating modes, examples of which are discussed below. In at least some implementations, the battery controller 326 is communicatively connected to the power circuit 114 and / or the power manager 112.

[0044] The battery controller 328 represents functionality that interacts with the components of the cathode 310 to implement transitions between different operating modes, examples of which are discussed below. In at least some implementations, the battery controller 328 is communicatively connected to the power circuit 114 and / or the power manager 112. Further operational aspects of the battery controller 326 and the battery controller 328 are discussed below.

[0045] In at least some implementations, one or more of the battery controllers 326, 328 can interact with the separator 312 to cause a physical and / or chemical reconfiguration of the separator 312. For example, the techniques discussed herein can be used to activate the separator 312 to increase ion flow across the separator 312 (such as to increase battery life, increase charging rate, etc.).

[0046] Having discussed some example dynamic batteries, now consider some example implementation scenarios according to one or more implementations.

[0047] Example Implementation Scenario

[0048] This section describes some example implementation scenarios for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery according to one or more implementations. Generally, the implementation scenarios are described as being implemented in environment 100 via computing device 102, but may also be implemented in any suitable environment.

[0049] Figure 4 An example implementation scenario 400 for changing an internal operating state of a dynamic battery according to one or more implementations is depicted. The upper portion of the scenario 400 includes the dynamic battery 200 (introduced above) connected to a circuit 402 with a current 404 across the circuit 402. For example, the circuit 402 represents a power supply line that powers various components of a computing device 102, which includes a load / charge source 406 that is powered by the dynamic battery 200 and / or provides a charging source to the dynamic battery 200. Thus, the current 404 can alternate between a load current representing current drawn from the dynamic battery 200 and a charging current used to charge the dynamic battery 200.

[0050] Continuing to the lower portion of scenario 400, power state event 408 occurs to initiate a change in the power state for the dynamic battery 200. According to various implementations, power state event 408 represents a power discharge event and / or a power charging event. Examples of power discharge events include an indication that circuit 402 requires increased discharge capacity from the dynamic battery 200. For example, a power discharge event may be generated in response to an increase in power requirements for one or more components of the computing device 102, such as for hardware components, software components (e.g., application 110), etc. Conversely, a power charging event may be generated in response to an indication to increase the rate at which the dynamic battery 200 is charged (such as for a fast charge scenario).

[0051] In response to power state event 408, battery controller 222 interacts with electrolyte 216 to expand electrolyte 216. For example, battery controller 222 includes a heating device that heats electrolyte 216 to expand electrolyte 216 in volume. For example, electrolyte 216 is implemented as a liquid crystal solution that expands when heated.

[0052] As another example, the battery controller 222 may include a releasable catalyst that, when injected into the electrolyte 216, causes the electrolyte 216 to expand. Examples of suitable catalysts include platinum, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zeolites, and the like. In general, expansion of the electrolyte 216 increases the discharge capacity of the dynamic battery 200, such that the effective charge life of the dynamic battery 200 is increased. For example, causing the electrolyte 216 to expand increases the porosity of the anode 208 (e.g., the electrolyte 216 and / or the anode material 214), such that the current 404 can be sustained for a longer period of time than when the electrolyte 216 is in a standard (e.g., non-expanded) state. In a charging scenario, increasing the porosity of the anode 208 increases the rate at which the dynamic battery 200 is charged (such as to accommodate a fast charging scenario).

[0053] Alternatively or additionally to the anode 208 , the battery controller 224 may cause the electrolyte 220 to expand in a similar manner to the anode 208 to increase the discharge capacity of the cathode 210 .

[0054] For example, consider a scenario where the electrolyte 216 and / or the electrolyte 220 is implemented as a liquid crystal material. In such a scenario, activation of the liquid crystal material causes a phase change in the liquid crystal to increase the ion permeability of the dynamic anode material 602. Increasing the ion permeability facilitates ion flow across the dynamic battery 200 and increases the discharge capacity (e.g., charge life) and / or charge rate of the dynamic battery 200.

[0055] In at least some implementations, expansion of the electrolyte 216 and / or the electrolyte 220 causes the dynamic battery 200 to expand in size. Thus, in one or more implementations, the computing device 102 is configured to accommodate physical expansion of the dynamic battery 200, such as via flexibility of the computing device 102 that expands with the dynamic battery 200 and / or accommodating additional space around the expanding dynamic battery.

[0056] According to various implementations, another power state event may be generated to return the dynamic battery 200 to the normal operating mode. For example, in response to another power state event, the battery controller 222 may stop heating the electrolyte 216 so that the electrolyte 216 contracts (e.g., no longer expands). Similarly, the battery controller 224 may stop heating the electrolyte 220 so that the electrolyte 220 contracts. For example, in response to another power state event, the dynamic battery 200 returns to the state illustrated in the upper portion of the scenario 400.

[0057] Figure 5 An example implementation scenario 500 for changing an operating state of a dynamic battery according to one or more implementations is described. For example, scenario 500 represents an alternative and / or additional implementation of scenario 400 discussed above.

[0058] The upper portion of the scene 500 includes the dynamic battery 300 (introduced above) connected to a circuit 502 with a current 504 across the circuit 502. For example, the circuit 502 represents a power supply line that powers various components of the computing device 102, which includes a load / charge source 506 that is powered by the dynamic battery 300 and / or provides a charging source to the dynamic battery 200. Therefore, the current 504 can alternate between representing a load current that draws power from the dynamic battery 300 and a charging current that is used to charge the dynamic battery 300.

[0059] In the upper portion of the scenario 500, the dynamic battery 300 is in a standard operating state. In the standard operating state, the current across the circuit 502 is primarily based on the electrical activation of the primary anode material 314 and the primary cathode material 320. For example, in the primary operating state, most or all of the ion exchange of the dynamic battery 300 occurs across the primary anode material 314 and the primary cathode material 320. Additionally, in the primary operating state, the dynamic anode material 316 and the dynamic cathode material 322 are in an inactive state such that little or no ion exchange occurs across the dynamic anode material 316 and the dynamic cathode material 322.

[0060] Continuing to the lower portion of scenario 500, power state event 508 occurs to initiate a change in the power state for dynamic battery 300. According to various implementations, power state event 508 represents a power discharge event and / or a power charge event. Examples of different power state events are discussed elsewhere herein.

[0061] In response to the power state event 508, the battery controller 326 activates the dynamic anode material 316. For example, the battery controller 326 provides a stimulus to activate the dynamic anode material 316. In one example, the battery controller 326 heats the anode 308, which causes thermal activation of the dynamic anode material 316. In another example, the battery controller 326 causes a catalyst to be released into the anode 308, which activates the dynamic anode material 316. Examples of suitable catalysts include platinum, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zeolites, etc. Other types of activation stimuli (such as high-frequency radio frequency (RF) wave activation, magnetic activation, mechanical activation (e.g., battery vibration), light activation (e.g., using infrared, ultraviolet light, etc.), etc.) may additionally or alternatively be employed.

[0062] Further to scenario 500, activation of the dynamic anode material 316 causes an increase in ion flow and / or conductivity across the dynamic anode material 316. For example, in the standard operating state discussed above, little or no ion flow and / or conductivity occurs across the dynamic anode material 316. However, when activated, the ion flow and / or conductivity across the dynamic anode material 316 increases. This increase in ion flow and / or conductivity can increase the discharge capacity (e.g., effective discharge life) of the dynamic battery 300. Moreover, the increase in ion flow and / or conductivity can increase the rate at which the dynamic anode material 316 is charged in a battery charging scenario.

[0063] According to various implementations, similar activation occurs in cathode 310. For example, the cathode controller causes activation of dynamic cathode material 322, causing an increase in ion flow and / or conductivity across dynamic cathode material 322. Example manners of activation are discussed above.

[0064] As an additional or alternative implementation of the stimulation discussed above, activation of the dynamic anode material 316 and / or the dynamic cathode material 322 may occur incidentally in response to a voltage drop across the dynamic battery 300 (such as may occur in a high power usage scenario). For example, the dynamic anode material 316 may have a higher potential than the main anode material 314, such that during normal load scenarios, little or no ion flow and / or conductivity occurs across the dynamic anode material 316. Activation of the dynamic anode material 316 occurs when power usage increases (e.g., power state event 508) such that the voltage of the dynamic battery 300 decreases.

[0065] Similarly, the dynamic cathode material 322 may have a lower potential than the main cathode material 320 such that during normal load scenarios, little or no ion flow and / or conductivity occurs across the dynamic cathode material 322. Activation of the dynamic cathode material 322 occurs when power usage increases (e.g., power state event 508) such that the voltage of the dynamic battery 300 decreases.

[0066] According to various implementations, activation of the dynamic anode material 316 and / or the dynamic cathode material 322 enables the dynamic battery 300 to utilize both the primary material and the dynamic material for power flow 504 across the circuit 502 .

[0067] Figure 6 Depicted is an example implementation scenario 600 for activation of dynamic battery materials according to one or more implementations. For example, scenario 600 illustrates details of scenario 500 discussed above.

[0068] The upper portion of the scene 600 includes a dynamic anode material 602, which represents an example of the dynamic anode material 316 introduced above. In the upper portion of the scene 600, the dynamic anode material 602 is in an inactive state such that little or no flow of negative ions and / or electrons occurs across the outer surface of the dynamic anode material 602. For example, the upper portion of the scene 600 represents the dynamic anode material 602 in a standard operating state, aspects of which are described in detail above.

[0069] Continuing with the lower portion of scenario 600, a power state event 606 occurs that causes activation of the dynamic anode material 602. Examples of power state events 606 and ways to activate the dynamic anode material 602 are discussed above. In response to the activation, ion flow and / or conductivity across the exterior surface 604 increases. As discussed above, this increase in ion flow and / or conductivity enables the dynamic battery 300 to experience increased battery life compared to a scenario in which the dynamic anode material 602 is inactive.

[0070] In at least some implementations, activation of the dynamic anode material 602 changes the crystalline structure of the crystalline surface of the anode material 602 (e.g., of the outer surface 604) to modify its ion permeability and / or conductivity. For example, in an inactive state, the outer surface 604 is ion-impermeable and / or less ion-permeable than in an active state, and can be electrically insulating. When the dynamic anode material 602 is activated, the ion permeability and / or conductivity of the outer surface 604 increases, allowing ion and / or electron flow across the dynamic anode material 602 for battery discharge and / or charging scenarios.

[0071] For example, consider a scenario in which the dynamic anode material 602 is implemented as a nanoscale material (such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, etc.). The nanoscale material can be doped with a magnetic material (such as magnetite). For example, in a scenario, the ionic and / or electronic conductivity of the dynamic anode material 602 is controllable by changing the orientation of the particles. For example, in an inactive state, the particles of the dynamic anode material 602 are arranged so that there is little or no ionic and / or electronic conductivity across the dynamic anode material 602. However, when activated, the particles of the dynamic anode material 602 are reoriented so that the ionic and / or electronic conductivity across the dynamic anode material is increased.

[0072] While scenario 600 is discussed with reference to a dynamic anode material, it will be appreciated that similar circumstances and properties apply to a dynamic cathode material in additional or alternative scenarios. For example, the permeability and / or conductivity of the dynamic cathode material 322 may be increased by activating the dynamic cathode material.

[0073] As an alternative or additional implementation, activation of the dynamic battery 300 may include electrolyte exchange. For example, one or more of the battery controllers 326, 328 may withdraw some or all of the electrolytes 318, 324 and may inject a different electrolyte such that the dynamic battery 300 is activated according to the techniques discussed herein.

[0074] Thus, scenarios 400-600 illustrate that the techniques discussed herein can utilize various battery configurations to accommodate changes in power requirements and different power scenarios.

[0075] Having discussed some example implementation scenarios for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery, consider now some example processes in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0076] Example Process

[0077] This section describes an example process for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery according to one or more implementations. The process is shown as a set of operations (or actions) performed (such as by one or more entities or modules) and is not necessarily limited to the order shown for performing the operations. The example process can be employed in Figure 1 Environment 100, Figure 8 The system 800 and / or any other suitable environment. According to one or more implementations, the process describes an example way to perform various aspects of the example implementation scenario described above. In at least some implementations, the steps described for the process are automatically and independently implemented without user interaction.

[0078] Figure 7is a flow chart describing steps in a method according to one or more embodiments. For example, the method describes an example procedure for changing the internal power state of a battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0079] Step 700 receives an indication for changing a power state of a battery. With respect to environment 100, for example, the indication can indicate an increased power requirement for computing device 102. The increased power requirement may arise from a variety of scenarios. Typically, the indication for changing the power state corresponds to one or more of a battery discharge event for discharging from a battery and / or a battery charge event for charging a battery. For example, application 110 may require additional battery life to continue running. As another example, a hardware function may require additional battery life (such as a location detection device, e.g., for global positioning system (GPS) data), a wireless radio, a display 118, and the like.

[0080] As another example, a change in power state may correspond to a battery charging event, such as for a fast charging scenario.

[0081] Step 702 causes activation of one or more internal materials of the battery to cause a change in the power state of the battery. Example ways to change the power state of the battery are described above and generally include: heating the internal components of the battery (e.g., electrolyte); releasing a catalyst to activate the internal components of the battery; providing external and / or internal stimulation to activate the internal components of the battery, etc.

[0082] In at least some implementations, the example procedures may be performed by the power manager 112, one or more of the battery controllers discussed above, and / or interactions between the power manager 112 and the battery controllers.

[0083] Having discussed example processes for dynamically changing an internal state of a battery, consider now a discussion of example systems and devices for performing aspects of a procedure and implementation scenarios for dynamically changing an internal state of a battery in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0084] Example Systems and Devices

[0085] Figure 8 An example system is illustrated generally at 800 that includes an example computing device 802, which represents one or more computing systems and / or devices that may implement the various techniques described herein. Figure 1 The computing device 102 discussed above may be implemented as computing device 802. Computing device 802 may be, for example, a server of a service provider, a device associated with a client (eg, a client device), a system on a chip, and / or any other suitable computing device or computing system.

[0086] As shown, the example computing device 802 includes a processing system 804, one or more computer-readable media 806, and one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 808 that are communicatively coupled to each other. Although not shown, the computing device 802 may further include a system bus or other data and command transmission system that couples various components to each other. The system bus may include any one or combination of different bus structures (such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and / or a processor or local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures). Various other examples (such as control lines and data lines) are also contemplated.

[0087] Processing system 804 represents the function of performing one or more operations using hardware. Therefore, processing system 804 is illustrated as including hardware element 810, which can be configured as a processor, a functional block, etc. This can include implementation in hardware as a dedicated integrated circuit or other logic devices formed using one or more semiconductors. Hardware element 810 is not limited by the material forming it or the processing mechanism adopted therein. For example, a processor can be composed of (one or more) semiconductors and / or transistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such a context, processor executable instructions can be electronic executable instructions.

[0088] The computer-readable medium 806 is illustrated as including a memory / storage device 812. The memory / storage device 812 represents a memory / storage capacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. The memory / storage device 812 may include volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or non-removable media (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, etc.). The memory / storage device 812 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, fixed hard drive, etc.) and removable media (e.g., flash memory, removable hard drive, optical disk, etc.). The computer-readable medium 806 may be configured in various other ways, as further described below.

[0089] (One or more) input / output interface 808 represents functionality that allows a user to enter commands and information into computing device 802, and also allows information to be presented to the user and / or other components or devices using various input / output devices. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone (e.g., for voice recognition and / or speech input), a scanner, a touch function (e.g., a capacitive or other sensor configured to detect physical contact), a camera (e.g., which can use visible or invisible wavelengths (such as infrared frequencies that detect motion that does not involve contact as gestures)), etc. Examples of output devices include a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector), a speaker, a printer, a network card, a tactile response device, etc. Therefore, computing device 802 can be configured in various ways as further described below to support user interaction.

[0090] Here, various techniques may be described in the general context of software, hardware elements, or program modules. Typically, such modules include routines, programs, objects, elements, components, data structures, etc., which perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The terms "module," "function," "entity," and "component" as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniques described herein are platform-independent, which means that these techniques can be implemented on various commercial computing platforms with various processors.

[0091] Implementations of the described modules and techniques may be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may include a variety of media that may be accessed by computing device 802. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include “computer-readable storage media” and “computer-readable signal media.”

[0092] In contrast to just signal transmission, carrier waves, or signals themselves, "computer-readable storage media" may refer to media and / or devices that support persistent storage of information. Computer-readable storage media do not include the signals themselves. Computer-readable storage media include hardware, such as volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media and / or storage devices implemented in methods or technologies suitable for storage of information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, logic elements / circuits, or other data). Examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, hard disk, cassette, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or other storage device, tangible media, or products suitable for storing desired information and accessible by a computer.

[0093] "Computer-readable signal media" may refer to signal-bearing media that are configured to transmit instructions to the computing device 802 (such as via a network). Signal media may typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal (such as a carrier wave, a data signal, or other transport mechanism). Signal media also include any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal having one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example and not limitation, communication media include wired media (such as a wired network or a direct wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media).

[0094] As previously described, hardware elements 810 and computer-readable media 806 represent instructions, modules, programmable device logic, and / or fixed device logic implemented in hardware form that can be used to implement at least some aspects of the technology described herein in some embodiments. Hardware elements may include other implementations in integrated circuits or systems on a chip, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and silicon or other hardware devices. In this context, hardware elements may be operated as processing devices that perform program tasks, modules, and / or logic implemented by hardware as well as hardware devices (e.g., previously described computer-readable storage media) used to store instructions for execution.

[0095] The combination of the foregoing may also be used to implement the various techniques and modules described herein. Therefore, software, hardware or program modules and other program modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and / or logic implemented on some form of computer-readable storage medium and / or by one or more hardware elements 810. Computing device 802 may be configured to implement specific instructions and / or functions corresponding to software and / or hardware modules. Therefore, the implementation of a module executable as software by computing device 802 may be implemented at least in part in hardware (e.g., by using a computer-readable storage medium and / or hardware element 810 of a processing system). Instructions and / or functions may be executable / operable by one or more articles (e.g., one or more computing devices 802 and / or processing systems 804) to implement the techniques, modules and examples described herein.

[0096] As in Figure 8As further illustrated in the example system 800, the example system 800 supports a ubiquitous environment for a seamless user experience when running applications on a personal computer (PC), a television device, and / or a mobile device. When switching from one device to the next when utilizing applications, playing video games, watching videos, etc., services and applications run substantially similarly in all three environments for a common user experience.

[0097] In the example system 800, multiple devices are interconnected through a central computing device. The central computing device may be local to the multiple devices or may be located remotely from the multiple devices. In one embodiment, the central computing device may be a cloud of one or more server computers connected to the multiple devices through a network, the Internet, or other data communication links.

[0098] In one embodiment, the interconnect architecture enables functionality to be delivered across multiple devices to provide a common and seamless experience to users of the multiple devices. Each of the multiple devices may have different physical requirements and capabilities, and the central computing device uses a platform to enable the delivery of an experience to the device that is customized to the device and still common to all devices. In one embodiment, a class of target devices is created, and the experience is customized to a general class of devices. The class of devices may be defined by physical characteristics of the device, usage type, or other common characteristics.

[0099] In various implementations, computing device 802 can assume a variety of different configurations (such as for use with a computer 814, a mobile device 816, and a television 818). Each of these configurations includes devices that can have generally different builds and capabilities, and thus computing device 802 can be configured according to one or more of different device classes. For example, computing device 802 can be implemented as a device of the computer 814 class, which includes a personal computer, a desktop computer, a multi-screen computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, etc.

[0100] The computing device 802 may also be implemented as a device of the mobile device 816 class, which includes mobile devices such as mobile phones, portable music players, portable gaming devices, tablet computers, wearable devices, multi-screen computers, etc. The computing device 802 may also be implemented as a device of the television 818 class, which includes devices having or connected to generally larger screens in casual viewing environments. These devices include televisions, set-top boxes, game consoles, etc.

[0101] The techniques described herein can be supported by these various configurations of computing device 802 and are not limited to the specific examples of the techniques described herein. For example, the functionality discussed with reference to computing device 102 can be implemented in whole or in part using a distributed system (such as on a "cloud" 820 via platform 822), as described below.

[0102] The cloud 820 includes and / or represents a platform 822 for resources 824. The platform 822 abstracts the underlying functionality of the hardware (e.g., servers) and software resources of the cloud 820. The resources 824 may include applications and / or data that may be utilized when computer processing is performed on a server remote from the computing device 902. The resources 824 may also include services provided over the Internet and / or over a subscriber network, such as a cellular or Wi-Fi network.

[0103] The platform 822 can abstract resources and functions to connect the computing device 802 with other computing devices. The platform 822 can also be used to abstract the scale of resources to provide corresponding size levels to the encountered needs of resources 824 implemented via the platform 822. Therefore, in an interconnected device embodiment, the implementation of the functions described herein can be distributed throughout the system 800. For example, the functions can be implemented partially on the computing device 802 and via the platform 822 that abstracts the functions of the cloud 820.

[0104] Several methods that can be implemented to perform the technology discussed herein are discussed herein. Aspects of the methods can be implemented in hardware, firmware or software or a combination thereof. The method is shown as a set of steps specifying the operations performed by one or more devices, and is not necessarily limited to the order shown in the operations caused by the corresponding blocks. In addition, the operations shown in the specific method can be combined and / or exchanged with the operations of the different methods according to one or more implementations. Aspects of the methods can be implemented via the interaction between the various entities discussed above with reference to environment 100 and / or system 800.

[0105] The example implementations discussed here include:

[0106] Example 1: A dynamic battery comprises: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, which separates the positive electrode from the negative electrode, at least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode comprises a main electrode material and a dynamic electrode material different from the main electrode material, and the dynamic electrode material can be activated to change the power state of the dynamic battery.

[0107] Example 2: A dynamic electrode according to Example 1, wherein the dynamic battery is associated with a standard operating mode and an activated operating mode, wherein in the standard operating mode, the main electrode material is active and the dynamic electrode material is inactive, and in the activated operating mode, the dynamic electrode material is active.

[0108] Example 3: A dynamic battery according to one or more of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the dynamic battery is associated with a standard operating mode and an activated operating mode, wherein in the standard operating mode, the dynamic electrode material is inactive such that the ion flow or conductivity across the dynamic electrode material is less than one or more of the ion flow or conductivity in the activated operating mode.

[0109] Example 4: The dynamic battery of one or more of Examples 1-3, wherein the dynamic electrode material is activatable in response to an external stimulus applied to the dynamic battery.

[0110] Example 5: A dynamic battery according to one or more of Examples 1-4, wherein the dynamic electrode material is activatable in response to an external stimulus applied to the dynamic battery, the external stimulus comprising one or more of: a catalyst applied to the dynamic electrode material, heating of the dynamic electrode material, mechanical activation, or radio wave activation.

[0111] Example 6: The dynamic electrode of one or more of Examples 1-5, wherein the dynamic electrode material is activatable in response to a voltage drop in the dynamic battery.

[0112] Example 7: The dynamic battery of one or more of Examples 1-6, wherein activation of the dynamic electrode material causes the dynamic electrode material to transition from an inactive state to an active state, and wherein in the active state, a discharge capacity of the dynamic battery is greater than in the inactive state.

[0113] Example 8: The dynamic battery of one or more of Examples 1-7, wherein the dynamic battery powers one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the dynamic electrode material is activatable in response to a power state event generated by the computing device.

[0114] Example 9: A dynamic battery according to one or more of Examples 1-8, wherein the dynamic battery powers one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the dynamic electrode material is activatable in response to a power state event generated by the computing device, the power state event comprising one or more of a battery discharge-related event or a battery charge-related event.

[0115] Example 10: The dynamic battery of one or more of Examples 1-9, wherein the dynamic battery powers one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the dynamic electrode material is activatable in response to an application-related event generated by the computing device.

[0116] Example 11: An apparatus comprising: a battery comprising an anode, a cathode, one or more electrolytes, and a separator separating the anode from the cathode; and a battery controller configured to cause heating of the one or more electrolytes to change a power state of the battery.

[0117] Example 12: The apparatus of Example 11, wherein the battery provides power to one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the battery controller is configured to cause heating of the one or more electrolytes in response to a power event generated by the computing device.

[0118] Example 13: An apparatus according to one or more of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the battery provides power to one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the battery controller is configured to cause heating of the one or more electrolytes in response to an application-related event generated by the computing device.

[0119] Example 14: An apparatus according to one or more of Examples 11-13, wherein the battery provides power to one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the battery controller is configured to cause heating of one or more electrolytes in response to a power event generated by the computing device, the power event comprising one or more of a battery discharge-related event or a battery charge-related event.

[0120] Example 15: The device of one or more of Examples 11-14, wherein heating of the one or more electrolytes causes the electrolytes to expand to increase the porosity of one or more of the anode or cathode such that the discharge capacity of the battery is increased.

[0121] Example 16: The device of one or more of Examples 11-15, wherein heating of the one or more electrolytes causes the electrolytes to expand to increase the porosity of one or more of the anode or cathode such that the charging rate of the battery is increased.

[0122] Example 17: A system comprising: one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable storage media storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform operations including: receiving an indication for changing a power state of a battery; and causing activation of one or more internal materials of the battery to cause a change in the power state of the battery.

[0123] Example 18: The system of Example 17, wherein the battery powers one or more components of the computing device, and the indication to change the power state occurs in response to an increase in power requirements of the computing device.

[0124] Example 19: The system of one or more of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the one or more internal materials include an electrolyte, and wherein causing activation includes causing the electrolyte to be heated to increase a discharge capacity of the battery.

[0125] Example 20: The system of one or more of Examples 17-19, wherein the one or more internal materials include an electrode material, and wherein causing activation includes causing a catalyst to be released within the battery to activate the electrode material and increase a discharge capacity of the battery.

[0126] in conclusion

[0127] Although embodiments of techniques and apparatus for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery have been described in language specific to features and / or methods, it will be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery.

Claims

1. A device for dynamically changing the internal state of a battery, the device comprising: A battery comprising: a cathode comprising a first electrolyte and an anode comprising a second electrolyte; Heating device; A battery controller for controlling the operation of the battery based on the power discharge state of the battery, the operation comprising operation in the following states: (1) a standard operation state, the standard operation state corresponding to the power discharge of the battery being below a threshold value, and during the standard operation state, the battery supplies power to an external circuit and is charged using the heating device in an inactive state, and (2) an activated operation state, the activated operation state corresponding to the power discharge of the battery being above the threshold value, the power discharge of the battery being above the threshold value causing an increase in the discharge capacity of the battery relative to the standard operation state, the operation in the activated operation state comprising: the heating device in the active state applying heat to at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte and causing the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to expand. 2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte comprises a liquid crystal solution.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: an electrode material in at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte; and Wherein in the standard operating state, the ion flow or conductivity across the electrode material is lower than one or more of the ion flow or conductivity in the activated operating state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises a catalyst to be injected into the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to cause an exothermic reaction.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one of: platinum, silica, titania, and zeolite.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises a radio frequency (RF) activation device to cause radio wave heating of the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises at least one magnet to cause magnetic heating of the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating device is configured to vibrate the at least one of the first electrolyte or the second electrolyte.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises an optical device to cause photoheating of the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating device is activatable in response to a voltage drop between the anode and the cathode.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device powers one or more components of a computing device, and wherein the heating arrangement is activatable in response to an application-related event generated by the computing device.

12. A battery comprising: a cathode comprising a first electrolyte; an anode comprising a second electrolyte; The first electrolyte or the second electrolyte includes a material that expands in response to a thermal stimulus and increases the discharge capacity of the battery relative to the battery without the thermal stimulus, and the battery is configured for operation in the following states: (1) a standard operating state, the standard operating state corresponding to a power discharge of the battery below a threshold, and during the standard operating state, the battery supplies power to an external circuit and is charged using a heating device in an inactive state, and (2) an activated operating state, the activated operating state corresponding to a power discharge of the battery above the threshold, the power discharge of the battery above the threshold causing an increase in the discharge capacity of the battery relative to the standard operating state, the operation in the activated operating state including: the heating device in the active state applies heat to at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte and causes the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to expand.

13. The battery of claim 12, wherein one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte comprises a liquid crystal solution.

14. The battery according to claim 12, further comprising: an electrode material in at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte; and wherein the ion flow or conductivity across the electrode material without the thermal stimulation is lower than one or more of the ion flow or conductivity with the thermal stimulation.

15. The battery of claim 12, further comprising a catalyst in the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to provide the thermal stimulus.

16. The battery of claim 15, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one of: platinum, silica, titania, and zeolite.

17. A dynamic battery comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a first electrolyte electrically coupled to the first electrode; as well as a second electrolyte electrically coupled to the second electrode; The dynamic battery is configured to operate in a standard operating state and an activated operating state based on a power discharge of the dynamic battery, wherein in the activated operating state, corresponding to a power discharge of the battery being above a threshold, the dynamic battery heats at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to expand at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte, and increases the discharge capacity of the dynamic battery relative to the discharge capacity of the dynamic battery in the standard operating state.

18. The dynamic battery of claim 17, wherein the dynamic battery is configured to heat the at least one of the first electrolyte or the second electrolyte by vibration.

19. The dynamic battery of claim 17, wherein the dynamic battery is configured to heat the at least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte by radio frequency (RF) stimulation.

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