Multiplexed charge discharge battery management system

Abstract

To provide a battery management method or a control method of a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery management system 100 comprises: at least one battery (for example, 120 to 150) comprising two or more sets of cells (for example, 121 to 124), each set of cells comprising one or more cells (for example, 121A to 121C); a multiplexing switch apparatus 112 connected to each set of cells; and at least one controller 114 using the multiplexing switch apparatus to selectively discharge the sets of cells based on at least one criterion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 712,761, filed July 31, 2018, and entitled “Multiplexed Charge-Discharge Battery Management System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] Electrochemical cell charge / discharge management and associated systems are outlined. [Background technology]

[0003] Historically, batteries have failed to compete successfully with established power sources, such as combustion systems, in various industries, such as vehicles. One reason for this failure is that battery users have been dissatisfied with the life and performance that batteries have traditionally offered. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery management system comprising at least one battery having two or more sets of cells, each set of cells comprising one or more cells, a multiplexing switch device connected to each set of cells, and at least one controller configured to selectively discharge the sets of cells using the multiplexing switch device based on at least one criterion.

[0005] Some other embodiments relate to a battery pack comprising at least one battery having two or more sets of cells, each set of cells comprising a battery having one or more cells, and an integrated switch control system comprising at least one switch connected to each set of cells, the integrated switch control system configured to control the at least one switch to sequentially discharge the sets of cells.

[0006] Yet another embodiment relates to a battery pack comprising at least one battery having two or more sets of cells, each set of cells comprising a battery having one or more cells, and an integrated switch control system comprising at least one switch connected to each set of cells, the integrated switch control system configured to control the at least one switch to selectively discharge the set of cells based on at least one of a duration of connection between the load and the set of cells currently connected to the load, a discharge capacity delivered in the connection, and a value of a function having one or more parameters.

[0007] Further embodiments relate to a battery management method comprising using a multiplexing switch device coupled to two or more sets of cells of at least one battery to selectively discharge each set of cells based on at least one criterion, in some embodiments each set of cells comprises one or more cells.

[0008] Further embodiments relate to a method of controlling a battery pack, the method comprising controlling, using an integrated switch control system comprising at least one switch connected to each set of cells of two or more sets of cells of at least one battery, the at least one switch to sequentially discharge the sets of cells, in some embodiments each set of cells comprising one or more cells.

[0009] Some other embodiments relate to a method of controlling a battery pack comprising using an integrated switch control system comprising at least one switch connected to each set of cells of two or more sets of cells of at least one battery to selectively discharge the set of cells based on at least one of a duration of a connection between a load and the set of cells currently connected to the load, a discharge capacity delivered in the connection, and a value of a function having one or more parameters, each set of cells comprising one or more cells.

[0010] Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In cases where the specification and any documents incorporated by reference contain conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure, the specification will control.

[0011] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be schematic and not to scale. In the drawings, components that are each depicted identically or nearly identically are typically represented by the same reference numerals. For purposes of clarity, not every component will be labeled in every drawing, nor will every component of each embodiment of the present invention be shown unless the depiction is necessary to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary battery management system, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary battery pack, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary battery management system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B]FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a representative set of cells and corresponding components, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 1A-1D are cross-sectional schematic diagrams depicting the application of an anisotropic force to one or more electrochemical cells, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for discharging a set of cells of a battery, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a further exemplary process for discharging a set of cells of a battery, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling a battery pack, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a further exemplary process for controlling a battery pack, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] 1 is a chart illustrating an exemplary discharge profile according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B] 1 is a chart illustrating an exemplary total discharge profile, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7C] 1 is a chart illustrating an exemplary battery cycle life, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a representative computer system that may be used to implement some aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present inventors have recognized and understood that conventional techniques for battery management have resulted in poor battery life and performance. For example, batteries have suffered from short cycle life (e.g., a low number of full charge and discharge cycles before the capacity drops below 80% of the original capacity), especially where the charge and discharge rates are similar or the charge rate is faster than the discharge rate. For example, many battery users have desired batteries to have nearly the same charge and discharge rates (e.g., 4 hours to charge, 4 hours to discharge), and battery manufacturers have provided batteries and battery management systems that provide such nearly the same rates. Many users have also desired batteries to charge at a faster rate than they discharge (e.g., 30 minutes to charge, 4 hours to discharge), such as to eliminate the inconvenience of waiting for a charge to use the battery.

[0014] The inventors have recognized and understood that the cycle life of a battery, and therefore the life and performance of the battery, is greatly improved by using a high ratio of discharge rate to charge rate. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized and understood that these ratios are used by providing a battery management system that controls the cells in the battery to provide such ratios. For example, some embodiments relate to a battery management system that multiplexes cells such that the cells are charged all at once or multiple at once and discharged individually or in small sets. This results in a practical ratio of discharge rate to charge rate for the cells that improves their cycle life while providing the output rate desired or required by the particular load and application. Furthermore, the inventors have also recognized and understood that discharging some but not all of the cells at a time with uniform current distribution improves their cycle life.

[0015] For example, with a battery having four cells, one cell at a time being discharged at 0.5 amps each for three hours, and then the four cells being charged at 0.5 amps for twelve hours - such a configuration provides an actual ratio of discharge rate to charge rate of 4:1, while from the user's perspective the ratio is 1:1 since the cells each individually discharge for three hours (for a total of 12 hours of discharge time). The inventors have recognized and appreciated that such a battery management system actually improves the cycle life of the battery, while still providing the user with what the user wants and demands from a battery. In some embodiments, the functionality that provides this duo of benefits is hidden from the user and integrated into the block of cells and / or the battery itself.

[0016] The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the cycle life of a battery may be further improved by monitoring the cycles and various characteristics of the cells (e.g., the duration of connection between the load and the cell or cells currently connected to the load, or more complex functions that take into account multiple parameters) and selecting cells to discharge based on this monitoring, particularly in comparison to prior art techniques that rely on many simple selection processes such as "round robin" or that take into account the number of previous discharge processes.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary battery management system 100. In some embodiments, the exemplary system 100 includes a multiplexing switch device (e.g., 112), a controller (e.g., 114), one or more sensors (e.g., 116), and one or more batteries (e.g., 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.). Although only a single multiplexing switch device 112, controller 114, sensor 116, and only four batteries 120-150 are shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that any suitable number of these components may be used. Any of a number of different modes of implementation may be used. Additionally, although a single labeling is used herein to refer to a multiplexing switch device, it should be understood that the components used for multiplexing and switching described herein may be distributed across any suitable number of devices (e.g., switches).

[0018] According to some embodiments, the battery or batteries include at least one lithium metal battery. Furthermore, the battery or batteries (e.g., 120-150) each include one or more sets of cells (e.g., 121-124, 131-132, 141-142, 151-152, etc.), also referred to as a set of cells. In some embodiments, two or more sets of cells are included in each battery, e.g., 121-122. Furthermore, each set of cells (e.g., cell set 121) includes one or more cells (e.g., 121A-121C). In some embodiments, each set of cells includes a single cell. Alternatively, each set of cells includes multiple sets of cells to form a cell "block" or multiple sets of cells together form a cell block. Furthermore, each cell (of the battery, all batteries of a battery pack, or sets of cells) or set of cells utilizes the same electrochemistry. That is, in some embodiments, each cell utilizes the same anode active material and the same cathode active material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the multiplexing switch device (e.g., 112) includes an array of switches, such as those described further below with respect to Figures 3A and 3B. Furthermore, the multiplexing switch device is individually connected to each set of cells and / or each cell. In some embodiments, a controller, such as 114, uses the multiplexing switch device to selectively discharge a cell or set of cells based on at least one criterion.

[0020] For example, the criteria may include an order for discharging the set of cells, such as, for example, an order based on a predetermined number or sequence associated with the set of cells (starting with the first set, switching through each set to the last set, then starting over with the first set) and / or a cell or set of cells with some other measurement indicative of a next higher voltage or next strongest. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the use of an order, and in particular a predetermined numbering, reduces the complexity of the operations performed by a system (e.g., a non-microprocessor controller) and can be used by a wide array of systems.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the criteria are context dependent, such as by considering any one or more of the connection duration between the next load and the set of cells currently connected to the load (which in some embodiments is at least 0.01 seconds), the discharge capacity delivered in the connection, and the value of a function having one or more parameters. In some embodiments, the criteria does not include the number of previous discharge cycles of the set of cells.

[0022] In some embodiments, the function may include parameters such as one or more of the following: accumulated capacity over multiple connections between the next load and the set of cells, discharge capacity delivered in a connection, current of the set of cells, voltage of the set of cells and / or at least one other set of cells, cutoff discharge voltage of the set of cells, power of the set of cells, energy of the set of cells, number of charge or discharge cycles of the set of cells, impedance of the set of cells, rate of voltage fading of the set of cells during a connection, temperature of the set of cells, and pressure of the set of cells (e.g., pressure on the cells from their physical enclosures, which is indicative of cell capacity and is discussed further below). According to some embodiments, the discharge capacity delivered in a single connection may range from 0.01% of the nominal capacity to 100% (e.g., 95%) of the set nominal capacity.

[0023] In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., 116) measures either the criteria and / or a parameter of the function. For example, the sensor may include a current sensor that measures the amperes of current through a given set of cells. The criteria may be multiple or singular and may relate to the current set of cells to be discharged and / or determine the next set of cells.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller (e.g., 114) includes one or more processors and is of a complexity appropriate to the application. For example, in some embodiments, evaluating the function of the criteria relies on a microprocessor that forms part or all of the controller.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller selectively discharges and charges the cell or set of cells at different programmable rates using the multiplexing switch device. For example, the controller selectively discharges the cell or set of cells at a first rate that is at least twice as fast as the second rate at which the set of cells is charged using the multiplexing switch device (i.e., discharges twice as fast as charges). Alternatively or additionally, the first rate of discharge is at least four times as fast as the second rate at which the set of cells is charged (i.e., discharges four times faster than charges). The inventors have recognized and understood that such a ratio of discharge rate to charge rate improves the performance and cycle life of the cells.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the controller temporarily overlaps the discharge of the sets of cells. For example, before a given cell or set of cells stops discharging, another cell or set of cells begins discharging. In some embodiments, the controller continues to supply power from the set of cells while switching between the different sets. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that this temporary overlap of discharge and continuance of power maintains the power requirements of the load even during transitions between different cells of the set of cells, and further improves the cycle life of the cells compared to the prior art. Thus, multiple cells discharge simultaneously during such overlap. Moreover, such overlap provides a smoother transition in voltage than was possible in the prior art.

[0027] In some embodiments, the load is at least one component of a vehicle. The vehicle may be any suitable vehicle configured to travel on land, sea, and / or air. For example, the vehicle may be a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a boat, a helicopter, an airplane, and / or any suitable type of vehicle.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the controller may use a multiplexing switch device (eg, 112) to connect the loads and sets of cells in the topology used or required by the loads.

[0029] In some embodiments, the controller uses a multiplexing switch device (e.g., 112) to isolate a single set of cells for discharging while other sets of cells are not discharging. Alternatively or additionally, a single cell is isolated at a time. For example, the controller uses a multiplexing switch device to isolate a single set of cells or a single cell for discharging while other cells or sets of cells are not discharging. According to some embodiments, in a given cycle, each cell is discharged once before all cells are discharged twice (e.g., sequential discharge is used, but is not limited to such embodiments).

[0030] With regard to charging, in some embodiments, the controller uses a multiplexing switch device to charge sets of cells and / or cells within a set in parallel, for example, a block of cells, a battery, or all cells of multiple batteries are charged in parallel at one-quarter the rate of discharge.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the exemplary battery pack 210 includes a switch control system (e.g., 218) and one or more batteries (e.g., 120, 130, 140, 150, etc.). Although only a single switch control system 218 and only four batteries 120-150 are shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that any suitable number of these components may be used. Any of many different modes of implementation may be used. Additionally, although a single labeling is used herein to refer to a switch control system, it should be understood that the components used for control and switching described herein may be distributed across any suitable number of devices (e.g., switches, controllers, etc.).

[0032] In some embodiments, the switch control system (e.g., 218) includes an array of switches, such as the array of switches further described below in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B, and the switch control system includes a controller. Furthermore, the switch control system is individually connected to each set of cells and / or each cell of the battery, as discussed above in connection with FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the switch control system is integrated into the battery pack. Furthermore, the switch control system controls the switches (e.g., in the switch array) to sequentially discharge the cells or set of cells, e.g., in a predetermined order associated with the cells or set of cells. Alternatively or additionally, the switch control system controls the switches to discharge the cells or set of cells based on any one or more of the following: the connection period (which is at least 0.01 seconds in some embodiments) between the next load and the set of cells connected to flow to the load; the discharge capacity provided in the connection; and the value of a function. In some embodiments, the basis for the control may not include the number of previous discharge cycles of the set of cells.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the switch control system performs any number of functions, such as the functions of the controller described in relation to FIG. 1 above.

[0034] It should be understood that any of the components of the exemplary system 100 or the exemplary battery pack 210 may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and / or software components. As such, the various components are contemplated as controllers that perform the described functions using any suitable collection of hardware and / or software components.

[0035] 3A illustrates an exemplary battery management system 300. In some embodiments, the exemplary system 300 includes any suitable number of multi-cell blocks (e.g., 321-325), a battery cell block arrangement and balance switch structure (e.g., 326), a battery management microcontroller (e.g., 327), a battery system interface (e.g., 328), battery power terminals (e.g., 329), and sensors (e.g., 360). The multi-cell blocks are connected to the battery cell block arrangement and balance switch structure. The multi-cell blocks are also connected to the battery management microcontroller.

[0036] In some embodiments, the battery cell block arrangement and balancing switch structure includes multiplexing switches that connect the cell blocks (e.g., 321-325) in series, parallel, series / parallel, or other suitable topology required to meet the voltage and current requirements of a given application or load.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the battery management microcontroller monitors and controls the charging and discharging of the battery management system to ensure safe operation of the system and its components. Additionally, the battery management microcontroller communicates with users (consumers who use the system to power loads) and any appropriate internal manufacturing, calibration, and test equipment. For example, the battery management microcontroller is connected to a battery system interface (e.g., 328) that provides the interface required by the battery management microcontroller to communicate with users and internal manufacturing, calibration, and test equipment, as well as any other appropriate.

[0038] In some embodiments, sensors are coupled to the battery cell block arrangement and balance switch structure, the battery management microcontroller, and / or the battery power terminals, and the sensors measure characteristics of the multi-cell block and / or other components of the system. For example, the sensors measure characteristics of the multi-cell block that form the criteria and / or parameters of any of the functions described above. For example, the sensors include current sensors that measure the amperes of current in a given set of cells.

[0039] Although the battery cell block arrangement and balancing switch structure 326, the battery management microcontroller 327, the battery system interface 328, and the sensors 360 are labeled in the singular and only five multi-cell blocks 321-325 are shown in FIG. 3A, any suitable number of these components may be used, which represent multiple components. Any of many different modes of implementation may be used. Indeed, although the singular labeling is used herein to refer to the battery cell block arrangement and balancing switch structure, it should be understood that the components used for the arrangement and balancing switch described herein may be distributed across any suitable number of devices (e.g., switches).

[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates a representative cell set and corresponding components. In some embodiments, the representative cell set includes any suitable number of cells (e.g., 321A-C), such as those described above for configuring a multi-block cell. Additionally, the representative cell set includes a cell multiplexing switch (e.g., 326A1), a cell balancing switch and register (e.g., 326A2), a cell block microcontroller (e.g., 327A), a battery management microcontroller interface (e.g., 328A), a sensor (e.g., 360A), and an input / output bus (e.g., 321IO) for the cell set. In some embodiments, the cells are connected to the cell balancing switch and register, which are connected to the cell multiplexing switch.

[0041] In some embodiments, each cell (e.g., each of 321A-C) is connected to an array of cell multiplexing switches that connect or disconnect a given cell from the input / output bus (e.g., 321IO) and connect or disconnect a given cell to a balance register (e.g., one of the registers in 326A2) that shares the balance bus with other cells. Furthermore, in a discharge mode, one cell (e.g., 321A) is connected to the input / output bus and disconnected from the balance register. The remaining cells (e.g., 321B-C) are disconnected from the input / output bus and connected to their corresponding balance registers. Furthermore, in a charge mode for some embodiments, all cells (e.g., 321A-C) are connected to the input / output bus and disconnected from the balance register 326A2.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cell block microcontroller (e.g., 327A) generates switching waveforms to ensure that switching overlap and deadband requirements are appropriate for the application or load. The cell block microcontroller further determines the state required by the application or load by monitoring the cell block voltage and current and by receiving communication from a battery management microcontroller (e.g., 327 in FIG. 3A), to which the cell block microcontroller is connected through a battery management microcontroller interface.

[0043] 3C is an exemplary cross-sectional schematic depiction of an electrochemical system in which an anisotropic force is applied to an electrochemical cell (e.g., 321A) according to one set of embodiments. The term "electrochemical cell" is used herein to generally refer to an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte configured to participate in an electrochemical reaction to produce electrical power. Electrochemical cells may or may not be rechargeable.

[0044] In FIG. 3C, the system includes an electrochemical cell 321A and a pressure distributor 334 that, in some embodiments, contains a fluid associated with the electrochemical cell 321A. The pressure distributor 334 is configured such that an anisotropic force is applied to a component of the electrochemical cell 321A through the pressure distributor 334. For example, in the set of embodiments depicted in FIG. 3C, a pressure transmitter 336 is configured to apply an anisotropic force to the pressure distributor 334, which in turn causes the anisotropic force to be applied to at least one component (e.g., an electrode) of the electrochemical cell 321A. The system also includes a substrate 332 on which the electrochemical cell is disposed. The substrate 332 may include, for example, a table top, a surface of a container in which the electrochemical cell 321A is housed, or any other suitable surface.

[0045] The pressure distributor 334 may be associated with the electrochemical cell 321A in a variety of suitable configurations to produce the inventive systems and methods described herein. As used herein, a pressure distributor is associated with an electrochemical cell when at least a portion of the force applied to and / or through the pressure distributor is transferred to a component of the electrochemical cell. For example, in an embodiment, a pressure distributor is associated with an electrochemical cell when the pressure distributor is in direct contact with the electrochemical cell or a component thereof. In general, a first item and a second item are in direct contact when the first item and the second item are in direct contact. For example, in FIG. 3C, the pressure distributor 334 and the electrochemical cell 321A are in direct contact.

[0046] In some embodiments, a pressure distributor is associated with an electrochemical cell when the pressure distributor is in indirect contact with at least one component of the electrochemical cell. In general, a first article and a second article are in indirect contact when a path can be traced between the first article and the second article that intersects only solid and / or liquid components. Such a path can be in the form of a substantially straight line in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a pressure distributor is in indirect contact with an electrochemical cell when one or more solid and / or liquid materials are disposed therebetween, but a force is still applied to the electrochemical cell through the pressure distributor.

[0047] In some embodiments, a pressure distributor is associated with an electrochemical cell when it is disposed within the boundaries of a container that at least partially (e.g., completely) encloses the components of the electrochemical cell. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure distributor 334 is disposed between an electrode and a container that at least partially encloses the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor 334 is disposed between a current collector and a container that at least partially encloses the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor 334 is used as a current collector, for example, disposed next to an electrode of the electrochemical cell and within a container that at least partially contains the electrode and electrolyte of the electrochemical cell. This is accomplished, for example, by fabricating the pressure distributor 334 from a material (e.g., a metal such as a metal foil, a conductive polymer, etc.) that is sufficiently conductive to transport electrons to and / or from the electrodes of the electrochemical cell.

[0048] In some embodiments, a pressure distributor is associated with an electrochemical cell when it is disposed outside the boundaries of a container that at least partially (e.g., completely) encloses the components of the electrochemical cell. For example, in certain embodiments, the pressure distributor 334 is disposed in direct or indirect contact with an exterior surface of a container that at least partially encloses the electrodes and electrolyte of the electrochemical cell.

[0049] In some embodiments, the pressure distributor is disposed a relatively short distance from at least one electrode of the electrochemical cell, for example, in some embodiments, the shortest distance between the pressure distributor and an electrode of the electrochemical cell is at least about 10 times, about 5 times, about 2 times, about 1 time, about 0.5 times, or about 0.25 times the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the electrode.

[0050] In some embodiments, the pressure distributor is associated with a particular electrode (e.g., an anode) of the electrochemical cell. For example, the pressure distributor is in direct or indirect contact with an electrode (e.g., an anode, such as an anode containing lithium) of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor is disposed outside of a container that at least partially contains the electrode, but is still associated with the electrode, such as when only liquid and / or solid components separate the electrode from the pressure distributor. For example, in some embodiments where the pressure distributor is disposed in direct or indirect contact with a container that at least partially encloses the electrode and liquid electrolyte, the pressure distributor will be associated with the electrode.

[0051] In certain embodiments, force can be applied to electrochemical cell 321A or a component of electrochemical cell 321A (e.g., an electrode of the electrochemical cell) through pressure distributor 334. As used herein, force is applied to a first component (e.g., an electrochemical cell) through a second component (e.g., a pressure distributor) when the second component at least partially transfers the force from a source of force to the first component.

[0052] The force can be applied to the electrochemical cell or components thereof through the pressure distributor in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, applying the force to the pressure distributor includes applying the force to an outer surface of the pressure distributor. This can be accomplished, for example, by a pressure transmitter 336. For example, in FIG. 3C, the pressure transmitter 336 is positioned to apply an anisotropic force through the pressure distributor 334 to the electrochemical cell 321A by applying a force to a surface 340 of the pressure distributor 334. As used herein, a first component is positioned to apply an anisotropic force to a second component when the first and second components are positioned such that at least a portion of the force can be transmitted to the first component and / or through the first component to the second component. In some embodiments, the pressure transmitter and the pressure distributor are in direct contact. In some embodiments, one or more materials (e.g., one or more solid and / or liquid materials) are positioned between the pressure transmitter and the pressure distributor, but the force can still be applied to the pressure distributor by the pressure transmitter. In some embodiments, the pressure transmitter and pressure distributor can be in indirect contact such that a continuous path is traced through the solid and / or liquid material from the pressure distributor to the electrochemical cell, which path, in some embodiments, is substantially (e.g., completely) straight.

[0053] 3C, pressure transmitter 336 and electrochemical cell 321A are disposed on opposing sides of pressure distributor 334. Thus, when an anisotropic force (e.g., an anisotropic force in the direction of arrow 150) is applied to and / or by pressure transmitter 336 to surface 340, the force is transmitted through pressure distributor 334 onto surface 342 of electrochemical cell 321A and to components of electrochemical cell 321A.

[0054] In some embodiments, applying a force to the pressure distributor includes applying a force to an inner surface of the pressure distributor. For example, in some embodiments, a force can be applied to the electrochemical cell through the pressure distributor by maintaining and / or increasing the pressure of the fluid in the pressure distributor. In the set of embodiments depicted in FIG. 3C, a force is applied to the electrochemical cell 321A through the pressure distributor 334 by conveying additional fluid through an inlet (not shown) of the pressure distributor 334 (e.g., by expanding the pressure distributor 334). In some such embodiments, as the pressure in the pressure distributor is maintained and / or increased, the movement of the pressure transmitter is restricted such that a force is created on an outer surface of the electrochemical cell and / or a component of the electrochemical cell (e.g., an active surface of an electrode in the electrochemical cell). For example, in FIG. 3C, as additional fluid is applied to the pressure distributor 334, the pressure transmitter 336 is configured to restrict the movement of a boundary of the pressure distributor 334 such that a force is applied to a surface 342 of the electrochemical cell 321A.

[0055] In one embodiment, fluid is applied to pressure distributor 334 before being placed between electrochemical cell 321A and pressure transmitter 336. After fluid is applied, pressure distributor 334 is compressed and placed between electrochemical cell 321A and pressure transmitter 336, and compression of the fluid in pressure distributor 334 then creates a force that is applied to surface 342 of electrochemical cell 321A (and thus to the surface of one or more components of the electrochemical cell, e.g., the active surface of an electrode). One of ordinary skill in the art given this disclosure will be able to design additional systems and methods in which force is applied to an electrochemical cell through a pressure distributor.

[0056] The fluid in pressure distributor 334 may apply pressure transmitted through pressure distributor 334 relatively uniformly to surface 342 of electrochemical cell 321A (and thus relatively uniformly to the surfaces of one or more components of the electrochemical cell, such as, for example, the active surfaces of the electrodes). Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that the presence of fluid in pressure distributor 334 reduces and / or eliminates points of relatively high pressure on surface 342 as fluid in areas of relatively high pressure is transported to areas of relatively low pressure.

[0057] In some embodiments, the degree to which the pressure distributor evenly distributes the force applied to the electrochemical cell is enhanced if the outer surface of the pressure transmitter is properly aligned with the outer surface of the electrochemical cell or its container. For example, in the set of embodiments depicted in FIG. 3C, the outer surface 340 of the pressure transmitter 336 faces the outer surface 342 of the electrochemical cell 321A. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the pressure transmitter is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the electrochemical cell to which the force is applied. For example, in the set of embodiments depicted in FIG. 3C, the outer surface 340 of the pressure transmitter 336 is substantially parallel to the outer surface 342 of the electrochemical cell 321A. As used herein, two surfaces are substantially parallel to each other when the two surfaces form an angle of about 10° or less. In some embodiments, two substantially parallel surfaces form an angle of about 5° or less, about 3° or less, about 1° or less, or about 0.1° or less.

[0058] The pressure distributor has a variety of suitable forms. In certain embodiments, the pressure distributor comprises a bag or other suitable container for the fluid to be contained in. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor comprises a bellows configured to deform along a direction in which force is applied to the pressure distributor.

[0059] The pressure distributor vessel can be made of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor vessel comprises a flexible material. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure distributor vessel comprises a polymer, such as polyethylene (e.g., linear low density and / or very low density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl dichloride, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, silicone rubber (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane), and / or other natural or synthetic rubber or plastic. In some embodiments (e.g., in embodiments where gas is used as the fluid in the pressure distributor), the pressure distributor vessel can include a metal layer (e.g., an aluminum metal layer) that enhances the degree to which the fluid (e.g., gas) is retained within the pressure distributor. The use of flexible materials is advantageous in some embodiments because they allow the contents of the pressure distributor to be redistributed relatively easily and enhance the degree to which force is applied evenly.

[0060] In some embodiments, the pressure distributor comprises an elastic material. In some embodiments, the elasticity of the material from which the pressure distributor is manufactured is selected so that the pressure distributor transmits a desired amount of force applied to the pressure distributor to adjacent components. To illustrate, in some cases, if the pressure distributor is made of a very flexible material, a relatively high percentage of the force applied to the pressure distributor is used to elastically deform the pressure distributor material rather than being transmitted to the adjacent electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor can be formed of a material having a Young's modulus of less than about 1 GPa. One skilled in the art would be able to measure the Young's modulus of a given material, for example, by performing a tensile test (also sometimes referred to as a tension test). Exemplary elastic polymers (i.e., elastomers) that may be used include the general classes of silicone polymers, epoxy polymers, and acrylate polymers.

[0061] In some embodiments, the pressure distributor comprises an enclosed vessel containing the fluid. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor comprises an open vessel containing the fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure distributor comprises a vessel in fluid communication with an apparatus configured and arranged to convey the fluid through the pressure distributor, as described in more detail below.

[0062] Various fluids may be used in connection with pressure distributors. As used herein, "fluid" generally refers to a substance that tends to flow and conform to the contours of its container. Examples of fluids include liquids, gases, gels, viscoelastic fluids, solutions, suspensions, fluidized particles, and the like. Typically, a fluid is a material that can be used to withstand static shear stress, and when shear stress is applied, the fluid experiences a continuous and permanent distortion. Fluids may have any suitable viscosity that allows for flow and redistribution of an applied force.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the fluid in the pressure distributor comprises a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, a noble gas (e.g., helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, etc.), a refrigerant gas, or a combination thereof). In certain embodiments, the gas in the pressure distributor comprises a relatively high molecular weight (e.g., at least about 100 g / mol) that can limit the degree to which the gas permeates through the walls of the pressure distributor. In some embodiments, the fluid in the pressure distributor comprises a liquid, including, but not limited to, water, an electrolyte (e.g., a liquid electrolyte similar or the same as that used in electrochemical cells), a grease (e.g., petrolatum, Teflon grease, silicone grease, etc.), an oil (e.g., mineral oil, etc.), and the like. In certain embodiments, the fluid in the pressure distributor comprises a gel. Suitable gels for use in the pressure distributor include, but are not limited to, hydrogels (e.g., silicone gels, etc.), organogels, or xerogels. In certain embodiments, the fluid comprises a fluidized bed of solid particles (e.g., sand, powder, etc.). Fluidization can be achieved, for example, by passing a gas and / or liquid through the particles and / or by vibrating a substrate on which the particles are arranged so that they move relative to one another.

[0064] The fluid used in connection with the pressure distributor may have any suitable viscosity. In certain embodiments, Newtonian fluids are used in the pressure distributor, although the invention is not so limited, and non-Newtonian fluids (e.g., shear-thinning fluids, shear-thickening fluids, etc.) may also be used. In certain embodiments, the pressure distributor may have a viscosity of about 1×10 at room temperature. 7 Less than 1 x 10 centipoise (cP) 6 Less than cP, approximately 1 × 10 5 The fluid may include Newtonian fluids with a steady state shear viscosity of less than about 1000 cP, less than about 100 cP, less than about 10 cP, less than about 10 cP, or less than about 1 cP (and in some embodiments, greater than about 0.001 cP, greater than about 0.01 cP, or greater than about 0.1 cP).

[0065] In some embodiments, the fluid in the pressure distributor is selected to be suitable for being conveyed into and / or out of the pressure distributor. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid is conveyed into the pressure distributor to apply an anisotropic force to the electrochemical cell (e.g., by compressing the fluid in the pressure distributor when disposed between the electrochemical cell and the pressure transmitter). As another example, the fluid is conveyed into and / or out of the pressure distributor to transfer heat to and / or from components of the system.

[0066] The pressure transmitter 336 can also take a variety of forms. In certain embodiments, the pressure transmitter 336 is movable relative to the electrochemical cell 321A. In some such embodiments, the force is applied to the electrochemical cell 321A through the pressure distributor 334 by moving the pressure transmitter 336 closer to the electrochemical cell 321A and / or by maintaining a separation between the electrochemical cell 321A and the pressure transmitter 336. As one particular example, in some embodiments, the pressure transmitter 336 includes a compression spring, a first applicator structure, and a second applicator structure. The first applicator structure corresponds, for example, to a flat plate of a rigid material, or other suitable structure. The second applicator structure corresponds, for example, to a second plate of a rigid material, a portion of a wall of a vessel in which the electrochemical cell is housed, or other suitable structure. In some embodiments, the force is applied to the surface 342 of the electrochemical cell 321A when the compression spring is compressed between the applicator structure. In some embodiments, Belleville spring washers, machine screws, pneumatic devices, weights, air cylinders, and / or hydraulic cylinders are used in place of or in addition to compression springs. In some embodiments, force is applied to the electrochemical cell using a constriction element (e.g., rubber bands, tension screw bands, etc.) disposed around one or more exterior surfaces of the electrochemical cell. Various suitable methods of applying force to the electrochemical cell are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0035128, filed Aug. 4, 2009, to Scordilis-Kelley et al., entitled "Applying Force to an Electrochemical Cell," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the pressure transmitter 336 is substantially immovable relative to the electrochemical cell 321A, and a force is applied to the electrochemical cell, for example, by pressurizing the pressure distributor 334. In some such embodiments, pressurizing the pressure distributor results in application of a force to the electrochemical cell, as the substantially immovable pressure transmitter 336 restricts movement of one or more of the boundaries of the pressure distributor 334, thereby applying an anisotropic force to the electrochemical cell 321A.

[0068] In some embodiments, the pressure transmitter comprises all or part of a substantially rigid structure (e.g., a package enclosing an electrochemical cell), and the movement of the pressure transmitter is limited by the degree of inflexibility of the substantially rigid structure. In some embodiments, the pressure transmitter comprises a structure that is integrated with at least some of the other components of the system that can limit its movement. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure transmitter comprises at least a portion of one or more walls of the package in which the electrochemical cell 321A and the pressure distributor 334 are disposed. As one particular example, the pressure transmitter 336 may form a first wall of the package that contains the electrochemical cell 321A, while the substrate 332 forms a second wall of the package (e.g., opposite the first wall). In some embodiments, the movement of the pressure transmitter 336 is limited by applying a force in and / or to the pressure transmitter such that its movement is limited. In any of these cases, the force is applied to the electrochemical cell, in some embodiments, by applying fluid to the pressure distributor 334 and / or maintaining an amount of fluid in the pressure distributor 334.

[0069] 3C illustrates a set of embodiments in which a single pressure transmitter and a single pressure distributor are used to apply force to the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, however, more than one pressure distributor and / or more than one pressure transmitter can be used. For example, in some embodiments, the system includes a second pressure distributor disposed below the electrochemical cell 321A and a second pressure transmitter disposed below the second pressure distributor. In some embodiments, a substantially uniformly distributed force is applied to the exterior surface of the electrochemical cell 321A through the second pressure distributor, for example, by applying force to and through the second pressure transmitter and on a surface of the second pressure distributor.

[0070] In some embodiments, fluid is conveyed into and / or out of the pressure distributor to carry heat to and / or from the electrochemical cell 321A. For example, the pressure distributor 334 includes an inlet and an outlet configured to convey fluid through the pressure distributor 334. As the fluid is conveyed through the pressure distributor 334, it absorbs heat from the electrochemical cell 321A and conveys heat out of the system through the outlet. Any suitable device may be used to convey the fluid through the pressure distributor, such as, for example, a pump, a vacuum, or other suitable device.

[0071] In some embodiments, the fluid used in connection with the pressure distributor is selected to cool or heat the system to a desired degree. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid in the pressure distributor includes a coolant, such as water, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols (PAGs), oils (e.g., mineral oil, castor oil, silicone oil, fluorocarbon oil, and / or refrigerants (e.g., freon, chlorofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, etc.).

[0072] The embodiments described herein find use with a variety of electrochemical cells. While primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical cells may be used in connection with the embodiments described herein, some embodiments advantageously utilize secondary electrochemical cells, for example, due to the advantages provided by the application of uniform force during the (re)charging process. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells include lithium-based electrochemical cells, such as lithium-sulfur electrochemical cells (and assemblies of multiple cells thereof, e.g., batteries).

[0073] While the present invention finds use in a variety of electrochemical devices, an example of one such device is provided for illustrative purposes only in Figure 3D, in which a generic embodiment of an electrochemical cell 321A includes a cathode 310, an anode 312, and an electrolyte 314 in electrochemical communication with the cathode and anode.

[0074] In some cases, the electrochemical cell 321A is optionally contained at least in part by the containment structure 316. The containment structure 316 may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to a cylinder, a prism (e.g., triangular prism, square prism, etc.), a cube, or other shapes. In some embodiments, a pressure distributor is associated with the electrochemical cell 321A by disposing the pressure distributor on the outside of the containment structure 316 in direct or indirect contact with the surface 318A and / or the surface 318B. When so disposed, the pressure distributor is configured to apply a force directly or indirectly to the surfaces 318A and / or 318B of the containment structure 316, as described above. In some embodiments, the pressure distributor is disposed between the cathode 310 and the containment structure 316, or between the anode 312 and the containment structure 316. In some such embodiments, the containment structure acts as a pressure transmitter and / or a separate pressure transmitter is configured to apply a force to the pressure distributor through the containment structure.

[0075] A typical electrochemical cell system would, of course, also include current collectors, external circuitry, etc. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with many of the configurations utilized in the general schematic arrangement shown in the figures and described herein.

[0076] The components of the electrochemical cell 321A are assembled in some cases such that the electrolyte is disposed between the cathode and anode in a planar configuration. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3D, the cathode 310 of the electrochemical cell 321A is substantially planar. A substantially planar cathode can be formed by coating a cathode slurry onto a planar substrate, such as, for example, a metal foil or other suitable substrate that is included in the assembly of the electrochemical cell 321A (although not depicted in FIG. 3D) or that is removed from the cathode 310 prior to assembly of the electrochemical cell. Additionally, in FIG. 3D, the anode 312 is depicted as being substantially planar. A substantially planar anode can be formed, for example, by forming a sheet of metallic lithium, by forming an anode slurry on a planar substrate, or by other suitable methods. The electrolyte 314 is also depicted as being substantially planar in FIG. 3D.

[0077] In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 321A includes electrodes that include a metal, such as, for example, elemental metal and / or a metal alloy. As one particular example, in some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 321A includes an anode that includes elemental lithium (e.g., elemental lithium metal and / or a lithium alloy). In some embodiments, the anisotropic force applied to the electrochemical cell is sufficiently large such that application of the force affects the surface morphology of the metal within the electrodes of the electrochemical cell, as described in more detail below.

[0078] While Figure 3D depicts an electrochemical cell arranged in a planar configuration, it should be understood that any electrochemical cell arrangement may be constructed using the principles of the present invention in any configuration. In addition to the configuration depicted in Figure 3D, the electrochemical cells described herein may be other configurations including, but not limited to, cylinders, folded multi-layer structures, prisms (e.g., triangular prisms, square prisms, etc.), "Swiss rolls," non-planar multi-layer structures, etc. Further configurations are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 400,025, entitled "Electrode Protection for Both Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Electrochemical Cells Including Rechargeable Lithium Batteries," filed Apr. 6, 2006, to Affinito et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0079] In some embodiments, the cathode and / or anode comprise at least one active surface. As used herein, the term "active surface" is used to describe the surface of an electrode that is in physical contact with the electrolyte and where the electrochemical reaction occurs. For example, in the set of embodiments depicted in FIG. 3D, the cathode 310 includes a cathode active surface 320 and the anode 312 includes an anode active surface 322.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the anisotropic force applied to the pressure transmitter 336 and / or through the pressure distributor 334 (and ultimately through the surface 342 of the electrochemical cell 321A in some cases) includes a component normal to the active surface of an electrode (e.g., an anode, such as an anode containing lithium metal) in the electrochemical cell. Thus, applying an anisotropic force to the electrochemical cell through the pressure distributor 334 results in an anisotropic force being applied to the active surface of an electrode (e.g., an anode) in the electrochemical cell. In the case of a planar electrode surface, the applied force includes an anisotropic force with a component normal to the electrode active surface at the point where the force is applied. For example, with reference to the set of embodiments depicted in Figures 3C and 3D, an anisotropic force in the direction of arrow 370 is applied to the electrochemical cell 321A through the pressure distributor 334. The anisotropic force applied in the direction of arrow 370 will include a component 372 that is normal to the anode active surface 322 and normal to the cathode active surface 320. Additionally, an anisotropic force applied in the direction of arrow 370 will include a component 374 that is not normal (and is actually parallel) to the anode active surface 322 and the cathode active surface 320 .

[0081] In the case of a curved surface (eg, concave or convex), a force applied to an electrochemical cell will include an anisotropic force with a component normal to the plane tangent to the curved surface at the point where the force is applied.

[0082] In one set of embodiments, the systems and methods of the invention are configured such that an anisotropic force having a component normal to an active surface of an electrode (e.g., an anode) is applied to an electrochemical cell for at least one period during charging and / or discharging of the cell. In some embodiments, the force is applied continuously, for one period, or for multiple periods of varying duration and / or frequency.

[0083] The magnitude of the applied force is sufficiently large in some embodiments to enhance the performance of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the electrode active surface (e.g., anode active surface) and the anisotropic force are selected together such that the anisotropic force affects the surface morphology of the electrode active surface to suppress the increase in electrode active surface area with charge-discharge cycles, and in the absence of the anisotropic force, but under otherwise essentially the same conditions, the electrode active surface area increases significantly with charge-discharge cycles. In this context, "essentially the same conditions" refers to conditions that are similar or the same except for the application and / or magnitude of the force. For example, otherwise the same conditions refer to cells that are identical, but are not configured (e.g., by brackets or other connections) to apply an anisotropic force to the electrochemical cell of interest.

[0084] The electrode active surface and anisotropic force are readily selected together by one skilled in the art to achieve the results described herein. For example, when the electrode active surface is relatively soft, the component of the force normal to the electrode active surface is selected to be small. When the electrode active surface is hard, the component of the force normal to the electrode active surface will be large. One skilled in the art given this disclosure can readily select anode materials, alloys, mixtures, etc. with known or predictable properties to achieve what is described herein, or can readily test the hardness or softness of such surfaces, and readily select cell construction techniques and configurations to provide the appropriate anisotropic force. Simple testing can be done, for example, by placing a series of active materials with a series of forces (or normal components) applied normal to the active surface to determine the morphological effect of the force on the surface with or without cell cycling (for prediction of the selected combination during cell cycling) and with cell cycling with observation of the results related to the selection.

[0085] As noted above, in some embodiments, an anisotropic force having a component normal to an electrode active surface (e.g., of an anode) is applied during at least one period during charging and / or discharging of the cell in a range effective to inhibit the increase in surface area of ​​the electrode active surface relative to the increase in surface area absent the anisotropic force. The component of the anisotropic force normal to the electroactive surface is at least about 20 N / cm2 , at least about 25N / cm 2 , at least about 35N / cm 2 , at least about 40N / cm 2 , at least about 50N / cm 2 , at least about 75N / cm 2 , at least about 90N / cm 2 , at least about 100N / cm 2 , at least about 125N / cm 2 , at least about 150N / cm 2 , at least about 200N / cm 2 , at least about 300N / cm 2 , at least about 400N / cm 2 , at least about 500N / cm 2 In one embodiment, the component of the anisotropic force normal to the anode active surface is, for example, about 500 N / cm 2 Less than 400N / cm 2 Less than 300N / cm 2 Less than 200N / cm 2 Less than 190N / cm 2 Less than approx. 175N / cm 2 Less than approx. 150N / cm 2 Less than approx. 125N / cm 2 Less than 115N / cm 2 Less than 110N / cm 2 Force and pressure are described herein in units of N (Newton) and N / unit area, respectively, however, force and pressure are also expressed in units of kgf (kilogram force) and kgf / unit area, respectively. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with kgf-based units and will understand that 1 kgf is equivalent to approximately 9.8 N.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the component of the anisotropic force normal to the active surface of the electrode in the electrochemical cell defines a pressure that is at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 100%, or at least about 120% of the yield stress of the electrode (e.g., during charging and / or discharging the electrochemical cell). In certain embodiments, the component of the anisotropic force normal to the active surface of the electrode in the electrochemical cell defines a pressure that is less than about 250% or less than about 200% of the yield stress of the electrode (e.g., during charging and / or discharging the electrochemical cell). For example, in some embodiments, the electrochemical cell includes an anode (e.g., an anode comprising lithium metal and / or a lithium alloy), and the component of the applied anisotropic force normal to the anode active surface defines a pressure that is at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 100%, or at least about 120% of the yield stress of the anode (and / or less than about 250% or less than about 200% of the yield stress of the anode). In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell comprises a cathode, wherein a component of the anisotropic force normal to the cathode active surface defines a pressure that is at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 100%, or at least about 120% of the yield stress of the cathode (and / or less than about 250% or less than about 200% of the yield stress of the cathode).

[0087] In some cases, the anisotropic force defines a pressure that is relatively uniform across one or more exterior surfaces of the electrochemical cell and / or across one or more exterior surfaces of the electrodes within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% of the area of ​​one or more exterior surfaces of the electrochemical cell and / or the area of ​​one or more active surfaces of the electrodes (e.g., anodes) define a uniform area that includes a substantially uniform distribution of the pressure defined by the anisotropic force. In this context, "surface of the electrochemical cell" and "surface of the electrode" refer to the geometric surface of the electrochemical cell and electrode, as measured by one of skill in the art, for example, by a microscopic measuring tool (e.g., a ruler), and refer to the surface that defines the outer boundary of the electrochemical cell and electrode, such as the area that does not include the interior surface area (e.g., the area within the pores of a porous material such as a foam, or the surface area of ​​those fibers of a mesh that are contained within the mesh and do not define the outer boundary).

[0088] In some embodiments, pressure is substantially uniformly distributed across a surface when any contiguous area covering about 10%, about 5%, about 2%, about 1% of the uniform area (described in the previous paragraph) comprises an average pressure that varies by less than about 25%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1% relative to the average pressure across the entire uniform area.

[0089] Stated another way, in some embodiments, at least about 50% (or at least about 75%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%) of the area of ​​the surface of the electrochemical cell and / or the active area of ​​the electrode defines a first continuous region of essentially uniformly applied pressure, the first region having a first average applied pressure. In some cases, any continuous region covering about 10% (or about 5%, about 2%, or about 1%) of the first continuous area of ​​the surface of the electrochemical cell and / or electrode includes a second average applied pressure that varies by less than about 25% (or less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1%) relative to the first average applied pressure across the first continuous region.

[0090] One skilled in the art can determine the average applied pressure within a surface portion, for example, by determining the applied force level at a representative number of points within the surface portion, integrating a three-dimensional plot of the applied pressure as a function of position on the surface portion, and dividing the integral by the surface area of ​​the surface portion. One skilled in the art can generate a plot of the applied pressure across a surface portion, for example, by using a Tekscan I-scan to measure the pressure field.

[0091] The anodes of the electrochemical cells described herein include various anode active materials. As used herein, the term "anode active material" refers to any electrochemically active species associated with the anode. For example, the anodes include lithium-containing materials, where lithium is the anode active material. Suitable electroactive materials for use as the anode active material of the anodes of the electrochemical cells described herein include, but are not limited to, lithium metal, such as lithium foil and lithium deposited on a conductive substrate, and lithium alloys (e.g., lithium-aluminum alloys and lithium-tin alloys). Methods for depositing negative electrode materials (e.g., alkali metal anodes, such as lithium) on a substrate include, for example, methods such as thermal evaporation, sputtering, jet deposition, and laser ablation. Alternatively, when the anode includes lithium foil, or lithium foil and a substrate, they are laminated together by a lamination process as known in the art to form the anode.

[0092] In one embodiment, the electroactive lithium-containing material of the anode active layer comprises greater than 50% lithium by weight. In another embodiment, the electroactive lithium-containing material of the anode active layer comprises greater than 75% lithium by weight. In yet another embodiment, the electroactive lithium-containing material of the anode active layer comprises greater than 90% lithium by weight. Additional materials and configurations suitable for use in the anode are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0035128, filed Aug. 4, 2009, to Scordilis-Kelley et al., entitled "Power Application in Electrochemical Cells," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0093] The cathode of the electrochemical cell described herein comprises a variety of cathode active materials. As used herein, the term "cathode active material" refers to any electrochemically active species associated with the cathode. Electroactive materials suitable for use as the cathode active material of the cathode of the electrochemical cell of the present invention include, but are not limited to, one or more metal oxides, one or more intercalation materials, electroactive transition metal chalcogenides, electroactive conductive polymers, sulfur, carbon, and / or combinations thereof.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cathode active material comprises one or more metal oxides. In some embodiments, an insertion cathode (e.g., a lithium insertion cathode) is used. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for inserting ions of the electroactive material (e.g., alkali metal ions) include metal oxides, titanium sulfide, and iron sulfide. In some embodiments, the cathode is an insertion cathode comprising a lithium transition metal oxide or a lithium transition metal phosphate. Additional examples include Li x CoO2 (e.g. Li 1.1 CoO2), Li x NiO2, Li x MnO2, Li x Mn2O4 (e.g. Li 1.05 Mn2O4), Li x CoPO4, Li x MnPO4, LiCo x Ni (1-x) O2 and LiCo x Ni y Mn (1-x-y) O2 (e.g. LiNi 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 O2, LiNi 3 / 5 Mn 1 / 5 Co 1 / 5 O2, LiNi 4 / 5 Mn 1 / 10 Co 1 / 10 O2, LiNi 1 / 2 Mn 3 / 10 Co 1 / 5O2), where x is between 0 and 2 inclusive. x is typically between 1 and 2 inclusive when the electrochemical cell is fully discharged, and less than 1 when the electrochemical cell is fully charged. In some embodiments, a fully charged electrochemical cell has a value of x that is between 1 and 1.05 inclusive, between 1 and 1.1 inclusive, or between 1 and 1.2 inclusive. Further examples include Li x NiPO4, where (0 <x≦1)、LiMn x Ni y O4, where (x+y=2) (e.g. LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O4), LiNi x Co y Al z O2, where (x+y+z=1), LiFePO4, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electroactive material in the cathode includes a lithium transition metal phosphate (e.g., LiFePO4), which in some embodiments can be substituted with a borate and / or a silicate.

[0095] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the cathode active material comprises one or more chalcogenides. As used herein, the term "chalcogenide" refers to a compound that includes one or more of the elements oxygen, sulfur, and selenium. Examples of suitable transition metal chalcogenides include, but are not limited to, electroactive oxides, sulfides, and selenides of transition metals selected from the group consisting of Mn, V, Cr, Ti, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, and Ir. In one embodiment, the transition metal chalcogenide is selected from the group consisting of electroactive oxides of nickel, manganese, cobalt, and vanadium, and electroactive sulfides of iron. In one embodiment, the cathode comprises one or more of the following materials: manganese dioxide, iodine, silver chromate, silver oxide and vanadium pentoxide, copper oxide, copper oxyphosphate, lead sulfide, copper sulfide, iron sulfide, lead bismuthate, bismuth trioxide, cobalt dioxide, copper chloride, manganese dioxide, and carbon. In another embodiment, the cathode active layer comprises an electroactive conductive polymer. Examples of suitable electroactive conductive polymers include, but are not limited to, electroactive and electrically conductive polymers selected from the group consisting of polypyrrole, polyaniline, polyphenylene, polythiophene, and polyacetylene. Examples of conductive polymers include polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polyacetylene.

[0096] In some embodiments, the electroactive material for use as a cathode active material in the electrochemical cells described herein comprises an electroactive sulfur-containing material. "Electroactive sulfur-containing material" as used herein refers to a cathode active material that contains elemental sulfur in any form, and the electrochemical activity includes the oxidation or reduction of sulfur atoms or moieties. The nature of the electroactive sulfur-containing material useful in the practice of the present invention varies widely as known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the electroactive sulfur-containing material comprises elemental sulfur. In another embodiment, the electroactive sulfur-containing material comprises a mixture of elemental sulfur and a sulfur-containing polymer. Thus, suitable electroactive sulfur-containing materials include, but are not limited to, elemental sulfur and organic materials that contain sulfur atoms and carbon atoms, which may or may not be polymeric. Suitable organic materials include those that further contain heteroatoms, conductive polymer segments, composites, and conductive polymers.

[0097] In some embodiments, the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode active layer comprises more than 50% sulfur by weight. In other embodiments, the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode active layer comprises more than 75% sulfur by weight. In yet other embodiments, the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode active layer comprises more than 90% sulfur by weight.

[0098] The cathode active layer of the present invention comprises about 20 to 100% by weight of electroactive cathode material (e.g., measured after an appropriate amount of solvent has been removed from the cathode active layer and / or after the layer has been appropriately cured). In one embodiment, the amount of electroactive sulfur-containing material in the cathode active layer ranges from 5-30% by weight of the cathode active layer. In another embodiment, the amount of electroactive sulfur-containing material in the cathode active layer ranges from 20% to 90% by weight of the cathode active layer.

[0099] Additional materials suitable for use in the cathode and suitable methods of making the cathode are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,587, entitled "NOVEL COMPOSITE CATHODES, ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS COMPRISING NOVEL COMPOSITE CATHODES AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES THEREOF," filed May 21, 1997, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0035128, entitled "POWER APPLICATION IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS," filed August 4, 2009, to Scordilis-Kelley et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0100] A variety of electrolytes may be used in conjunction with the electrochemical cells described herein. In some embodiments, the electrolyte includes a non-solid electrolyte with or without a porous separator incorporated therein. As used herein, the term "non-solid" is used to refer to a material that cannot withstand static shear stress, and when shear stress is applied, the non-solid experiences a continuous and permanent distortion. Examples of non-solids include, for example, liquids, deformable gels, and the like.

[0101] The electrolytes used in the electrochemical cells described herein function as a medium for storing and transporting ions, and in the particular case of solid and gel electrolytes, these materials also function as a separator between the anode and the cathode. Any liquid, solid, or gel material capable of storing and transporting ions may be used so long as the material facilitates the transport of ions (such as, for example, lithium ions) between the anode and the cathode. Exemplary materials for use in the electrolyte are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0035128, entitled "Power Application in Electrochemical Cells," filed Aug. 4, 2009, to Scordilis-Kelley et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0102] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 712,761, filed July 31, 2018, entitled “Multiplexed Charge-Discharge Battery Management System,” is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0103] The following references are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes: U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,408, entitled "Lithium Anodes for Electrochemical Cells," filed May 23, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,187, entitled "Suitable Anodes for Lithium Polymer Batteries," filed March 19, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,672, entitled "Stabilized Anodes for Lithium Polymer Batteries," filed July 7, 1997; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,672, entitled "Novel Composite Cathode, Novel ... 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No. 12 / 727,862, entitled “Airtight Sample Holder and Method for Performing Microanalysis in a Controlled Atmospheric Environment”, filed on May 22, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 471,095, entitled “Airtight Sample Holder and Method for Performing Microanalysis in a Controlled Atmospheric Environment”, filed on May 22, 2009 (claiming priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 236,322, entitled “Release System for Electrochemical Cells”, filed on August 24, 2009); U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 862,513, filed on Aug. 4, entitled “Electrically Non-Conductive Material for Electrochemical Cells”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 376,554, filed on Aug. 24, 2010, entitled “Electrochemical Cell”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 12 / 862,528, filed on Aug. 24, 2010, entitled “Electrochemical Cell with Porous Structure Containing Sulfur” [S1583.70029US00], published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0070494;No. 563, entitled “Electrochemical Cell with Porous Structure Containing Sulfur” [S1583.70030US00] and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0070491; U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 862,551, filed on August 24, 2010, entitled “Electrochemical Cell with Porous Structure Containing Sulfur” [S1583.70031US00] and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0059361; and U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 862,576, filed on August 24, 2010, entitled “Electrochemical Cell with Porous Structure Containing Sulfur” [S1583.70031US00] and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0059361. No. 12 / 862,581, filed Aug. 24, 2010, entitled "Low Electrolyte Electrochemical Cell" [S1583.70024US01] and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0076560; U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 385,343, filed Sep. 22, 2010, entitled "Low Electrolyte Electrochemical Cell" [S1583.70033US00]; and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 033,419, filed Feb. 23, 2011, entitled "Porous Structures for Energy Storage Devices" [S1583.70034US00]. All other patents and patent applications disclosed herein are also incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0104] 4A shows an exemplary high-level process 400A for discharging a set of cells of a battery. The acts that comprise the exemplary process 400A are described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0105] In some embodiments, the exemplary process 400A includes act 430, in which sets of cells of a battery are selectively discharged based on at least one criterion using a multiplexing switch device (such as, for example, the multiplexing switch device 112 described above). Further, the multiplexing switch device is coupled to two or more sets (e.g., 121, 122, 123, and / or 124) of cells (e.g., 121A-C) of at least one battery (e.g., 120-150). Each set of cells comprises one or more cells.

[0106] In some embodiments, process 400A then terminates or repeats as necessary.

[0107] 4B shows an exemplary high-level process 400B for discharging a set of cells of a battery. The acts comprising the exemplary process 400B are described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0108] In some embodiments, the exemplary process 400B optionally begins at act 410, where a multiplexing switch device is used to connect a set of cells to a load in a topology used by the load. The battery (e.g., 120-150) includes sets (e.g., 121, 122, 123, and / or 124) of cells (e.g., 121A-C), each set of cells comprising one or more cells. For example, the multiplexing switch device connects the load and the cells in a series connection, a parallel connection, a series / parallel connection, or any other suitable topology required to meet the voltage and current requirements of the load or the needs of a given application or user.

[0109] In some embodiments, exemplary process 400B then optionally proceeds to act 420, where at least one criterion and / or some parameter of the criterion is measured or otherwise monitored for cells of a battery or multiple batteries that have already discharged or have discharged at least one cell or set of cells to determine if the criterion is met.

[0110] For example, a sensor (such as 116 in FIG. 1 ) measures the discharge capacity delivered in a connection between a load and the set of cells currently connected to the load, or measures the current of the set of cells. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor measures any of the following: the duration of the connection (which in some embodiments is at least 0.01 seconds), the capacity accumulated over multiple connections between the load and the set of cells, the voltage of the set of cells and / or at least one other set of cells, the cutoff discharge voltage of the set of cells, the power and energy of the set of cells, the number of charge or discharge cycles of the set of cells, the impedance of the set of cells, the rate of voltage fading of the set of cells during connection, the temperature of the set of cells, and the pressure of the set of cells.

[0111] In some embodiments, the criteria include the order in which the cells or set of cells are discharged. Alternatively or additionally, the criteria is the value of a function having any of the above as a parameter. According to some embodiments, the criteria does not include the number of previous discharge cycles of the set of cells.

[0112] In some embodiments, if the criteria are met, the exemplary process 400B then proceeds to act 430, where a next set of cells of the battery are selectively discharged based on the criteria using a multiplexing switch device (such as the multiplexing switch device 112 described above). For example, if a set of cells to be discharged meets the criteria or criteria, the set of cells is disconnected and the next set of cells is connected as described herein (the next set may be determined by the same or different criteria or criteria as discussed above). Alternatively, if the criteria are not met, monitoring continues. According to some embodiments, the connection between the single cell and the load is for a period of at least 0.01 seconds. The inventors have recognized and understood that a connection for a period of less than 0.01 seconds creates surprisingly more noise than at 0.01 seconds, and the electrochemistry of the cells cannot be achieved without negligibility.

[0113] In some embodiments, exemplary process 400B then optionally proceeds to act 431, where a multiplexing switch device is used to isolate a single set of cells for discharging while other sets of cells are not discharging. For example, when a controller (e.g., 114 in FIG. 1) determines that cell 121B is to be discharged, it causes the multiplexing switch device to isolate cell 121B for discharging while cells 121A and 121C are not discharging.

[0114] In some embodiments, exemplary process 400B then optionally proceeds to any of acts 432, 434, 436, and / or 438. For example, if process 400B proceeds from act 431 to act 432, a multiplexing switch device is used to selectively discharge the set of cells at a first rate that is at least two times faster than a second rate at which the set of cells is charged.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, process 400B proceeds from act 431 to act 434, where a multiplexing switch device is used to selectively discharge the set of cells at a first rate that is at least four times faster than a second rate at which the set of cells is charged.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, process 400B proceeds from act 431 to act 436, where the discharging of the set of cells is temporally overlapped, for example, by using a multiplexing switch device as discussed above.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, process 400B proceeds from act 431 to act 438, where power continues to be supplied from the set of cells while switching between different sets.

[0118] Any of acts 431, 432, 434, 436 and / or 438 are actually integral to act 430, even though they are represented as separate acts in FIG. 4B.

[0119] In some embodiments, the exemplary process 400B then optionally proceeds to act 440, where a multiplexing switch device is used to charge a set of cells in a parallel connection, for example as described above.

[0120] According to some embodiments, any number of sets of cells, including all sets of cells of a battery, battery pack, or system, are discharged simultaneously. For example, in a battery with four cells, all four cells (or only two or three) can be discharged simultaneously to create the desired discharge current in the load or application and the possible discharge current in the cells. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the number of cells or sets to be discharged or charged is selected based on at least one criterion, such as the discharge current to discharge. In some embodiments, the order in which the number of cells or sets of cells are discharged or charged is selected based on at least one criterion, such as the discharge current to discharge. In some embodiments, the number of cells or sets to be discharged or charged and the order in which they are done are selected based on at least one criterion, such as the discharge current to discharge.

[0121] In some embodiments, process 400B then terminates or repeats as necessary. For example, process 400B repeats through any suitable number of cycles. According to some embodiments, in each cycle or some cycles, each cell is discharged once before all cells are discharged twice.

[0122] 5 illustrates an exemplary high-level process 500 for controlling a battery pack. The acts that comprise the exemplary process 500 are described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0123] In some embodiments, the exemplary process 500 includes act 530, in which the switches are controlled (e.g., by a controller such as 114 described above) to sequentially discharge sets (e.g., 121, 122, 123 and / or 124) of cells (e.g., 121A-C) of a battery pack (e.g., 210) using the integrated switch control system. Further, the multiplexing switch device is connected with two or more cell sets of a battery or batteries. Each cell set comprises one or more cells.

[0124] In some embodiments, process 500 then terminates or repeats as necessary.

[0125] 6 illustrates an exemplary high-level process 600 for controlling a battery pack. The acts that comprise the exemplary process 600 are described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0126] In some embodiments, the exemplary process 600 includes act 630, in which the switches are controlled (e.g., by a controller such as 114 described above) using the integrated switch control system to discharge a set (e.g., 121, 122, 123 and / or 124) of cells (e.g., 121A-C) of a battery pack (e.g., 210) based on a criterion. Further, the multiplexing switch device is connected with two or more sets of cells of a battery or batteries. Each set of cells comprises one or more cells. In some embodiments, the criterion includes any of the following: a duration of connection between the load and the set of cells currently connected to the load, a discharge capacity provided in the connection, and a value of a function having one or more parameters.

[0127] In some embodiments, process 600 then ends or repeats as necessary.

[0128] The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the several embodiments described above, when implemented, will produce results that represent various improvements over the prior art. For example, in one implementation, a cell may be provided having an active electrode area of ​​99.41 cm 2 The cells were made of NCMA622 cathode (BASF) with a 25 μm Celgard 2325 separator filled with F9 electrolyte (BASF) containing 1 wt% LiBOB and 50 μm Li foil. The cells were assembled into 13 batteries containing 4 cells each. The batteries were subjected to 13 electrical charge-discharge cycle tests performed using several embodiments under the conditions summarized in Tables 1 and 2 below. The battery cells were subjected to 12 kg / cm during the cycle tests. 2 The pressure was kept at 1500 and the temperature at 18°C.

[0129] TIFF2024153648000002.tif73150 Table 1. Battery test data for four cells discharged simultaneously with uniform current distribution

[0130] TIFF2024153648000003.tif115150Table 2. Battery test data for four cells discharged sequentially at various discharge pulse durations.

[0131] Table 1 (Tests #1-#3) represents a comparative example (as performed by the prior art) and summarizes the test results when the battery was charged and discharged at a constant current with the parallel connected cells and the charge and discharge currents evenly distributed among the four cells. The charge cutoff voltage was 4.35V and the discharge cutoff voltage was 3.2V. The charge-discharge cycles were stopped when the battery capacity reached 800mAh.

[0132] Table 2 (Tests #4-#13) summarizes the test results when the batteries were charged and discharged at a constant current to 4.35V with the cells connected in parallel, with the charge and discharge currents distributed evenly among the four cells. The discharge of these batteries was performed in a manner such that the battery as a whole experienced a constant discharge current. However, each individual cell was sequentially connected to the load and disconnected from the load to simultaneously provide a discharge current pulse in only one of the four cells. At the end of this pulse, the next cell was connected and the previous cell was disconnected. The cells experienced a discharge pulse in sequence (e.g., cells #1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) for a fixed pulse time or until the discharge voltage reached 3.2V. Tests #4, #8, and #12 provided a full cell discharge with a single pulse. The other tests provided partial cell discharges with a single pulse with durations of 0.1, 1, and 10 seconds. The charge-discharge cycle was stopped when the battery capacity reached 800mAh.

[0133] Figure 7A, corresponding to test #13, shows the battery voltage profile at the start of a 10 second pulse discharge in the first 240 seconds, and Figure 7B shows the full discharge profile to a voltage of 3.2 V. In Figure 7A, the number of cells affected by a 10 second 300 mA pulse in a repeated sequence is shown in the first 80 seconds.

[0134] Referring back to Tables 1 and 2, the inventors have recognized and understood that applying the full battery discharge current sequentially to a portion of the battery cells (Table 2) has led to a surprising and dramatic improvement in cycle life compared to uniform current distribution among all battery cells (Table 1) as done in the prior art. This improvement in cycle life can be up to six times, and the inventors have recognized that it is a function of discharge pulse duration and charge / discharge rate. FIG. 7C (corresponding to Tests #4-#11), which plots battery cycle life as a function of pulse duration at two charge / discharge rates, shows that cycle life is improved especially for pulse times longer than 0.1 seconds and pulse durations of about 10 seconds. The inventors have recognized and understood that the improvements to battery cycle life described herein are available even with some embodiments in partial discharge, as shown in FIG. 7C and were not expected based on experience with the prior art. Furthermore, the full capacity of all cells is utilized in some embodiments, even when far from uniform.

[0135] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the methods of the invention described above with reference to Figures 4A-6 may be varied in any of a number of ways, for example, in some embodiments, the steps of the methods of the invention described above are performed in a different order than described, the methods include additional steps not described above, and / or the methods do not include all of the steps described above.

[0136] It should further be understood from the preceding description that some embodiments are implemented using a computing device. Figure 8 illustrates a general purpose computing device of system 800 in the form of a computer 810 that may be used to implement certain embodiments, such as any of the controllers described above (e.g., 114).

[0137] In the computer 810, components include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 820, a system memory 830, and a system bus 821 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 820. The system bus 821 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and without limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, also known as Mezzanine bus.

[0138] Computer 810 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media are any available media that can be accessed by computer 810 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as, for example, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic disk storage devices, or any other medium used to store the desired information and accessed by computer 810. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has 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 includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0139] The system memory 830 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832. A basic input / output system 833 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 810 during operation, is typically stored in ROM 831. RAM 832 typically contains data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or presently being operated on by the processing unit 820. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 8 illustrates operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 839, and program data 837.

[0140] The computer 810 also includes other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example only, FIG. 8 depicts a hard disk drive 841 that reads from and writes to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic medium, a magnetic disk drive 851 that reads from and writes to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 852, and an optical disk drive 855 that reads from and writes to a removable, non-volatile optical disk 859, such as a CD-ROM or other optical medium. Other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer storage media that may be used in the exemplary computer system include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The hard disk drive 841 is typically connected to the system bus 821 through a non-removable memory interface, such as interface 840, and the magnetic disk drive 851 and optical disk drive 855 are typically connected to the system bus 821 by removable memory interfaces, such as interface 850.

[0141] The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 8 provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 810. In FIG. 8, for example, hard disk drive 841 is illustrated as storing operating system 844, application programs 845, other program modules 849, and program data 847. It is noted that these components can be the same as or different from operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 849, and program data 837. Operating system 844, application programs 845, other program modules 849, and program data 847 are given different numbers herein to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. A user enters commands and information into the computer 810 through input devices such as a keyboard 892 and pointing device 891, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are connected to the processing unit 820 through a user input interface 590, which is often coupled to the system bus, but may also be connected by other interface and bus structures such as a parallel port, game port, or universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 891 or other type of display device may also be connected to the system bus 821 by an interface such as a video interface 890. In addition to a monitor, computers also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 897 and printer 899, connected, for example, through an output peripheral interface 895.

[0142] The computer 810 operates in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 880. The remote computer 880 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and may include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 810, although typically only a memory storage device 881 is depicted in FIG. 8. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 8 include a local area network (LAN) 871 and a wide area network (WAN) 873, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

[0143] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 810 is connected to the LAN 871 through a network interface or adapter 870. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 810 typically includes a modem 872 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 873, such as the Internet. The modem 872, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 821 through a user input interface 890 or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 810, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 8 illustrates remote application programs 885 as residing on memory device 881. It is to be understood that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

[0144] The embodiments may be embodied as a computer-readable storage medium (or media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy disks, compact disks (CDs), optical disks, digital video disks (DVDs), magnetic tapes, flash memories, field programmable gate array circuitry or other semiconductor devices, or other tangible computer storage media) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform the methods for implementing the various embodiments discussed above. As is evident from the previous examples, a computer-readable storage medium retains information for a sufficient period of time to provide computer-executable instructions in a non-transitory form. Such a computer-readable storage medium or media may be transportable such that the program or programs stored thereon may be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the invention as discussed above. As used herein, the term "computer-readable storage medium" includes only a tangible machine, mechanism, or device from which a computer reads information. Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be embodied as a computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of computer-readable media that are not computer-readable storage media include transitory media, such as propagated signals.

[0145] Although several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize and be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Thus, the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention includes each individual feature, system, article, material, and / or method described herein. Moreover, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and / or methods is included within the scope of the present invention, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0146] As used herein in the specification and the claims, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" should be understood to mean "at least one," unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

[0147] As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, in some cases conjunctively and in other cases discontinuously. Other elements are optionally present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not related to those elements specifically identified, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended terminology such as "comprising," may, in one embodiment, refer to A without B (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment, refer to B without A (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment, refer to both "A and B" (optionally including other elements).

[0148] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including two or more of a plurality of elements or a list of elements, and optionally additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of" or, when used in the claims, "consisting of", shall refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a plurality of elements or a list of elements. In general, as used herein, the term "or" shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other but not both) when preceded by a term of exclusivity, such as, for example, "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0149] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one," with reference to a list of one or more elements, means at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements of the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combinations of the elements of the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers can optionally be present, regardless of their relationship to the specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") refers in one embodiment to at least one optionally including two or more As (and optionally including elements other than B) where B is absent, in another embodiment to at least one optionally including two or more Bs (and optionally including elements other than A) where A is absent, and in yet another embodiment to at least one optionally including two or more As, and optionally including two or more Bs (and optionally including other elements).

[0150] Some embodiments are embodied as methods, of which various examples have been described. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, an embodiment may be configured in such a way that the acts are performed in a different order than depicted, include different (more or less) acts than described, and / or include performing some acts simultaneously, although the acts are specifically shown as being performed in order in the embodiments described above.

[0151] The use of ordinal terms, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc. in the claims to modify claim elements does not by itself imply a priority, precedence, or ordering of the elements of a claim over another or temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but is merely used as a marker to distinguish an element of one claim having a certain name from another element having the same name (but because of the use of ordinal terms) to distinguish between claim elements.

[0152] In the claims, as in the specification above, all transitional phrases, such as, for example, "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," etc., are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, Section 2111.03.

Claims

1. A battery comprising at least one battery having two or more cell sets, each of the cell sets having one or more cells; an integrated switch control system including at least one switch connected to each of said cell sets; the integrated switch control system is configured to control the at least one switch to discharge the set of cells at a discharge rate that is at least two times faster than a charge rate of the set of cells; A battery pack wherein in a given cycle, each of the cells is discharged once before any cell is discharged twice.

2. A battery comprising at least one battery having two or more cell sets, each of the two or more cell sets having one or more cells; an integrated switch control system including at least one switch connected to each of the two or more cell sets; the integrated switch control system is configured to control the at least one switch to charge a first set of cells and a second set of cells of the two or more sets of cells in parallel at a predetermined charging rate; The integrated switch control system includes: Controlling the at least one switch The duration of the connection between the load and one of the two or more cell sets currently connected to the load; the discharge capacity provided in said connection, and - A battery pack configured to selectively discharge a first set of cells of the two or more sets of cells at a discharge rate at least twice the charge rate without discharging a second set of cells of the two or more sets of cells based on at least one criterion of: a value of a function having one or more parameters.

3. A battery pack as described in claim 2, wherein the at least one criterion does not include the number of previous discharge cycles of the cell set.

4. The integrated switch control system is configured to control the at least one switch to individually and selectively discharge each of the two or more cell sets at a first rate and to charge each of the two or more cell sets in parallel at a second rate; The battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first speed is at least twice the second speed.

5. A battery pack as described in claim 4, wherein the first speed is four times the second speed.

6. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein each of the cell sets comprises a single cell.

7. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the integrated switch control system is configured to control at least one of the switches to temporarily overlap the discharge of the two or more cells.

8. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the integrated switch control system is configured to control the at least one switch to continue power supply from the two or more cell sets while switching individual discharge between different cell sets of the two or more cell sets.

9. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the integrated switch control system includes at least one processor.

10. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one battery comprises at least one lithium metal battery.

11. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the integrated switch control system is configured to control at least one switch to connect the two or more cell sets to the load in a topology used by the load.

12. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein each of the cells utilizes the same electrochemistry.

13. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the duration of connection between the cell set currently connected to the load and the load is at least 0.01 seconds.

14. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the integrated switch control system is configured to control at least one of the switches to isolate a single set of cells for individual discharge while all other cells are not discharging.

15. A battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the integrated switch control system is configured to control at least one of the switches to isolate a single set of cells for discharge while all other cells are not discharged.

16. A method for discharging a battery, comprising: using a multiplexing switch device connected to two or more cell sets of at least one battery, selectively discharging each of said cell sets based on at least one criterion; Each of the cell sets includes one or more cells; A battery management method that temporarily overlaps the discharge of the sets of cells, such that a second cell or set of cells begins discharging before a first cell or set of cells stops discharging.

17. A method for discharging a battery comprising: using a multiplexing switch device connected to two or more cell sets of at least one battery; and selectively discharging each of the cell sets based on at least one criterion; Each of the cell sets includes one or more cells; and continuing to supply power from the set of cells, thereby providing power continuously from at least one of the first set of cells and the second set of cells while switching between the first set of cells and the second set of cells.

18. A method for discharging a battery, comprising: using a multiplexing switch device connected to two or more cell sets of at least one battery; and selectively discharging each of the cell sets based on at least one criterion; Each of the cell sets includes one or more cells; A method of battery management, wherein in a given cycle, each cell connected to the multiplexing switch device is discharged once before any cell connected to the multiplexing switch device is discharged twice.

19. A battery management method as described in any one of claims 16-18, wherein at least one of the criteria comprises a sequence for discharging the cell set.

20. At least one of the criteria is: a connection duration between a load and a set of cells fluidly connected to said load; the discharge capacity provided at said connection; The battery management method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising at least one of: a value of a function having one or more parameters.

21. The one or more parameters are: a capacitance accumulated across multiple connections between the load and the cell set; a discharge capacity provided at said connection; a current through the cell set; and the voltage of said set of cells and / or at least one other set of cells; a cutoff discharge voltage of the cell set; the power of the cell set; the energy of the set of cells; the number of charge or discharge cycles of the set of cells; and the impedance of the cell set; the rate of voltage fading of the cell set during the connection; and the temperature of the cell set; and The battery management method of claim 20 , comprising at least one of: a. a pressure of the cell set; 22. The battery management method of claim 20, comprising measuring at least one of said criteria using at least one sensor.

23. A battery comprising at least one battery having two or more cell sets, each of said cell sets having one or more cells; a multiplexing switch device connected to each of said cell sets; at least one controller configured to selectively discharge the set of cells at a higher discharge rate than a charge rate of the set of cells using the multiplexing switch device; In a given cycle, each of the one or more cells is discharged once before any cell is discharged twice.

24. Using an integrated switch control system including at least one switch connected to each of two or more cell sets of at least one battery, the at least one switch is controlled to discharge a first cell set of the two or more cell sets at a predetermined discharge rate without discharging a second cell set, and thereafter, the second cell set is discharged at at least the discharge rate without discharging the first cell set; using the integrated switch control system to control the at least one switch to charge the first set of cells and the second set of cells in parallel at a predetermined charge rate; the discharge rate is at least twice the charge rate; Each of the two or more cell sets includes one or more cells.

25. Using an integrated switch control system having at least one switch connected to each of two or more cell sets of at least one battery, controlling at least one of the switches to charge a first set of cells and a second set of cells of the two or more sets of cells in parallel at a predetermined charging rate; a connection duration between a load and a set of cells fluidly connected to said load; a discharge capacity provided at said connection; a value of a function having one or more parameters; and controlling the at least one switch based on at least one of the above to selectively discharge the first set of cells at a discharge rate at least twice as high as the charge rate, while not discharging the second set of cells, among the two or more sets of cells.

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