Systems and methods for acoustic wave amplification

Abstract

Presented herein are devices, systems, and methods for generating and amplifying signals to propel / drive acoustic waves for energy devices. The circuit design, developed through the disclosed embodiments, can simultaneously drive a range of acoustic devices spanning from unit 1 to 100000 using parallel and / or serial connections. The devices, systems, and methods may attain an output voltage of 100 V for each acoustic device that are connected in parallel and / or in series, operating within a frequency range of 1 Hz to 500 MHz. The devices, systems, and methods provided herein can be adaptable in waveform generation in series and / or parallel and can significantly improve various aspects of energy devices, enhancing electrolyte filling, formation, operational efficiency, and rejuvenation processes.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTIC WAVE AMPLIFICATIONCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 624,731, filed January 24, 2024, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The surge in global demand for energy over the last decades has spurred a concurrent demand for high-capacity and long-lasting energy devices to meet present and future global energy demand. Energy devices may suffer from impedance-related issues which lead to reduced efficiency and compromised device longevity. This may be due to the uneven availability of mobile species, e.g., cations and anions, which may cause suboptimal ionic concentration gradients and an inconsistent electrode surface potential. Such irregularities can hinder mass transport, diminish kinetic rates, and lead to concentration polarization effects, which may adversely affect overall performance of the electrochemical cell.

[0003] Acoustic waves may be applied to energy devices to improve the mobility and distribution of mobile species (e.g., ions) within the energy devices. Traditional methods employing commercial signal generators and amplifiers to produce and amplify signals for driving acoustic devices in generating acoustic waves are costly, energy-inefficient, and have low volumetric and gravimetric efficiency for energy device applications. There is a need for devices and methods to reduce costs, volume, and weight of the signal generators and amplifiers, while enhancing energy efficiency in signal generation and amplification for driving acoustic waves in electrochemical cells such as batteries, modules, packs, capacitors, and fuel cells.SUMMARY

[0004] Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for generating and amplifying signal to drive acoustic wave for energy devices. In some embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods described herein can improve cost and function efficiency of generating and amplifying signals to drive acoustic wave for improving the efficiency and lifetime of energy devices, e.g., energy storage devices.

[0005] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an acoustic wave control system comprising: an electronic circuit; and one or more acoustic devices operably coupled to the electronic circuit, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to (i) modulate and / or amplify an electrical signal and (ii) control and drive the one or more acoustic devices for generating acoustic waves upon an application of the electrical signal, to improve performance of one or more electrochemical cells.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices comprise 1 to 1,000,000 acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices comprise at least 100 acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices comprise at least 1000 acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices are coupled through parallel and / or serial connections. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises a plurality of channels for controlling and driving the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, a number of the plurality of channels is based at least in part on a power level and / or frequency range at which the one or more acoustic devices are to be driven. In some embodiments, the plurality of channels comprises 1 to 1,000,000 channels. In some embodiments, each channel is configured to control and drive a set of acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the set of acoustic devices comprises 1 to 15 acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the set of acoustic devices comprises 6 or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the set of acoustic devices comprises 8 or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is provided on a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the PCB has a miniaturized and portable form factor. In some embodiments, the PCB has a weight ranging from 1 gram (g) to 2 kilograms (kg). In some embodiments, the PCB has a dimension ranging from about 0.1 cm by 0.1 cm to about 100 cm by 100 cm. In some embodiments, the PCB has a volume ranging from about 0.0127 mm3to about 127,000 mm3. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is configured to control and drive the one or more acoustic devices with a frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 500 MHz. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is configured to control and drive the one or more acoustic devices at a power level ranging from about 0.1 pW to about 500 MW. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit is configured to achieve an output voltage of about 0.1 mV to about 100V for each acoustic device. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves comprise at least one of the following: surface acoustic waves (SAW), Lamb waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, bulk acoustic waves (BAW), or any combination(s) thereof. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves have one or more waveforms selected from the group consisting of a continuous sine wave, square wave, triangular wave, or a combination thereof, or a frequency-modulated signal around a center carrier frequency value. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves are generated with on / off pulsing ranging from 0% to 100%. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves are generated with a timescale period ranging from about 1 microsecond to about 1 millisecond. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves are generated with a power level ranging from about 0.1 pW to about 500 MW. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves are generated with a frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 500 MHz. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitcomprises a phase locked loop (PLL) module, and at least one amplifier and / or buffer. In some embodiments, the PPL module is configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage signal by reference to a local crystal. In some embodiments, the sinusoidal voltage signal is fed to the at least one amplifier for amplification. In some embodiments, the at least one amplifier is configured to drive at least 1, at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 16 acoustic devices in parallel. In some embodiments, the at least one buffer is configured to manage signal loads and ensure signal integrity / compatibility within the electronic circuit without losses or interferences. In some embodiments, the PPL module, and the at least one amplifier and / or buffer are configured to operatively work together to provide a stable, synchronized output signal that is isolated from disturbances or variations in other parts of the acoustic wave control system. In some embodiments, the PPL module, and the at least one amplifier and / or buffer are configured to modulate a frequency of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices comprises an oscillator. In some embodiments, the oscillator comprises a self-oscillator. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator is configured to function as an independent oscillator by generating the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator is configured to generate the acoustic waves upon application of an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the electrical signal is a direct current signal. In some embodiments, the electrical signal is an alternating current signal. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator comprises a plurality of resistor-capacitor (RC), inductor-capacitor (LC), or crystal -based circuits configured to provide stable oscillation. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator is configured to modulate a frequency of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator is configured to stabilize the frequency of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, use of a separate reference crystal is not necessary when the self-oscillator is used to generate the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator comprises an interdigitated transducer having an intrinsic resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the oscillator comprises a piezoelectric crystal. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) module. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises digital controllers, dedicated PWM integrated circuits, or analog circuits that are configured to apply the PWM. In some embodiments, the PMW module is configured to modulate a duty cycle of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves comprise a duty cycle of 0% to 100%. In some embodiments, the PMW module is configured to modulate for controlling a power level of the plurality of acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell is selected from the group consisting of a Li ion battery, a Li metal battery, a Na ion battery, a Na metal battery, an aqueous electrolyte battery, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery, a solid-state or semi-solid-state battery, a fuel cell, an electrolyzer, a flow battery, and a metal-air battery.

[0007] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an energy system comprising: an acoustic device control system and the one or more electrochemical cells as disclosed herein.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one or more electrochemical cells comprise a plurality of battery cells. In some embodiments, the energy system is specifically designed to supply power for a range of applications, including but not limited to, propelling vehicles, enhancing mobility solutions, or serving as a reliable power source for stationary energy storage systems.

[0009] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of improving performance of one or more electrochemical cells, the method comprising: a) providing an acoustic wave control system disclosed herein; b) modulating and / or amplifying an electrical signal to control one or more acoustic devices to generate acoustic waves upon an application of the electrical signal; and c) applying the acoustic waves to the one or more electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, a) comprises coupling the electronic circuit to the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, b) comprises converting a direct current signal to an alternating current signal. In some embodiments, the alternating current signal is a sinusoidal signal. In some embodiments, b) comprises modulating a power level of the electrical signal that is applied to the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, b) comprises amplifying a voltage that is applied to the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, b) comprises providing a stable and synchronized signal to the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the stable and synchronized signal is isolated from disturbances or variations in other parts of the acoustic wave control system. In some embodiments, b) comprises modulating a frequency of the electrical signal.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0010] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such contradictory material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The novel features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

[0012] FIGS. 1A-1I show exemplary phase-locked loop (PLL) / buffer board designs to generate signals to drive one or more acoustic devices, FIG. 1A shows a simplified circuit, FIG. IB shows exemplary buffers that may be used in the present disclosure, FIG. 1C shows an exemplary circuit board with double buffers that may be used in the present disclosure, FIG. ID shows an exemplary circuit board, FIG. IE shows an exemplary power circuit board, FIG. IF shows an exemplary drive circuit board, FIG. 1G shows an exemplary control circuit board, FIG. 1H shows an exemplary analog to digital (ADC) circuit board, and FIG. II shows an exemplary communications board, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2A shows a simplified exemplary pulse-width modulation (PWM) circuit board, and FIG. 2B shows an exemplary PWM circuit board for modulating an electrical signal, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3A shows a simplified exemplary oscillator circuit board, and FIG. 3B shows an exemplary self-oscillator circuit board, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0015] FIGS. 4A-4I show exemplary board oscillator designs to generate signals to drive one or more acoustic devices, FIG. 4A shows a simplified exemplary board level oscillator circuit board, FIG. 4B shows an exemplary daughter card of a board oscillator, FIG. 4C shows an exemplary driver circuit of a daughter card of a board oscillator, FIG. 4D shows an exemplary mother board of a board oscillator, FIG. 4E shows an exemplary control circuit of a mother board of a board oscillator, FIG. 4F shows exemplary PLL circuits, FIG. 4G shows exemplary driver circuits of the mother board, FIG. 4H shows an exemplary ADC circuit of the mother board, and FIG. 41 shows an exemplary power circuit of the mother board, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a computer system in communication with the acoustic wave control system, the acoustic devices and / or electrochemical cells, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] While various embodiments have been shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur without departing from the present disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed.

[0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to which the present disclosure belongs. In case of conflict,the present application including the definitions will control. Also, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0019] The application of acoustic waves into the energy devices can a) streamline the electrolyte filling process in battery manufacturing; b) accelerate the battery formation step and enhance performance; c) during battery operation, enable faster charging, prolonged cycle life, enhanced low-temperature performance, and improved safety; and / or d) for degraded batteries, facilitate rejuvenation without the need to dismantle the batteries. The performance of an electrochemical cell (e.g., a lithium metal battery) may depend on its diffusion properties of the ions in the electrolyte. The diffusion properties may affect the distribution and concentration gradient of the ions in the electrolyte, which directly affect the charge and / or discharge rate, capacity, and / or cycling stability of the energy device. During a charge or discharge process, the ions that are depleted from the electrolyte into the anode or cathode due to the ionic migration may be replaced through diffusion. In some cases, during a rapid charging, diffusion may not be sufficiently fast to replace the depleted ions, which may reduce the charging rate. In some embodiments, acoustic waves may improve ion transport rate. In some embodiments, acoustic waves may create microscale or nanoscale acoustofluidics in ions of the electrochemical cell (e.g., micro-stirring effect). The micro-stirring effect by the acoustic waves can enhance the mobility and movement of the ions. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can lead to an even distribution of the ions, optimize the concentration gradient, and / or improve electrode surface potential. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can enhance electrochemical reaction kinetics, ensuring that the reactions occur at the most optimal rate. The acoustic device can be tuned to emit acoustic waves of specific frequencies, amplitudes, and durations, making it adaptable to different electrochemical cell types and sizes.

[0020] The acoustic waves may be generated by an acoustic device. In some embodiments, the acoustic device may comprise a transducer (e.g., one or more pairs of metallic interdigital transducers, a layer of conductive material, or a plurality of contact pins, or a combination thereof) deposited on a substrate formed from a piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the acoustic device may generate a plurality of acoustic waves by at least converting an electrical signal into mechanical energy embodied by the acoustic waves.

[0021] Conventional systems and / or methods employing commercial signal generators and / or amplifiers to produce and amplify signals for driving acoustic devices in generating acoustic waves may be costly, energy-inefficient, and have low volumetric and gravimetric efficiency for electrochemical cells or energy device applications. Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods to reduce costs, volume, and weight of the signal generators and amplifiers, while enhancing energy efficiency in signal generation and amplification for drivingacoustic waves in electrochemical cells or energy devices. The devices, systems, and methods provided herein can be adaptable in waveform generation in series and / or parallel and can significantly improve various aspects of electrochemical cells or energy devices, enhancing electrolyte filling, formation, operational efficiency, and rejuvenation processes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for generating and amplifying signals to propel / drive acoustic waves for electrochemical cells or energy devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an acoustic wave control system. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may comprise an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may be operably coupled to one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may be configured to module and / or amplify an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may be configured to control and drive the one or more acoustic devices for generating acoustic waves upon an application of the electrical signal, to improve performance of one or more electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can be customized or tuned based at least in part on a type, capacity, function, shape, size, form factor and / or operating conditions of the electrochemical cell.

[0023] In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system can simultaneously drive a range of acoustic devices spanning from unit 1 to 100000 that are connected in parallel and / or in series. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may attain an output voltage of at least about 0.1 millivolts (mV), at least about 1 mV, at least about 10 mV, at least about 100 mV, at least about 1 V, at least about 5 V, at least about 10 V, at least about 20 V, at least about 50 V, or at least about 100 V, including increments therein, for each acoustic device that are connected in parallel and / or in series. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may drive the acoustic device to generate acoustic waves with frequencies from about 1 Hz to about 500 MHz. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may drive the acoustic device to generate acoustic waves with power levels from about 0.1 microwatts (pW) to about 500 megawatts (MW).

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices may comprise at least 1, at least 10, at least 100, at least 1000, at least 10000, at least 100000, or at least 1,000,000 acoustic devices, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices may be coupled through parallel, or serial connections, or a combination of parallel and serial connections. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may comprise a plurality of channels for controlling and driving the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the number of the plurality of channels may be based at least in part on a power level and / or frequency range at which the one or more acoustic devices are to be driven. In some embodiments, the pluralityof channels may comprise at least 1, at least 10, at least 100, at least 1000, at least 10000, at least 100000, or at least 1,000,000 channels, including increments therein. In some embodiments, each channel of the plurality of channels may be configured to control and drive a set of acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the set of acoustic devices may comprise 1 to 15 acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the set of acoustic devices may comprise at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, or more acoustic devices.Acoustic wave control system

[0025] In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may comprise a phase-locked loop (PLL) module and at least one amplifier and / or buffer. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may comprise a pulse width modulation (PWM) module. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave device may comprise an oscillator. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave device may comprise a self-oscillator.

[0026] In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may control the generation of acoustic waves with various stimulus frequencies and power levels. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may comprise blocks or modules for power management, stimulus generation, and / or amplification. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may comprise blocks or modules for control, user interface, and / or sensing and feedback. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may comprise an integrated electronic circuit or a plurality of electronic circuit boards. In some embodiments, the plurality of electronic circuit boards may be integrated or discrete.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may be provided on a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the PCB may have a miniaturized and portable form factor.

[0028] In some embodiments, the PCB may have a weight ranging from about 1 gram (g) to about 2 kilograms (kg). In some embodiments, the PCB may have a weight less than about 2 kg, less than about 1 kg, less than about 500 g, less than about 100 g, less than about 50 g, less than about 10 g, less than about 5 g, or less than about 1 g, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the PCB may have a weight greater than about 1 g, greater than about 5 g, greater than about 10 g, greater than about 50 g, greater than about 100 g, greater than about 500 g, greater than about 1 kg, or greater than about 2 kg, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may reduce the weight of the acoustic wave control system by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, includingincrements therein, in comparison to a commercial circuit that outputs comparable signal characteristics.

[0029] In some embodiments, the PCB may have a dimension ranging from about 0.1 cm by 0.1 cm to about 100 cm by 100 cm. In some embodiments, the PCB may have a volume ranging from about 0.0127 mm3to about 127,000 mm3. In some embodiments, the PCB may have a volume of at least about 0.01 mm3, at least about 0.1 mm3, at least about 1 mm3, at least about 10 mm3, at least about 100 mm3, at least about 1000 mm3, at least about 10,000 mm3, at least about 100,000 mm3, or at least about at least about 200,000 mm3, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the PCB may have a volume of at most about 200,000 mm3, at most about 100,000 mm3, at most about 10,000 mm3, at most about 1,000 mm3, at most about 100 mm3, at most about 10 mm3, at most about 1 mm3, at most about 0.1 mm3, or at most about 0.01 mm3, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may reduce the volume of the acoustic wave control system by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, including increments therein, in comparison to a commercial circuit that outputs comparable signal characteristics.

[0030] In some embodiments, the PCB may improve volumetric efficiency by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90%, including increments therein, in comparison to a commercial circuit that outputs comparable signal characteristics.Phase-locked loop (PLL) module

[0031] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may comprise a phase locked loop (PLL) module, and at least one amplifier and / or buffer. The PLL module may comprise a circuit that can generate a stable and accurate signal by reference to a local oscillator such as a crystal oscillator. The PLL module may generate an output signal whose phase is fixed relative to the phase of an input signal. Keeping the input and output phase in lockstep also implies keeping the input and output frequencies the same, thus a phase-locked loop can also track an input frequency. And by incorporating a frequency divider, a PLL can generate a stable frequency that is a multiple of the input frequency.

[0032] In some embodiments, the PPL module may be configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage signal by reference to a local crystal. In some embodiments, the sinusoidal voltage signal may be fed to the at least one amplifier or buffer for amplification.

[0033] In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may further comprise a local oscillator (LO) that feeds amplifier and buffer stages. An LO is an amplifier with positivefeedback that produces a single-frequency signal. This signal is then mixed with an input signal to create a beat signal at the mixer output. The beat frequency is equal to the absolute value of the difference in frequency of the two waves. This frequency conversion process, also called heterodyning, may produce the sum and difference frequencies from the frequency of the local oscillator and frequency of the input signal. The result is the sum and difference frequencies of the two signals. This process is called heterodyning.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one amplifier may be configured to drive at least 1, at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 16 acoustic devices in parallel. In some embodiments, the at least one buffer may be configured to manage signal loads and ensure signal integrity / compatibility within the electronic circuit without losses or interferences. In some embodiments, the PPL module, and the at least one amplifier and / or buffer may be configured to operatively work together to provide a stable, synchronized output signal that is isolated from disturbances or variations in other parts of the acoustic wave control system. In some embodiments, the PPL module, and the at least one amplifier and / or buffer may be configured to modulate a frequency of the acoustic waves.

[0035] In some embodiments, an amplifier may produce a signal at an output port that is a replica of the signal applied to an input port, but with increased magnitude. The increase in magnitude may be defined as a gain, which is the ratio between the magnitude of output and input signals. In some embodiments, the gain may be at least about 1 (i.e., no amplification), at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.5, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10, including increments therein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the amplifier may comprise a voltage buffer amplifier. In some embodiments, the voltage buffer amplifier may transfer a voltage from a circuit with a high output impedance to another circuit with a low input impedance. In some embodiments, the amplifier may prevent the second circuit from excessively loading the first circuit, which could interfere with its intended operation. In some embodiments, the voltage buffer amplifier may have infinite input resistance and zero output resistance. In some embodiments, the voltage buffer amplifier can be a unity gain buffer or a voltage follower, in which the output voltage tracks the input voltage.

[0037] In some embodiments, the amplifier may comprise a current buffer amplifier. In some embodiments, the current buffer amplifier may transfer current from a circuit with low output impedance to another circuit with high input impedance. In some embodiments, the current buffer amplifier may prevent the second circuit from excessively loading the first circuit's current, thus avoiding interference with the intended operation. In some embodiments, the current buffer amplifier may have infinite output impedance and zero input impedance. Insome embodiments, the current buffer amplifier may exhibit perfect linearity and instant output response regardless of signal amplitudes or input signal speed. In some embodiments, the current buffer amplifier may function as a unity gain buffer or a current follower (e.g., gain is 1), in which the output current follows the input current without any division or alteration.

[0038] In some example embodiments, a plurality of amplifiers may be used to couple the output of the PLL to the input of the acoustic device(s). In some example embodiments, through the PLL and amplifiers, increasingly higher voltage swings (with higher supplies or power consumption) may be achieved. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may further comprise clock buffers and / or attenuators to fine-tune the signal swing.

[0039] In some embodiments, both LO and PLL circuits can be configured to generate a frequency-modulated signal around a center carrier frequency value. Once generated, the signal can be amplified with one amplifier stage per 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or more acoustic devices driven in parallel. In some embodiments, a buffer in electronic circuits can isolate or separate different circuits, preventing a circuit from affecting another. The buffer can be used to manage signal loads, ensuring that a signal can be transferred from one part of a circuit to another without loss or interference. Buffers can also be used to amplify a signal or to make a signal compatible between different types of circuitry, for example, between analog and digital circuits. When utilizing a PLL / buffer board or integrated circuit (IC) to drive an acoustic device for acoustic wave generation, the generated acoustic waves can encompass a variety of types, including but not limited to surface acoustic waves (SAW), Lamb waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, bulk acoustic waves, and standing wave vibrations, either individually or in any combination. The waveform of the acoustic waves can be a continuous sine wave, square wave, or triangular wave, and can be frequency-modulated around a center frequency value. In some embodiments, the generated acoustic waves can feature on / off pulsing with a range from 0% to 100% duty cycle. In some embodiments, the timescale period of the generated acoustic waves can vary from approximately 1 microsecond to about 1 millisecond.

[0040] FIGS. 1A-1I show exemplary PLL / buffer board designs to generate signal to drive one or more acoustic devices, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1A shows a simplified circuit. The circuit may comprise a PLL module. In some embodiments, the circuit may comprise one or more bipolar junction transistor (BJT) amplifiers. In some embodiments, the circuit may comprise one or more BJT buffers. In some embodiments, the electrical signal after the PLL, amplifiers, and buffers may be fed into one or more acoustic devices to generate acoustic waves. FIG. IB shows exemplary buffers that may be used in the present disclosure. FIG. IC shows an exemplary circuit board with double buffers that may beused in the present disclosure. FIG. ID shows an exemplary circuit board comprising a communication module, a controller, a power module, a plurality of drivers, and a plurality of analog digital converters (ADC). FIG. IE shows an exemplary power circuit board comprising low-dropout regulators (LDO), microcontroller unit (MCU) blocks, multiplexers (MUX), regulators, controller area network (CAN) transceivers, main power switches, LDO for MCU blocks, and LDO for signal generation, ADC, and MUXes. FIG. IF shows an exemplary drive circuit board comprising a current detector, gain, low-pass filter, BJT buffer, bypass BJTs, MUX, thermistor array, and passive peak detector. FIG. 1G shows an exemplary control circuit board comprising 32k768 crystals, HSE 32MHz signal, reset buttons, boot mode selector GND to boot from NVM, MCUs, PLL, and EEPROM. FIG. 1H shows an exemplary ADC circuit board comprising a plurality of ADCs, calibration / reference, and MUXes. FIG. II shows an exemplary communications board comprising USB connections, USB isolations, CAN connectors, SWD connectors, and CAN transceivers.Pulse width modulation (PWM)

[0041] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may comprise a pulse width modulation (PWM) module. In some embodiments, the PWM may modulate the width of digital pulses to control the power delivered to an electronic device. In some embodiments, the PWM may comprise switching the power to a device on and off at a high frequency, where the duration (or width) of the ‘on’ state is varied (modulated). The ‘on’ time compared to the total cycle time (on and off) is referred to as the duty cycle, and it determines the amount of power supplied to the device. The duty cycle can be expressed as a percentage. A 50% duty cycle means the power is on for half the time and off for half the time. By varying the duty cycle, PWM can effectively control the amount of power delivered to the load. One of the advantages of PWM is its efficiency. Since the power device (such as a transistor) is either fully on or fully off, it dissipates very little power, making PWM an efficient way to control the power level. PWM signals can be generated using various methods, including digital controllers like microcontrollers, dedicated PWM integrated circuits, or analog circuits. The key characteristics of a PWM signal include its frequency and the resolution. When utilizing a PWM to drive an acoustic device for acoustic wave generation, the produced acoustic waves can encompass a variety of types, including but not limited to SAW, Lamb waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, BAW, and standing wave vibrations, either individually or in any combination. In some embodiments, the generated acoustic waves can operate at a frequency ranging from 1 Hz to 500 MHz and at a power level spanning from 0.1 pW to 500 MW. In some embodiments, the generated acoustic waves canfeature on / off pulsing with a range from 0% to 100% duty cycle. In some embodiments, the timescale period of the generated acoustic waves can vary from approximately 1 microsecond to about 1 millisecond.

[0042] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may comprise digital controllers, dedicated PWM integrated circuits, or analog circuits that are configured to apply the PWM. In some embodiments, the PMW module may be configured to modulate a duty cycle of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may comprise a duty cycle of 0% to 100%. In some embodiments, the PMW module may be configured to modulate a power level of the plurality of acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the waveform of the acoustic waves via PMW can be a continuous square wave or a wave with frequency-modulated around a center frequency value.

[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B show exemplary PWM board designs to generate signals to drive one or more acoustic devices, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a simplified exemplary PWM circuit board. The PWM may be connected to a PLL module. The PWM circuit board may comprise a gate driver. The gate driver may comprise a power amplifier that converts a low-power input from a controller into a high-current input for a high-power transistor’s gate. The gate driver may be configured to pump current into one or more field-effect transistor (FET) gates to overcome input capacitance. The signal from the gate driver may feed into a high-side FET driver (between power and load) and a low-side FET driver (between load and ground). Through the FET drivers, the signals can be modulated between an on and an off status, thereby generating a pulse-width modulated signal that can be fed into the acoustic device. FIG. 2B shows an exemplary PWM circuit board for modulating an electric signal for controlling one or more acoustic devices to generate acoustic waves.Oscillator

[0044] In some embodiments, the one or more acoustic devices may comprise an oscillator. In some embodiments, the oscillator may comprise a self-oscillator.

[0045] In some embodiments, a self-oscillator may act as an oscillator when embedded in a positive feedback loop comprising an amplifier and frequency-setting resistor-capacitor (RC), inductor-capacitor (LC), crystal oscillator, or crystal -based elements to provide stable oscillation. In some embodiments, the crystal Oscillator can use a piezoelectric crystal (e.g., quartz) to stabilize the frequency of the output signal. In some embodiments, the RC Oscillator may use a combination of resistors and capacitors to determine the frequency of the output waveform. In some embodiments, the LC Oscillator may use inductors and capacitors to determine the frequency of the output waveform. In an oscillator, the components can bemounted on a PCB, which can offer advantages in terms of stability, size, and ease of integration into larger electronic systems.

[0046] In some embodiments, the self-oscillator may be self-contained and can operate independently to generate a repetitive, oscillating signal, necessitating only a DC power supply. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator may be configured to function as an independent oscillator by generating the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator may be configured to generate the acoustic waves upon application of an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the electrical signal may comprise a direct current signal. In some embodiments, the electrical signal may comprise an alternating current signal. In some embodiments, the selfoscillators may produce periodic acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can be in forms of sine waves, square waves, or triangle waves, or frequency -modulated around a center frequency value. In some embodiments, the exact waveform may depend on the circuit design. In some embodiments, the configuration of the self-oscillator may determine the frequency and stability of the oscillation. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator can allow for tuning or adjusting the frequency of oscillation, either through manual adjustments (e.g., variable resistors or capacitors) or via electronic control if the oscillator includes digital components. When utilizing a self-oscillator to generate acoustic waves, the generated acoustic waves can encompass a variety of types, including but not limited to SAWs, Lamb waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, BAWs, and standing wave vibrations, either individually or in any combination. In some embodiments, the generated acoustic waves can operate at a frequency ranging from 1 Hz to 500 MHz and at a power level spanning from 0.1 pW to 500 MW. The waveform of the acoustic waves can be a continuous sine wave, square wave, or triangular wave, or can be frequency-modulated around a center frequency value. In some embodiments, the generated acoustic waves can feature on / off pulsing with a range from 0% to 100% duty cycle. In some embodiments, the timescale period of the generated acoustic waves can vary from approximately 1 microsecond to about 1 millisecond.

[0047] In some embodiments, the self-oscillator may be configured to modulate a frequency of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator may be configured to stabilize the frequency of the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, use of a separate reference crystal may not be necessary when the self-oscillator is used to generate the acoustic waves. In some embodiments, the self-oscillator may comprise an interdigitated transducer having an intrinsic resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the oscillator may comprise a piezoelectric crystal.

[0048] FIGS. 3A and 3B show exemplary oscillator board designs to generate acoustic waves, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 3A shows a simplifiedexemplary oscillator circuit board. The oscillator circuit board may comprise a BJT amplifier to amplify the electric signal. The electric signal may be fed into the oscillator (e.g., a selfoscillator) to generate acoustic waves. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary self-oscillator circuit board.

[0049] FIGS. 4A-4I show exemplary board oscillator (or electronic circuit) designs to generate signals to drive one or more acoustic devices, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 4A shows a simplified exemplary board level oscillator circuit board. In some embodiments, the circuit board may comprise an integrated circuit. The circuit board may comprise discrete drivers for controlling a set of acoustic devices. In some embodiments, a circuit board may control at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the circuit may comprise a PLL module, one or more BJT amplifiers, and one or more BJT buffers. In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control systems may comprise a plurality of circuit boards as shown in FIG. 4A to drive a plurality of sets of acoustic devices. FIG. 4B shows an exemplary daughter card of a board oscillator. The daughter card may comprise control inputs, power indicators, bulk power decoupling, quad op-amplifiers, MUXes (e.g., min / max / temporary, Rxp, and temporary MUX), drivers, and ribbon connectors. FIG. 4C shows an exemplary driver circuit of a daughter card of a board oscillator. The driver circuit may comprise output enables, gains, buffers, temporary buffers, min / max detector and overdrive protection, and matching networks. FIG. 4D shows an exemplary mother board of a board oscillator. The mother board may comprise USB interface, controllers, 12C bridge, I / O expanders, power regulators, ADC MUXes, PLLs, and driver (for controlling the inputs and connection to daughter card). FIG. 4E shows an exemplary control circuit of a mother board of a board oscillator. The control circuit may comprise USB control and computer interface (PC interface), 12C isolators, status LEDs, I / O expanders, and EEPROM. FIG. 4F shows exemplary PLL circuits. FIG. 4G shows exemplary driver circuits of the mother board. The driver circuits may comprise control inputs and power inputs. FIG. 4H shows an exemplary ADC circuit of the mother board. The ADC circuit may comprise calibration / reference modules, ADCs, and MUXes. FIG. 41 shows an exemplary power circuit of the mother board. The power circuit may comprise 3 V3 regulators, main power switches, fan switches, gate driver voltage (VDRV) regulators, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and current sensors.Acoustic waves

[0050] The acoustic wave control system, disclosed herein, can control the acoustic wave device or acoustic device to emit tunable acoustic waves (e.g., specifically tuned acoustic waves).

[0051] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic device can reduce a bulk impedance of the electrochemical cell by promoting mobility, availability, and / or uniformity in distribution of mobile species within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the bulk impedance of the electrochemical cell can be reduced by at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or more, including increments therein, compared to another electrochemical cell that is operated without the acoustic waves.

[0052] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can facilitate or increase mass transport of the mobile species within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the mass transport rate of mobile species in the electrochemical cell can be increased by at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 100%, or more, including increments therein, compared to another electrochemical cell that is operated without the acoustic waves.

[0053] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can enhance a kinetic rate of reactions within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the kinetic rate of reactions within the electrochemical cell can be increased by at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 100%, or more, including increments therein, compared to another electrochemical cell that is operated without the acoustic waves.

[0054] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can comprise at least one of the following: surface acoustic waves (SAW), Lamb waves, love waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, bulk acoustic waves (BAW), or any combination(s) thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may propagate through an electrolyte filling the interior of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may agitate the electrolyte, thereby homogenizing the distribution of mobile species, e.g., cations or anions, in the electrolyte during the charging of the electrochemical cell. Homogenizing the distribution of the mobile species in the electrolyte may decrease the concentration gradient of the mobile species in the electrolyte such that the mobile species are distributed more evenly throughout the electrolyte. The homogenization of the distribution of the mobile species may increase the uniformity of the deposits of the mobile species on at least one of the electrodes.

[0056] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may have a frequency ranging from about 1 hertz (Hz) to about 500 megahertz (MHz). In some embodiments, the frequency of the acoustic waves may be at least about 1 Hz, at least about 10 Hz, at least about 100 Hz, at least about 1 kHz, at least about 10 kHz, at least about 100 kHz, at least about 1 MHz, at least about 10 MHz, at least about 100 MHz, or at least about 500 MHz, including increments therein.

[0057] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may have a power ranging from about 0.1 microwatts (pW) to about 500 megawatts (MW). In some embodiments, the power of the generated acoustic waves may be at least about 0.1 pW, at least about 1 pW, at least about 10 pW, at least about 100 pW, at least about 1 mW, at least about 10 mW, at least about 100 mW, at least about 1 W, at least about 10 W, at least about 100 W, at least about 1 kW, at least about 10 kW, at least about 100 kW, at least about 1 MW, at least about 10 MW, at least about 100 MW, or at least about 500 MW, including increments therein.

[0058] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may have one or more waveforms selected from the group consisting of a continuous sine wave, square wave, triangular wave, and frequency-modulated waveform around a center carrier frequency value.

[0059] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may be generated with on / off pulsing ranging from 0% to 100%. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may be generated with on / off pulsing ranging from about 0% to about 10%, from about 0% to about 20%, from about 0% to about 30%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 80%, from about 0% to about 90%, from about 0% to about 100%, from about 10% to about 20%, from about 10% to about 30%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 50%, from about 10% to about60%, from about 10% to about 70%, from about 10% to about 80%, from about 10% to about90%, from about 10% to about 100%, from about 20% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 20% to about 50%, from about 20% to about 60%, from about 20% to about70%, from about 20% to about 80%, from about 20% to about 90%, from about 20% to about100%, from about 30% to about 40%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 30% to about 60%, from about 30% to about 70%, from about 30% to about 80%, from about 30% to about 90%, from about 30% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 50%, from about 40% to about 60%, from about 40% to about 70%, from about 40% to about 80%, from about 40% to about 90%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 60%, from about 50% to about 70%, from about 50% to about 80%, from about 50% to about 90%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 60% to about 70%, from about 60% to about 80%, from about 60% to about 90%, from about 60% to about 100%, from about 70% to about 80%, from about 70% to about90%, from about 70% to about 100%, from about 80% to about 90%, from about 80% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, including increments therein.

[0060] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may be generated with a timescale period ranging from about 1 microsecond (ps) to about 1 millisecond (ms). In some embodiments, the timescale period can range from about 1 ps to about 10 ps, from about 1 ps to about 50 ps, from about 1 ps to about 100 ps, from about 1 ps to about 250 ps, from about 1 ps to about 500 ps, from about 1 ps to about 750 ps, from about 1 ps to about 1 ms, from about 10 ps to about 50 ps, from about 10 ps to about 100 ps, from about 10 ps to about 250 ps, from about 10 ps to about 500 ps, from about 10 ps to about 750 ps, from about 10 ps to about 1 ms, from about 50 ps to about 100 ps, from about 50 ps to about 250 ps, from about 50 ps to about 500 ps, from about 50 ps to about 750 ps, from about 50 ps to about 1 ms , from about 100 ps to about 250 ps, from about 100 ps to about 500 ps, from about 100 ps to about 750 ps, from about 100 ps to about 1 ms, from about 250 ps to about 500 ps, from about 250 ps to about 750 ps, from about 250 ps to about 1 ms, from about 500 ps to about 750 ps, from about 500 ps to about 1 ms, or from about 750 ps to about 1 ms. In some embodiments, the timescale period can be about 1 ps, about 10 ps, about 50 ps, about 100 ps, about 250 ps, about 500 ps, about 750 ps, or about 1 ms, including increments therein.Energy system

[0061] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an energy system. In some embodiments, the energy system may comprise an acoustic device control system provided herein and one or more electrochemical cells.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell can be used in a solid-state or semisolid-state battery, a fuel cell, an electrolyzer, a flow battery, or a metal-air battery. In some embodiments, the energy system can comprise at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, at least ten, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, at least 100, or more, including increments therein, electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells can comprise cylindrical, prismatic, pouch cells, or cells with irregular shapes.

[0063] The acoustic devices can be integrated into individual electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the individual electrochemical cells can, in turn, be integrated into energy systems. In some cases, the acoustic devices can also be integrated into energy systems, such as batteries, which comprise a plurality of cells. For example, the acoustic device can be mounted onto a battery such that it provides acoustic waves to the plurality of battery cells within thebattery. In some instances, the individual cells can be grouped together to form a pouch (e.g., a cell pouch or prismatic pouch), wherein the individual cells may be individually equipped an acoustic device. The cells within the pouches can be any battery cell, electrochemical cell, fuel cell (e.g., a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)), capacitor, or supercapacitor.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell can comprise at least two electrodes. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell can comprise a cathode and an anode. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise Li. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a material selected from the group consisting of LiFePCL; LiFexMnyPO4, wherein x + y = 1; LiM CU; LiNio.5Mn1.5O4; LiNixCoyMnzO2, wherein x + y + z = 1; LiCoO2; LiNixCoyAlzO2, wherein x + y + z = 1; and aLiNixCoyMnzO2-(l-a)Li2MnO3, wherein a is from 0 to 1 and x + y + z = 1. In some embodiments, the cathode is Li-free. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a material selected from the group of oxides, fluorides, oxyfluorides, sulfur-based materials, and gases. In some embodiments, the cathode can be lithium containing intercalation chemistry-based or intercalation type-layered (e.g., involving transition metal oxides, transition metal phosphate, vanadium oxides, molybdenum oxides) for Li ion battery or Li metal battery. In some embodiments, the cathode can be sodium containing intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation type-layered (e.g., involving transition metal oxides, transition metal phosphate, iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), vanadium oxides, molybdenum oxides) for Na ion battery or Na metal battery. In some embodiments, the cathode can be potassium containing intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation type-layered (e.g., involving transition metal oxides, transition metal phosphate, iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), vanadium oxides, molybdenum oxides) for K ion battery or K metal battery. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a layered lithium intercalated transition metal oxides, lithium intercalated transition metal oxides, lithium intercalated phosphate, pre-lithiated sulfur, pre-lithiated multivalent metal fluorides, pre-lithiated multivalent metal sulfides, or pre-lithiated multivalent metal oxides. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a layered sodium intercalated transition metal oxide, sodium intercalated transition metal oxide, sodium intercalated phosphate, sodium intercalated iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), pre-sodiated sulfur, pre-sodiated multivalent metal fluorides, pre-sodiated multivalent metal sulfides, or pre-sodiated multivalent metal oxides. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a layered potassium intercalated transition metal oxide, potassium intercalated transition metal oxide, potassium intercalated phosphate, potassium intercalated iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), pre-potassiated sulfur, pre-potassiatedmultivalent metal fluorides, pre-potassiated multivalent metal sulfides, or pre-potassiated multivalent metal oxides.

[0065] In some embodiments, the anode can be a Li-containing material. In some embodiments, the Li-containing material can be Li metal foil, Li metal on Cu foil, Li metal on carbon substrate, Li metal on porous metal substrate, or Li metal on porous carbon substrate. In some embodiments, the anode can comprise an anode material, for example, graphite, graphene, Al, Cu, Si, Sn, SiOx, SnOx, P, lithium titanium oxide (LTO), hard carbon, or soft carbon, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the energy device can comprise an electrolyte. In some embodiments, the electrolyte can be a nonaqueous electrolyte, an aqueous electrolyte (e.g., a water in salt electrolyte), a semi-solid electrolyte, a liquified gas electrolyte, or a polymer gel electrolyte. The electrolyte material can be a porous material, such that cations or charge carriers can diffuse through the electrolyte. For example, the electrolyte material can be a porous material with an average pore diameter suitable for Li ion diffusion. In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt can be LiPFe. In some cases, the electrolyte material can be an aqueous electrolyte, such as an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid can be a quaternary amine, such as imidazolium, NH4+, pyrrolidinium, or piperidinium. In some embodiments, a nonaqueous electrolyte may be present. In some embodiments, the nonaqueous electrolyte may comprise a carbonate, an ether, a phosphate, a sulfone, an ionic liquid, an amide, a ketone, an ester, an alcohol, or an aromatic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the carbonate may comprise ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the ether may comprise diethyl ether (DEE), tetrahydrofuran (THF), or dioxolane (DIOX), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the phosphate may comprise trimethyl phosphate (TMP), or triethyl phosphate (TEP), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sulfone may comprise sulfolane, or 1,3- propane sulfone, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the ionic liquid may comprise an imidazolium-based salt, or pyridinium-based salt, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the amide may comprise N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), or N-methylacetamide (NMA), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the ketone may be acetone or 2,3- butanedione. In some embodiments, the ester may be ethyl acetate or butyl acetate. In some embodiments, the alcohol may comprise methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, or butanol, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the nonaqueous electrolyte may comprise an aromatic solvent, such as toluene, or xylene, or combinations thereof.

[0066] In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell can be any type of battery including, for example, a lithium (Li) battery, a sodium (Na) battery, a potassium (K) battery, a copper (Cu) battery, a zinc (Zn) battery, a magnesium (Mg) battery, or a lithium-ion battery.

[0067] In some embodiments, the energy system may be specifically designed to supply power for a range of applications. In some embodiments, the application may comprise propelling vehicles, enhancing mobility solutions, and / or serving as a reliable power source for stationary energy storage systems.

[0068] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of improving performance of one or more electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the method may comprise: a) providing an acoustic wave control system disclosed herein; b) modulating and / or amplifying an electrical signal to control one or more acoustic devices to generate acoustic waves upon an application of the electrical signal; and c) applying the acoustic waves to the one or more electrochemical cells.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method may comprise coupling the electronic circuit to one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the method may comprise converting a direct current signal to an alternating current signal. In some embodiments, the alternating current signal may comprise a sinusoidal signal. In some embodiments, the alternating current signal may comprise a square signal. In some embodiments, the alternating current signal may comprise a frequency-modulated signal around a center carrier frequency value.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method may comprise modulating a power level of the electrical signal that is applied to the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the method may comprise amplifying a voltage that is applied to the one or more acoustic devices.

[0071] In some embodiments, the acoustic wave control system may attain an output voltage of at least about 0.1 millivolts (mV), at least about 1 mV, at least about 10 mV, at least about 100 mV, at least about 1 V, at least about 5 V, at least about 10 V, at least about 20 V, at least about 50 V, or at least about 100 V for each acoustic device that are connected in parallel and / or in series. In some embodiments, the method may comprise modulating a frequency of the electrical signal.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method may comprise providing a stable and synchronized signal to the one or more acoustic devices. In some embodiments, the stable and synchronized signal may be isolated from disturbances or variations in other parts of the acoustic wave control system.Computer systems

[0073] The present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. FIG. 5 shows a computer system 501 that is programmed or otherwise configured to control an output from a device, system or apparatus according to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the computer system 501 may be configured tocontrol an output from an acoustic device or an energy system as described herein. The computer system 501 can regulate various aspects of generating acoustic waves of the present disclosure, such as, for example, frequency, wavelength, amplitude or power, types of waveforms. The computer system 501 can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the acoustic device or acoustic module according to the disclosure. The electronic device can be a mobile electronic device.

[0074] The computer system 501 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 505, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 501 also includes memory or memory location 510 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 515 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 520 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 525, such as cache, other memory, data storage and / or electronic display adapters. The memory 510, storage unit 515, interface 520 and peripheral devices 525 are in communication with the CPU 505 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 515 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 501 can be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 530 with the aid of the communication interface 520. The network 530 can be the Internet, an internet and / or extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 530 in some cases is a telecommunication and / or data network.

[0075] The network 530 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 530, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 501, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 501 to behave as a client or a server.

[0076] The CPU 505 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 510. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 505, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 505 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 505 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[0077] The CPU 505 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 501 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0078] The storage unit 515 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 515 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computersystem 501 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 501, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 501 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0079] The computer system 501 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 530. For instance, the computer system 501 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., personal health device, laptop, monitoring device, or any other device commonly used by a health practitioner). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 501 via the network 530.

[0080] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 501, such as, for example, on the memory 510 or electronic storage unit 515. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 505. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 515 and stored on the memory 510 for ready access by the processor 505. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 515 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 510.

[0081] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a precompiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0082] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 501, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and / or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium.

[0083] Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. “Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, mayenable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0084] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0085] The computer system 501 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 535 that comprises a user interface (LT) 540 for providing a display of the components of the circuit and parameters of the circuit. Examples of UI’s include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.

[0086] Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 505.

[0087] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the disclosure be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, it shall be understood that aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practice. It is therefore contemplated that the disclosure shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosure and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An acoustic wave control system comprising: an electronic circuit; and one or more acoustic devices operably coupled to the electronic circuit, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to (i) modulate and / or amplify an electrical signal and (ii) control and drive the one or more acoustic devices for generating acoustic waves upon an application of the electrical signal, to improve performance of one or more electrochemical cells.

2. The acoustic wave control system of claim 1, wherein the one or more acoustic devices comprise 1 to 1,000,000 acoustic devices.

3. The acoustic wave control system of claim 1, wherein the one or more acoustic devices comprise at least 100 acoustic devices.

4. The acoustic wave control system of claim 1, wherein the one or more acoustic devices comprise at least 1000 acoustic devices.

5. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more acoustic devices are coupled through parallel and / or serial connections.

6. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a plurality of channels for controlling and driving the one or more acoustic devices.

7. The acoustic wave control system of claim 6, wherein a number of the plurality of channels is based at least in part on a power level and / or frequency range at which the one or more acoustic devices are to be driven.

8. The acoustic wave control system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of channels comprises 1 to 1,000,000 channels.

9. The acoustic wave control system of claim 6, wherein each channel is configured to control and drive a set of acoustic devices.

10. The acoustic wave control system of claim 9, wherein the set of acoustic devices comprises 1 to 15 acoustic devices.

11. The acoustic wave control system of claim 9, wherein the set of acoustic devices comprises 6 or more acoustic devices.

12. The acoustic wave control system of claim 9, wherein the set of acoustic devices comprises 8 or more acoustic devices.

13. The acoustic wave control system of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit is provided on a printed circuit board (PCB).

14. The acoustic wave control system of claim 13, wherein the PCB has a miniaturized and portable form factor.

15. The acoustic wave control system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the PCB has a weight ranging from 1 gram (g) to 2 kilograms (kg).

16. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the PCB has a dimension ranging from about 0.1 cm by 0.1 cm to about 100 cm by 100 cm.

17. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the PCB has a volume ranging from about 0.0127 mm3to about 127,000 mm3.

18. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to control and drive the one or more acoustic devices with a frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 500 MHz.

19. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to control and drive the one or more acoustic devices at a power level ranging from about 0.1 pW to about 500 MW.

20. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to achieve an output voltage of about 0.1 mV to about 100V for each acoustic device.

21. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the acoustic waves comprise at least one of the following: surface acoustic waves (SAW), Lamb waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, bulk acoustic waves (BAW), or any combination(s) thereof.

22. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the acoustic waves have one or more waveforms selected from the group consisting of a continuous sine wave, square wave, triangular wave, or a combination thereof, or a frequency-modulated signal around a center carrier frequency value.

23. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the acoustic waves are generated with on / off pulsing ranging from 0% to 100%.

24. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the acoustic waves are generated with a timescale period ranging from about 1 microsecond to about 1 millisecond.

25. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the acoustic waves are generated with a power level ranging from about 0.1 pW to about 500 MW.

26. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the acoustic waves are generated with a frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 500 MHz.

27. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a phase locked loop (PLL) module, and at least one amplifier and / or buffer.

28. The acoustic wave control system of claim 27, wherein the PPL module is configured to generate a sinusoidal voltage signal by reference to a local crystal.

29. The acoustic wave control system of claim 28, wherein the sinusoidal voltage signal is fed to the at least one amplifier for amplification.

30. The acoustic wave control system of claim 29, wherein the at least one amplifier is configured to drive at least 1, at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 16 acoustic devices in parallel.

31. The acoustic wave control system of claim 29, wherein the at least one buffer is configured to manage signal loads and ensure signal integrity / compatibility within the electronic circuit without losses or interferences.

32. The acoustic wave control system of claim 31, wherein the PPL module, and the at least one amplifier and / or buffer are configured to operatively work together to provide a stable, synchronized output signal that is isolated from disturbances or variations in other parts of the acoustic wave control system.

33. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 27-32, wherein the PPL module, and the at least one amplifier and / or buffer are configured to modulate a frequency of the acoustic waves.

34. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the one or more acoustic devices comprises an oscillator.

35. The acoustic wave control system of claim 34, wherein the oscillator comprises a selfoscillator.

36. The acoustic wave control system of claim 35, wherein the self-oscillator is configured to function as an independent oscillator by generating the acoustic waves.

37. The acoustic wave control system of claim 36, wherein the self-oscillator is configured to generate the acoustic waves upon application of the electrical signal.

38. The acoustic wave control system of claim 37, wherein the electrical signal is a direct current signal.

39. The acoustic wave control system of claim 37, wherein the electrical signal is an alternating current signal.

40. The acoustic wave control system of claim 35, wherein the self-oscillator comprises a plurality of resistor-capacitor (RC), inductor-capacitor (LC), or crystal-based circuits configured to provide stable oscillation.

41. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 35-40, wherein the self-oscillator is configured to modulate a frequency of the acoustic waves.

42. acoustic wave control system of claim 41, wherein the self-oscillator is configured to stabilize the frequency of the acoustic waves.

43. The acoustic wave control system of claim 35, wherein use of a separate reference crystal is not necessary when the self-oscillator is used to generate the acoustic waves.

44. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 35-43, wherein the self-oscillator comprises an interdigitated transducer having an intrinsic resonant frequency.

45. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 34-44, wherein the oscillator comprises a piezoelectric crystal.

46. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-45, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a pulse width modulation (PWM) module.

47. The acoustic wave control system of claim 46, wherein the electronic circuit comprises digital controllers, dedicated PWM integrated circuits, or analog circuits that are configured to apply the PWM.

48. The acoustic wave control system of claim 46, wherein the PMW module is configured to modulate a duty cycle of the acoustic waves.

49. The acoustic wave control system of claim 48, wherein the acoustic waves comprise a duty cycle of 0% to 100%.

50. The acoustic wave control system of claim 46, wherein the PMW module is configured to modulate or control a power level of the plurality of acoustic devices.

51. The acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-50, wherein the electrochemical cell is selected from the group consisting of a Li ion battery, a Li metal battery, a Na ion battery, a Na metal battery, an aqueous electrolyte battery, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery, a solid-state or semi-solid-state battery, a fuel cell, an electrolyzer, a flow battery, and a metal-air battery.

52. An energy system comprising: the acoustic device control system of any of claims 1 to 51; and the one or more electrochemical cells.

53. The energy system of claim 52, wherein the one or more electrochemical cells comprise a plurality of battery cells.

54. The energy system of claim 52, wherein the energy system is specifically designed to supply power for a range of applications, including but not limited to, propelling vehicles, enhancing mobility solutions, or serving as a reliable power source for stationary energy storage systems.

55. A method of improving performance of one or more electrochemical cells, the method comprising: a) providing an acoustic wave control system of any one of claims 1-51; b) modulating and / or amplifying an electrical signal to control one or more acoustic devices to generate acoustic waves upon an application of the electrical signal; and-SO-c) applying the acoustic waves to the one or more electrochemical cells.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein a) comprises coupling the electronic circuit to the one or more acoustic devices.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein b) comprises converting a direct current signal to an alternating current signal.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the alternating current signal is a sinusoidal signal.

59. The method of claim 55, wherein b) comprises modulating a power level of the electrical signal that is applied to the one or more acoustic devices.

60. The method of claim 55, wherein b) comprises amplifying a voltage that is applied to the one or more acoustic devices.

61. The method of claim 55, wherein b) comprises providing a stable and synchronized signal to the one or more acoustic devices.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the stable and synchronized signal is isolated from disturbances or variations in other parts of the acoustic wave control system.

63. The method of claim 55, wherein b) comprises modulating a frequency of the electrical signal.

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