3D Electrode Array for High Energy Density Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrochemical storage and conversion devices face challenges in achieving high power and energy densities, mechanical robustness, and miniaturization for diverse applications, particularly in portable electronics and aerospace, where existing designs and materials do not fully meet the demands for high performance and reliability across various operating environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of three-dimensional electrode arrays comprising plate and rod electrodes with specific geometries and materials, where the electrodes are arranged in parallel orientations with apertures and electrolytes, allowing for enhanced surface areas and structural integrity, enabling improved energy storage and conversion capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If three-dimensional electrode arrays with plate and rod electrodes are used, then energy storage density and surface area utilization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage densityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is divided into multiple plate electrodes and rod electrodes, creating a segmented three-dimensional array structure. This segmentation increases the total surface area available for electrochemical reactions while distributing the energy storage function across multiple components, thereby improving energy storage density without concentrating all complexity in a single element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar electrodes to a three-dimensional array configuration with plate electrodes arranged in multiple layers and rod electrodes extending through apertures. This dimensional change maximizes surface area utilization within a compact volume, improving energy storage density while the modular nature of the 3D array helps manage structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If electrode surface area is increased through three-dimensional configuration, then energy storage capacity is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidmechanical robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Rod electrodes with curved or cylindrical surfaces are used instead of flat planar structures. The curved geometry of rod electrodes provides inherent mechanical strength and resistance to deformation while maximizing surface area for electrochemical reactions, thus improving energy storage capacity without sacrificing mechanical robustness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array employs composite construction with plate electrodes, rod electrodes, and separator materials working together as an integrated structure. This composite approach distributes mechanical stresses across different components and materials, enhancing overall structural strength while maintaining the high surface area necessary for energy storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If miniaturization is pursued for portable electronics, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into modular plate electrodes and rod electrodes that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then assembled into compact three-dimensional arrays. This segmentation enables miniaturization of the overall device while maintaining manufacturability through repeated use of standard components and assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod electrodes serve multiple functions: they provide current collection, structural support, and electrochemical reaction surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in miniaturized devices, simplifying manufacturing while achieving compact size through efficient use of space and materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If high power density is achieved through three-dimensional electrode arrays, then energy conversion rate is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array divides the electrochemical reaction volume into multiple smaller compartments with plate and rod electrodes distributed throughout. This segmentation distributes heat generation across multiple localized reaction sites rather than concentrating it, improving power density while managing heat generation through distributed thermal sources that can be more effectively cooled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rod electrodes with cylindrical geometry provide increased surface area for heat dissipation compared to flat plates of equivalent volume. The three-dimensional curved surfaces of rod electrodes expose more material to the electrolyte and surrounding environment, enhancing heat transfer and cooling efficiency while maintaining high power density through improved surface area to volume ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2614547B1Three-dimensional electrode array and method of making it
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH
  • EP2614547B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2614547B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2614547B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A three-dimensional electrode array for use in electrochemical cells, fuel cells, capacitors, supercapacitors, flow batteries, metal-air batteries and semi-solid batteries.