Ag2O-Zn Battery Depth of Discharge via Impedance Phase Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the depth of discharge in alkaline electrochemical cells, such as Ag2O—Zn batteries, is challenging due to similar electrical signals at various states of charge, making it difficult to assess their energy usage and reliability, especially in critical applications like medical devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying a varying voltage potential and measuring the output current response using impedance spectroscopy to determine the depth of discharge based on a linear relationship with the phase response, or by applying current pulses to measure resistance values, allowing for non-destructive testing and assessment of battery health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrical signal measurement is used to assess battery state of charge, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to similar electrical signals at various states of charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement from conventional DC voltage/current signals to AC impedance parameters (magnitude and phase angle) across multiple frequencies. By changing the measurement parameters from simple electrical signals to complex impedance characteristics, the system achieves better differentiation between similar states of charge, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to measurement by introducing phase angle measurements in addition to impedance magnitude, and further extends to frequency-domain analysis. This multi-dimensional approach (magnitude + phase + frequency) provides richer information to distinguish between similar states of charge, resolving the measurement precision problem
2Reliability
If battery testing is performed to assess energy status, then reliability information is obtained, but the testing process is time-consuming and may be destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary impedance characterization during manufacturing or initial use to establish baseline parameters for each battery. This preliminary action creates a reference profile that enables rapid future assessments without repeating full characterization tests, significantly reducing subsequent testing time while maintaining reliability assessment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional destructive discharge testing with non-destructive AC impedance spectroscopy. By using small-amplitude AC signals instead of full discharge cycles, the method obtains reliability information without consuming battery energy or causing degradation, eliminating the time loss associated with lengthy discharge tests
3Measurement precision
If impedance spectroscopy is used to measure phase response, then depth of discharge determination accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex measurement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration and automated analysis algorithms that automatically interpret impedance spectra and calculate state of charge without requiring manual intervention. The system uses internal reference measurements and built-in computational models to perform the complex analysis, making the operation as simple as initiating a measurement while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated computational intermediary that bridges the complex impedance measurements and the simple state of charge output. This intermediary performs the sophisticated signal processing and interpretation automatically, shielding the user from complexity while delivering precise measurements through a simple interface
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate determination of the depth of discharge, reducing the risk of faulty batteries being used and increasing the reliability of batteries in medical devices by providing a quick and non-destructive method to assess their energy status and fitness for use.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochemical cells may be alkaline electrochemical cells. The alkaline electrochemical cells may comprise Ag2O—Zn
Implementation Method 2
measuring the phase response of the one or more alkaline electrochemical cells using impedance spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a depth of discharge of an electrochemical cell includes (i)) providing one or more alkaline electrochemical cells comprising Ag2O—Zn; (ii) applying a varying voltage potential to the one or more alkaline electrochemical cells, (iii) measuring an output current response of the one or more alkaline electrochemical cells, the output current response comprising a phase response as a function of frequency; and (iv) determining a depth of discharge of the one or more alkaline electrochemical cells based on a linear relationship of the depth of discharge with the phase response.