Metal-Ion Electrochemical Cell Capacity Regeneration via Anode Potential Derivative
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating and regenerating the capacity of metal-ion electrochemical accumulators, such as lithium-ion batteries, are not precise and easy to implement, and often require additional components or complex architectures that increase fragility and weight, while also inducing overvoltages due to incomplete charge state measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the determination of the time derivative of the potential of one electrode, particularly the anode, to estimate capacity loss and facilitate spontaneous regeneration without additional terminals or imposed currents, using a regeneration component with an ionic insulation element like paraffin film that melts to enable ion exchange under controlled temperature or other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If additional terminals and imposed currents are used for capacity regeneration, then regeneration capability is improved, but device complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery uses its own existing terminals and internal electrochemical potential to drive the regeneration process. The anode serves dual functionality as both operational electrode and reference for regeneration, eliminating need for additional terminals. The system self-regulates through potential difference between anode and regeneration material.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode is given dual functionality: it serves as the negative electrode during normal operation and as the reference electrode for capacity regeneration. The existing terminals are used for both charge/discharge operations and regeneration, making the system multi-functional without additional components.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional capacity evaluation methods are used, then measurement is simplified, but precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The method uses feedback from the battery's own potential measurements during charging to evaluate capacity loss. The potential difference between anode and cathode provides real-time information about state of charge and capacity degradation, enabling accurate measurement without external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external measurement equipment with electrochemical potential measurements that are inherently available during normal battery operation. The electrochemical potential difference serves as a natural sensor for capacity evaluation.
3Speed
If imposed currents are applied for regeneration, then regeneration speed is improved, but overvoltages and harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regeneration process is driven by the battery's own electrochemical potential difference rather than external current imposition. The anode's potential relative to the regeneration material naturally drives ion transfer, eliminating overvoltages and harmful effects associated with forced current application.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the driving parameter from external current to internal electrochemical potential. By utilizing the natural potential difference between electrodes and regeneration material, the system achieves regeneration without the harmful side effects of imposed currents.
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 allows for precise evaluation and regeneration of accumulator capacity, reducing the need for complex electronics and additional terminals, and prevents overvoltages by enabling spontaneous ion insertion without current imposition, thus extending battery life and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ionic insulation element like paraffin film that melts to enable ion exchange under controlled temperature or other parameters
Implementation Method 2
determination of the time derivative of the potential of one electrode, particularly the anode, to estimate capacity loss and facilitate spontaneous regeneration without additional terminals or imposed currents
Data Source
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Figure 5A~6C
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the quantity of exchangeable metal ions in a metal-ion electrochemical accumulator, for the purpose of capacity regeneration, the method comprising determining the time derivative of the potential of one of the two electrodes.