Battery Cell Charging Current Control Against Anode Lithium Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium deposition on the anode surface of battery cells can lead to reduced energy efficiency, cell deterioration, and potential internal short circuits, especially in extreme environments.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for controlling the charging current of battery cells by measuring the potential of a reference electrode and an anode terminal, determining the anode potential, and adjusting the charging current based on minimum anode potentials, lithium deposition rates, or accumulated lithium deposition amounts to prevent lithium deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If charging current is increased to improve charging speed, then productivity is improved, but lithium deposition occurs on the anode surface causing battery deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism by continuously monitoring the anode potential through a reference electrode and adjusting the charging current accordingly. When the anode potential approaches the lithium deposition threshold, the system automatically reduces the charging current to prevent dendrite formation, thereby maintaining battery lifespan while optimizing charging speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the charging current parameter based on real-time anode potential measurements. By adjusting this critical parameter according to the battery's actual state, the system prevents lithium deposition during high-rate charging while maximizing charging productivity under safe conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If charging current is increased to improve energy efficiency, then use of energy is improved, but lithium deposition occurs causing internal short circuit risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinternal short circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reference electrode provides continuous feedback on the anode potential, enabling the control system to detect conditions that precede lithium deposition. This early warning feedback mechanism allows preventive adjustment of charging current before dendrites form and cause internal short circuits, maintaining energy efficiency while eliminating safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary anti-action by monitoring anode potential and reducing charging current before lithium deposition actually occurs. This preventive approach stops the harmful process at its inception, preventing both energy waste from deposition and the formation of dangerous dendritic structures that could cause internal short circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Speed

If temperature is increased to improve reaction rate, then speed is improved, but lithium deposition occurs due to chemical side reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction rateVSAvoidlithium deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors anode potential which reflects the combined effects of temperature and charging current on lithium deposition tendency. The feedback control adjusts charging current in response to temperature-induced changes in electrochemical behavior, preventing lithium deposition even at elevated temperatures where reaction rates are increased

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution effectively prevents lithium deposition on the anode surface, enhancing battery efficiency, lifespan, and safety by controlling the charging current based on real-time potential measurements and lithium deposition rates.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a potential of a reference electrode and a potential of an anode terminal within each battery cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical potential measurement:

Implementation Method 2

determining a difference between the potential of the reference electrode and the potential of the anode terminal as an anode potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical potential difference calculation:

Implementation Method 3

can be repeatedly charged and discharged through electrochemical reactions between components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250125645A1Apparatus for controlling charging current of battery cell and method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are an apparatus for controlling a charging current of a battery cell and a method thereof. The apparatus measures a potential of a reference electrode and a potential of an anode terminal within each battery ell for a plurality of battery cells, determines a difference between the potential of the reference electrode and the potential of the anode terminal as an anode potential, and determines a charging current of each battery cell based on a minimum value among anode potentials of the plurality of battery cells, thereby preventing lithium from being deposited on an anode surface of each battery cell.