Battery Cell With Separate Lithium-Ion Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery cell technologies face challenges in maintaining a constant lithium ion concentration over their lifespan, leading to reduced storage capacity and shorter cycle life due to the limited adjustability of electrolyte release rates and increased production costs associated with chelating agents and complex formation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a separate lithium-ion source within the battery cell's shell, in direct contact with the electrolyte, which continuously replenishes lithium ions through leaching, maintaining a stable lithium ion concentration and extending the battery's cycle life by using a solid matrix with controlled lithium ion release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a separate lithium-ion source is arranged inside the shell in direct contact with the electrolyte, then the service life and storage capacity consistency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium-ion source is nested inside the shell of the battery cell, integrated within the existing structure. This allows the replenishment function to be incorporated without adding external components, thereby improving service life while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lithium-ion source automatically replenishes lithium ions into the electrolyte as needed during battery operation. This self-regulating mechanism maintains stable lithium ion concentration without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, extending service life while keeping the system simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate lithium-ion source is arranged inside the shell in direct contact with the electrolyte, then the storage capacity consistency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium-ion source is designed with specific material composition and structural parameters that enable controlled lithium ion release. By optimizing these parameters, the system maintains consistent storage capacity over time while using manufacturable materials and structures that do not excessively complicate the production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrolytes are kept in pre-manufactured capsules, then the electrolyte release can be controlled, but the manufacturing effort increases and release rate adjustability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease rate adjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the electrolyte from pre-manufactured capsules and uses it directly in the battery cell. The lithium-ion source is then arranged in direct contact with the free electrolyte, eliminating capsule manufacturing steps and enabling more flexible adjustment of lithium ion release rates without being constrained by capsule design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design allows for a prolonged storage of electrical energy over many cycles with a more consistent storage capacity, reducing wear and tear, and maintaining performance over a longer period compared to previous technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The lithium ions of the lithium ion source are therefore a supply of lithium ions separate from the electrolyte. If lithium ions in the electrolyte are used up during operation, they can be continuously replaced with lithium ions that are transferred from the supply of the lithium ion source into the electrolyte. This transfer of the lithium ions from the lithium ion source to the electrolyte takes place, for example, by washing out or leaching out the lithium ions from the lithium ion source.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLeaching: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Data Source

PatentEP4002515A1Battery cells with separate lithium-ion-source and method for producing a battery cell
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 POWERCO SE
  • EP4002515A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4002515A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4002515A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a battery cell (1) with a cell stack (5) comprising at least one anode (6), one cathode (8), an intermediate separator (7), and an electrolyte (9), which are together enclosed by a casing (2). The battery cell (1) is characterized in that at least one separate lithium-ion source (17) is arranged within the casing (2) and is in direct contact with the electrolyte (9).