Battery Charging Method Reducing Cathode Potential Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion battery charging methods lead to prolonged cathode potential, causing structural damage and reducing battery lifespan due to side reactions and electrolyte consumption.
Innovation Solution
A charging method involving two stages: the first stage uses a first-stage current until a first-stage voltage is reached, and the second stage uses a second-stage current with a voltage greater than the first stage but a current smaller than the first stage, reducing cathode potential time and preventing lithium deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-stage charging method (constant current followed by constant voltage) is used, then the battery can be fully charged, but the cathode potential remains high for a long time causing structural damage and reducing battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process is divided into three distinct stages instead of the conventional two stages. The first stage uses constant current charging, the second stage uses constant voltage charging, and the third stage uses a smaller current to top up the battery. This segmentation allows better control over the cathode potential duration, particularly by limiting the time spent at high potential in the third stage while ensuring complete charging.
2Productivity
If constant voltage charging is used to complete charging, then the battery reaches full charge, but the charging speed gradually reduces and extends charging time
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current is dynamically adjusted through three stages: starting with high constant current for rapid charging, transitioning to constant voltage mode as the battery approaches full charge, and finally using a smaller current to complete the charging process. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both charging speed and prevents excessive cathode potential exposure.
3Productivity
If high current is used throughout charging, then charging speed is maintained, but side reactions increase and consume electrolyte reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The charging current parameter is changed through three distinct stages: high constant current in the first stage for rapid charging, constant voltage in the second stage as the battery approaches full charge, and a reduced current in the third stage to complete charging. This parameter change strategy maintains high charging speed when beneficial while reducing current at critical moments to minimize side reactions and electrolyte consumption.
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 method shortens the time the cathode is at high potential, reducing side reactions and extending battery life while promoting charging speed and capacity retention.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit controls the charging-discharging module to charge the battery with a first-stage current until a voltage of the battery reaches a first-stage voltage value
Data Source
AI summary
A charging method is proposed to include the steps of: in a first stage of charging, charging a battery with a first-stage current until a voltage of the battery reaches a first-stage voltage value; and in a second stage of charging, charging the battery with a second-stage current until the voltage of the battery reaches a second-stage voltage value which is greater than the first-stage voltage value. The second-stage current is smaller than the first-stage current.