Battery Constraint Structure for Auxiliary Ion Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries face significant capacity loss due to the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during charging, leading to irreversible ion loss and reduced cycle life and energy density.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a constraint system with a porous electrically insulating material and an auxiliary electrode to transfer carrier ions within the battery, replenishing lost ions and maintaining electrode integrity through apertures in the growth constraints, thereby enhancing cycle life and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carrier ions are transferred through the porous electrically insulating material in the constraint system, then capacity loss is restored and cycle life is extended, but device complexity increases due to the additional auxiliary electrode and constraint structure
Solution Approach 1:
The porous electrically insulating material is integrated within the constraint system structure, with apertures formed directly in the constraint members. The auxiliary electrode is positioned within the volume enclosed by the constraint system, creating a nested configuration where multiple functions (constraint, ion transfer pathway, electrode placement) are combined in a hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous electrically insulating material serves as an intermediary component that enables ion transfer while maintaining electrical insulation. It fills the apertures in the constraint system, providing a controlled pathway for carrier ions to move from the auxiliary electrode to the electrode assembly while preventing direct electrical contact.
2Quantity of substance
If carrier ions are replenished to restore capacity, then energy density is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the formation process requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint system with porous material is pre-configured during manufacturing to enable subsequent ion transfer. The apertures are formed in the constraint members before final assembly, and the porous material is pre-placed in these apertures, allowing the ion replenishment process to occur automatically during initial charging cycles without requiring additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-replenishment of carrier ions through the initial charging process. The auxiliary electrode, positioned within the constraint system volume, automatically transfers ions through the porous material during formation charging, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex additional manufacturing processes.
3Productivity
If the porous electrically insulating material is placed in the apertures to enable ion transfer, then ion transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for aperture formation and material placement
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint system incorporates porous electrically insulating material within apertures of the constraint members. The porous structure provides multiple interconnected pathways for ion transport, increasing transfer efficiency while the material's ability to be filled into pre-formed apertures accommodates reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint system members serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical constraint to the electrode assembly, contain apertures for ion transfer pathways, and support the porous electrically insulating material. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby lowering overall manufacturing precision requirements.
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 restores capacity and extends the cycle life of secondary batteries by replenishing lost carrier ions and restraining electrode growth, improving energy storage performance.
Implementation Method 1
A porous electrically insulating material is disposed within the plurality of apertures, the porous electrically insulating material providing a path for carrier ions through the apertures
Implementation Method 2
The electrode assembly is enclosed within a volume defined by the constraint system... the constraint system having (i) first and second primary growth constraints separated in the stacking direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transferring carrier ions from an auxiliary electrode to an electrode assembly through a constraint system. The electrode assembly includes a population of unit cells that each includes an electrode structure, a counter-electrode structure, and an electrically insulating separator. The electrode assembly is enclosed within a volume defined by the constraint system comprising (i) first and second primary growth constraints separated in the stacking direction, and (ii) first and second secondary growth constraints separated in the vertical direction, wherein (iii) the first and secondary growth constraints are connected to upper and lower end surface(s) of the electrode or counter-electrode structures, and comprise a plurality of apertures having porous electrically insulating material disposed therein having a porosity in the range of from 20% to 60%. Carrier ions are transferred from the auxiliary electrode through the porous electrically insulating material to members of the unit cell population.