Battery Electrode AC Field Control for Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries, particularly lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, face issues with dendrite growth during charge cycles, leading to reduced performance, damage to the electrolyte membrane, and potential short-circuiting, which compromises battery life and safety.
Innovation Solution
The application of alternating current (AC) energy across the electrode surface, inducing a transverse current that directs metal deposition uniformly, suppressing dendrite growth and improving the quality of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) through controlled electric and magnetic field manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electrode is made thinner to increase battery power density, then the available power increases, but the ohmic drop increases leading to less uniform charge density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic AC energy to the electrode during charging cycles. This periodic action modulates the charge distribution, preventing excessive polarization and promoting uniform metal deposition even in thin electrodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between high power density and charge uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by superimposing AC energy on the DC charging current. This parameter modification alters the deposition kinetics, enabling uniform charge distribution in thin electrodes without sacrificing power density
2Productivity
If direct current charging is applied to the electrode, then the battery charges efficiently, but metal deposits unevenly forming dendrites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges DC charging current with AC energy application. This combination maintains the efficient charging capability of DC while adding the uniforming effect of AC, preventing dendrite formation without sacrificing charging productivity
Solution Approach 2:
By applying periodic AC energy during DC charging, the patent creates time-varying electric fields that promote uniform metal deposition. This periodic modulation prevents the uneven deposits and dendrites that occur with constant DC charging alone
3Speed
If lithium ions deposit rapidly during charging, then the charging speed increases, but dendrites form creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The application of periodic AC energy during charging creates oscillating electric fields that control the deposition kinetics. This allows rapid charging while preventing dendrite formation, maintaining both high charging speed and battery safety
Solution Approach 2:
The AC energy application acts as a preliminary countermeasure against dendrite formation. By modulating the electric field before excessive deposits can form, the system prevents safety hazards while maintaining rapid charging capability
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 effectively reduces dendrite formation, enhances battery performance, prolongs battery life, and prevents damage or failure by maintaining a uniform charge distribution and surface smoothness, thereby preventing exothermic events and improving overall battery reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The application of alternating current (AC) energy across the electrode surface, inducing a transverse current that directs metal deposition uniformly
Implementation Method 2
through controlled electric and magnetic field manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method, and associated batteries and battery charging units, that involve inducing electric and/or magnetic fields (field-induced current) across an electrode of a electrochemical cell, such as an anode of a battery. The field and current across the electrode may be referred to herein as a transverse current as this current is typically transverse to the ionic charge current that may be applied when charging a battery. The field and current may be induced from connecting AC energy, e.g., AC current, across the electrode or at a discrete point or points of the electrode. The induced field and current may suppress dendrite growth, experienced in conventional batteries without AC energy, among other advantages.