Lithium Ion Battery Electrolyte Additives and Ripple Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries are prone to overcharging, leading to adverse effects such as self-synergistic reactions, heat generation, and potential catastrophic failures due to dendrite growth and variations in cell characteristics, which are exacerbated by repeated charging cycles and manufacturing flaws.
Innovation Solution
A combination of modifying the electrolyte with lithiated para hydroxy-diphenyl polyethylene oxide or fluorosurfactants, implementing a ripple current charging method, and using programmable battery management systems to monitor and control temperature and electrical parameters, ensuring safe charging and preventing dendrite formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium ion batteries are charged to achieve high energy density, then energy output is improved, but the risk of overcharging and thermal runaway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating safety mechanisms that prevent overcharging before it can cause harm. The battery management system includes voltage monitoring and charging cutoff mechanisms that activate before dangerous conditions develop, thereby preventing thermal runaway and other safety issues while maintaining high energy density operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting charging voltage and current parameters based on battery state. The system modifies charging parameters in real-time based on temperature, voltage, and charge level measurements, allowing the battery to operate at high energy density while preventing overcharging through adaptive parameter control
2Power
If multiple cells are connected in series to meet power requirements, then power output is improved, but the complexity of battery management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery management system into individual cell-level monitoring units. Each cell has its own voltage and temperature sensors with dedicated management circuitry, allowing independent monitoring and control of each cell in the series configuration. This modular approach manages the complexity of multi-cell systems while maintaining high power output
3Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing precision is increased to eliminate cell variations, then cell consistency is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by implementing a battery management system that continuously monitors each cell's voltage, temperature, and charge state. The system uses this feedback information to detect variations between cells and adjust charging parameters accordingly, compensating for manufacturing inconsistencies without requiring extreme manufacturing precision. This feedback mechanism manages cell variations economically while maintaining safety and performance
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 inhibits dendrite growth and prevents overcharging, reducing the risk of lithium battery failures and ensuring safe operation by maintaining precise control over charging cycles and cell performance.
Implementation Method 1
modifying the electrolyte with lithiated para hydroxy-diphenyl polyethylene oxide or fluorosurfactants
Implementation Method 2
implementing a ripple current charging method, and using programmable battery management systems to monitor and control temperature and electrical parameters
Implementation Method 3
using programmable battery management systems to monitor and control temperature and electrical parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A combined system reinforces the safety of lithium ion batteries by redesign of electrolyte and the charging current a) modifying the electrolyte to inhibit or prevent dendrite growth preferably by the addition of lithiated polyphenoxy polyethylene glycol and/or a second surface active compound chosen from the family of fluorosurfactants, and/or a modest amount of lithium or sodium borate, b) modifying the charging cycle by a so-called ripple current in order to inhibit or prevent dendrite growth (ripple current meaning oscillation in the amount of amperage or voltage in the charging cycle), c) programmable battery management systems with temperature and electrical limits integrated in order to eliminate from the circuit and bypass malfunctioning cells based on past performance of the charging cycle and voltage endpoints achieved, d) minimizing any transient currents and voltages into or out of the battery system and e) maintaining a cool atmosphere in the battery space.