Battery Electrolyte Circulation Control for pH and Salt Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies face challenges in achieving efficient, safe, economically viable, and environmentally friendly large-scale energy storage, particularly with lithium-ion batteries due to limitations in energy density, ionic conductivity, and safety concerns related to organic electrolytes and electrode materials.
Innovation Solution
A battery system that includes a battery with a plurality of electrodes, an electrolyte conduit, a pump, and a battery electrolyte controller, allowing for real-time adjustment of electrolyte flow rate, level, pH, and salt concentrations, using an aqueous rechargeable battery design with high ionic conductivity and safe, non-flammable electrolytes to enhance performance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used for large-scale energy storage, then energy density is improved, but safety concerns and ionic conductivity limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using aqueous electrolytes with specific pH ranges (6.5-8.0) and controlled salt concentrations, replacing traditional organic lithium-ion electrolytes. This parameter change achieves both high energy density and improved safety through inherent non-flammability of water-based solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrolyte systems combining aqueous solutions with specific salts (e.g., ZnSO4, MnSO4, NiSO4) and electrode materials (e.g., zinc, manganese oxides, nickel foams) that work synergistically to provide both high energy density and safety. The composite structure allows optimization of ionic conductivity while maintaining non-flammable properties
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used for large-scale energy storage, then energy density is improved, but ionic conductivity limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes ionic conductivity by adjusting electrolyte parameters including pH (6.5-8.0), salt concentration (0.5-3.0 M), and temperature control. These parameter changes enable high ionic conductivity in aqueous systems comparable to organic electrolytes while maintaining safety advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific salts (ZnSO4, MnSO4, NiSO4) as intermediary substances that facilitate ion transport in aqueous electrolytes. These salts act as mediators between the electrodes and water-based solvent, enabling efficient ionic conductivity without requiring flammable organic compounds
3Reliability
If real-time electrolyte control is implemented, then battery performance and safety are improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor electrolyte pH, temperature, and ion concentration, and the controller adjusts pump operation and electrolyte composition in real-time based on battery state. This feedback loop maintains safety without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the control system to autonomously regulate electrolyte properties using automated sensors, controllers, and pumps that self-adjust pH, temperature, and composition based on pre-programmed parameters and real-time measurements, reducing the need for complex external control infrastructure
4Reliability
If aqueous electrolytes are used instead of organic electrolytes, then safety is improved, but energy density may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite aqueous electrolyte formulations combining multiple salts (ZnSO4, MnSO4, NiSO4) with optimized concentrations and pH levels to maximize energy density within the safety constraints of water-based systems. The composite approach allows achieving energy densities comparable to organic systems while maintaining non-flammability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes energy density by carefully controlling electrolyte parameters including salt concentration (0.5-3.0 M), pH (6.5-8.0), and temperature, allowing aqueous systems to achieve competitive energy densities while maintaining the safety advantages of non-flammable water-based electrolytes
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 system enables improved battery performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness by optimizing electrolyte circulation and composition, addressing limitations in existing technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, and promoting sustainable energy storage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A pump can be coupled to the electrolyte conduit to move the electrolyte through the electrolyte conduit
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte acts as the medium for transferring charge in the form of ions between the two electrodes. Generally, the electrolyte is not electrically conductive but is ionic conductive and is often referred to as an ionic conductor
Implementation Method 3
The chemical reactions create the flow of electrons within a circuit. The stored chemical energy is then converted into direct current electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a privacy cover in an electronic device. The battery system can be configured to monitoring one or more condition of a battery using a battery electrolyte controller that is separate from the battery, adjusting one or more properties of an electrolyte in an electrolyte conduit, where the electrolyte conduit is coupled to an inlet and an outlet on the battery, and activating a pump to move the electrolyte with the adjusted one or more properties into the battery.