Battery Fluid Regulator with Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical battery cells, such as air-depolarized and air-assisted cells, face limitations in maximizing discharge rates due to restricted oxygen diffusion rates, which also affect the entry of undesirable gases like CO2 and water, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in controlling gas flow.
Innovation Solution
A fluid regulating system within the battery cell housing, featuring a valve mechanism with a movable plate and chassis, allows precise control of gas entry and exit by aligning or misaligning apertures to manage gas flow based on discharge rates and environmental conditions, utilizing SMA wires for actuation and a control circuit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rate of oxygen diffusion into the oxygen reduction electrode is increased to support higher discharge rates, then the maximum discharge rate capability is improved, but the entry of undesirable gases (CO2, water) also increases leading to wasteful reactions and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid entry control into multiple independent channels: a first fluid entry port for oxygen and a second fluid entry port for CO2 and water vapor. Each port has its own valve (first valve and second valve) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective control of different gases, enabling high oxygen diffusion rates for high discharge capability while independently minimizing CO2 and water vapor entry to prevent wasteful reactions.
2Loss of energy
If a single valve controls all fluid entry to minimize CO2 and water diffusion, then energy loss from wasteful reactions is reduced, but the oxygen diffusion rate is also limited reducing maximum discharge capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fluid entry control into separate control channels for different gases. The first valve controls oxygen entry through the first fluid entry port, while the second valve controls CO2 and water vapor entry through the second fluid entry port. This allows the system to optimize oxygen diffusion for high discharge rates while independently minimizing unwanted gas entry, resolving the contradiction between maximizing productivity and minimizing energy loss.
3Productivity
If fans are used to force air into cells during high rate discharge, then oxygen supply is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the battery system itself generates the force needed to drive fluid through the valves. During discharge, the electrochemical reactions create pressure differentials that automatically open the first valve to allow oxygen entry. The system uses its own operational characteristics (discharge current, internal pressure changes) to control fluid flow without requiring external fans or complex mechanical air forcing devices, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring adequate oxygen supply during high discharge rates.
4Ease of operation
If external means are used to operate valves for controlling air entry, then precise control of gas flow is achieved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service valve actuation where the valves respond automatically to the battery's operational state. The first valve opens in response to discharge current and pressure differentials generated during normal operation, allowing precise control of oxygen entry without external actuators. The second valve similarly responds to pressure differentials to control CO2 and water vapor entry. This eliminates the need for external motors, sensors, or complex control systems while maintaining precise gas flow control based on actual battery needs.
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 ensures optimal gas flow during high discharge rates while minimizing gas ingress/egress during low discharge or idle periods, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing complexity, and maintaining battery health by preventing moisture and gas imbalances.
Implementation Method 1
Battery having fluid regulator with pressure equalization
Implementation Method 2
utilizing SMA wires for actuation
Implementation Method 3
The material in the oxygen reduction electrode that promotes the reaction of oxygen with the electrolyte is often referred to as a catalyst
Implementation Method 4
The oxygen reduction electrode promotes the reaction of the oxygen with the cell electrolyte
Implementation Method 5
Manganese oxides that can be used in zinc/air cell air are capable of electrochemical reduction in concert with oxidation of the negative electrode active material
Implementation Method 6
Manganese oxides that can be used in zinc/air cell air are capable of electrochemical reduction in concert with oxidation of the negative electrode active material
Implementation Method 7
efforts have been made to increase the rate of oxygen entry into the oxygen reduction electrode and/or control the rate of entry of undesirable gases, such as carbon dioxide, that can cause wasteful reactions
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.