Fluid Regulating Valve for Battery Oxygen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid regulating systems for electrochemical batteries, such as air-depolarized and air-assisted cells, face challenges in controlling the rate of oxygen entry and minimizing the entry of undesirable gases like CO2 and water, which limits discharge rates and increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fluid regulating system that includes a valve adjustable by an actuator, sensing the battery's operating conditions to determine the minimum required time for maintaining the valve open, thereby controlling fluid flow based on the battery's electrical output needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rate of oxygen diffusion into the oxygen reduction electrode is increased, then the maximum discharge rate is improved, but the entry of undesirable gases (CO2, water) also increases causing wasteful reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The air electrode is segmented into multiple diffusion pathways with different characteristics. Some pathways are optimized for oxygen transport while others are designed to block CO2 and water, allowing selective gas diffusion without compromising discharge rate
Solution Approach 2:
A selective membrane or barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the air electrode and the environment. This intermediary selectively permits oxygen diffusion while blocking CO2 and water, resolving the contradiction between high discharge rate and prevention of wasteful reactions
2Productivity
If fans are used to force air into cells during high rate discharge, then oxygen supply is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air electrode structure itself provides the oxygen supply function that would otherwise require external fans. The segmented design with selective pathways enables passive oxygen diffusion at high rates without mechanical assistance, eliminating fans and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The physical and chemical parameters of the air electrode materials are optimized to enhance oxygen diffusion capability. By changing the porosity, surface area, and catalytic properties of the electrode, high oxygen supply rates are achieved without requiring external forcing mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If valves are used to control air entry, then fluid flow control is improved, but external means (fans, electronics) are required to operate the valves
Solution Approach 1:
The air electrode structure autonomously regulates gas flow based on the battery's operational needs. The segmented pathways and selective membranes automatically adjust oxygen diffusion rates in response to changes in discharge current, eliminating the need for external valves and control electronics
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 system efficiently manages fluid flow to electrochemical batteries, enhancing discharge rates while minimizing unwanted gas entry, reducing complexity and cost, and ensuring efficient energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a valve for adjusting rate of passage of fluid into a fluid consuming electrode of a battery
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for operating the valve between at least an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 3
sensing an operating condition of the fluid regulating system
Implementation Method 4
determining a minimum required time for maintaining the valve in the open position based on the sensed operating condition
Implementation Method 5
the rate at which oxygen can enter the oxygen reduction electrode
Implementation Method 6
Electrochemical battery cells that use a fluid, such as oxygen and other gases, from outside the cell as an active material to produce electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid regulating system is provided for controlling fluid to a fluid consuming battery having a fluid consuming cell. The fluid regulating system includes a valve having a moving plate disposed adjacent to a fixed plate, and both having fluid entry ports to open and close a valve. The fluid regulating system also includes an actuator for moving the moving plate to open and close the valve. The actuator is controlled to open the valve when greater battery electrical output is required to operate a device and maintains the valve in the open position for a minimum required time to minimize battery capacity loss due to operation of the fluid regulating system.