Electrochemical Battery Internal Manifolds Shunt Current Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochemical energy storage systems face significant electrical losses due to 'shunt currents' between cells in stacks, particularly when using conductive electrolyte solutions, leading to inefficiencies in power transmission and increased costs from extensive hardware requirements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a manifold system with parallel supply and return lines for each cell, along with serpentine shunt passages that increase electrical resistance and separate electrolyte solutions between cells, reduces shunt losses by minimizing direct electrical connections between adjacent cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If cells are connected in stacks with conductive electrolyte solutions, then power transmission capability is improved, but electrical losses due to shunt currents increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidelectrical losses due to shunt currents

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical connection path into separate segments by introducing insulating manifolds. Each cell's electrical connection is segmented through isolated pathways, preventing direct shunt current flow between adjacent cells while maintaining power transmission capability through the series-connected stack configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating manifolds serve as intermediary components between cells, providing electrical isolation while enabling fluid connection. These manifolds mediate the interaction between cells by blocking electrical shunt paths while allowing electrolyte flow, thus reducing electrical losses without compromising power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If extensive hardware is used to connect cells, then reliability of electrical connections is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of electrical connectionsVSAvoidsystem cost from extensive hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifolds are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide fluid distribution, electrical isolation, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby lowering overall hardware requirements and system cost while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the fluid distribution function and electrical isolation function into a single manifold component. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of separate hardware elements needed, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable electrical connections through the insulating manifold structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If more cells are combined in a stack, then energy storage capacity is improved, but electrical potential and electrical losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidelectrical losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating manifolds segment the electrical pathways between cells, creating isolated electrical zones. This segmentation allows more cells to be stacked in series to increase energy storage capacity while preventing shunt currents from causing proportional increases in electrical losses, as each cell's electrical path is independently isolated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for the efficient distribution and cycling of electrolyte solutions, reducing electrical losses and enabling the combination of more cells in a stack without increasing electrical potential, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the energy storage system.

Implementation Method 1

serpentine shunt passages that increase electrical resistance and separate electrolyte solutions between cells, reduces shunt losses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

The implementation of a manifold system with parallel supply and return lines for each cell, along with serpentine shunt passages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid Flow:

Implementation Method 3

separate electrolyte solutions between cells, reduces shunt losses by minimizing direct electrical connections between adjacent cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Separation:

Data Source

PatentUS7687193B2Electrochemical battery incorporating internal manifolds

Publication Date: 2010.03.30 VRB ENERGY INC

AI summary

An electrochemical battery includes a plurality of cells, each cell including negative and positive compartments to contain electrolyte solution. A manifold includes an outer manifold plate coupled to an inner manifold plate to supply and return electrolyte solution to the compartments. Each manifold plate includes supply shunt passages to convey electrolyte solution to the cells and return shunt passages to receive electrolyte solution from the cells.