Battery Pressure Control for Lithium Metal Anode Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal anodes in rechargeable batteries experience significant volume changes during charge and discharge cycles, leading to potential delamination and performance reduction or catastrophic failure if not properly managed, and existing systems lack effective methods for predictive pressure management to minimize energy losses and ensure optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a battery module with a housing containing a compressible fluid and a pressure sensor or compressible element, connected to a controller, which dynamically pressurizes or depressurizes the battery to maintain isostatic pressure and optimize performance, using predictive methods based on input data and battery metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is pressurized to maintain performance during charge/discharge cycles, then the battery performance and structural integrity are improved, but energy losses increase when the battery is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressurization by using a controller to adjust the compressible element based on real-time battery state monitoring. The system transitions from static to dynamic pressure management, activating pressurization only when needed during charge/discharge cycles and reducing pressure during idle periods, thereby maintaining performance while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressurization before charge/discharge cycles begin and maintains pressure only when anticipated usage is detected. By using predictive algorithms and usage patterns, the system prepares the battery in advance for upcoming cycles, ensuring optimal performance readiness while avoiding continuous pressurization and associated energy losses during idle periods.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is continuously pressurized to prevent delamination, then the structural integrity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pressurization cycles that apply pressure during charge/discharge operations and release pressure during idle periods. This periodic action maintains structural integrity when needed while allowing energy recovery and reduction during non-operational times, eliminating the need for continuous pressurization and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors and controllers to monitor battery state continuously and provides feedback to the pressurization system. Based on this feedback regarding charge/discharge status and structural conditions, the controller dynamically adjusts pressurization levels, ensuring structural integrity is maintained only when necessary rather than through continuous energy-consuming pressurization.
3Device complexity
If a simple pressure management system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to predictively manage pressure and minimize energy losses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified pressure management system where the controller simultaneously monitors battery state, predicts usage patterns, manages pressurization timing, and minimizes energy consumption. This multi-functional approach achieves predictive energy efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple purposes.
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 solution effectively manages battery pressure to maintain predetermined performance levels in electric vehicles, minimizing energy losses and preventing damage, while ensuring safe and efficient operation by accommodating volume changes and maintaining optimal pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the housing includes a compressible fluid and at least one electrochemical cell, wherein the compressible fluid is between and in contact with the housing and either the flexible pouch or can cell; and wherein the compressible fluid maintains an isostatic pressure on the electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 2
The compressible element applies an isostatic pressure to the solid-state separator electrolyte in the electrochemical cell
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are apparatuses and methods of useful for managing pressure in electrochemical devices. The methods and systems use inputs and combinations of inputs to predictively pressurize or depressurize a battery. The methods minimize energy losses from excessive battery pressure when the battery is not in use.