Battery Cell Pressurization During Charging to Suppress Dendrites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal batteries used in aerospace applications are prone to dendrite formation during charging, which can lead to short circuits and catastrophic failures, posing a significant safety concern.
Innovation Solution
A battery charging system that applies isostatic pressure to the battery cells during charging by pressurizing the battery storage medium within the enclosure, thereby suppressing dendrite formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal batteries are charged to achieve high energy density, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but dendrite formation occurs leading to short circuits and safety failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-charging the battery at a first, lower charging rate before applying the second, higher charging rate. This preliminary stage prepares the battery in a controlled manner, preventing dendrite formation that would otherwise occur during high-rate charging, thereby maintaining both high energy density and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between two distinct charging rates in a specific sequence: first a lower charging rate, then a higher charging rate. This periodic variation in charging conditions optimizes both energy density and safety by preventing the continuous high-rate charging that causes dendrite formation
2Reliability
If conventional charging methods are used to ensure safety, then dendrite formation is suppressed, but charging time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing a two-stage charging protocol that alternates between lower and higher charging rates. This allows the system to achieve faster overall charging (improved productivity) while the periodic lower-rate stages prevent dendrite formation (maintained safety)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first charging at a lower rate to prepare the battery structure, then following with a higher rate. This preliminary low-rate charging creates favorable conditions that enable subsequent high-rate charging without dendrite formation, thus improving productivity while maintaining safety
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 application of isostatic pressure reduces the formation of dendrites, enhancing the safety and operational life of lithium metal battery cells while allowing for faster charging rates.
Implementation Method 1
the battery storage medium in the interior space is pressurised to cause an isostatic pressure to be applied to the one or more battery cells
Implementation Method 2
The pressurising device may comprise a heater configured to generate heat to pressurise the battery storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
A battery charging system including a battery enclosure defining an interior space containing a battery storage medium, the interior space configured to house one or more battery cells; a charging terminal electrically coupled to the one or more battery cells and configured to receive electrical power from a power source to charge one or more battery cells; wherein the interior space is configured to be coupled to a pressurising device for applying pressure to the battery storage medium in the interior space; and wherein during charging of the one or more battery cells, the battery storage medium in the interior space is pressurised to cause an isostatic pressure to be applied to the one or more battery cells. A method of charging of charging one or more battery cells provided.