Lithium-Ion Battery Self-Restoration via Switchable Shunt Circuit

Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to over-discharge, leading to safety issues and performance degradation, and they require sophisticated circuitry for protection, which is not suitable for high-power applications, and they have limitations in storage and shipment due to their sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A lithium-ion battery system with a positive electrode of lithium nickel oxide and a negative electrode of lithium metal oxide having an electrochemical redox potential of 0.5 to 3 volts versus lithium, connected through an electrical circuit with a switchable component that provides a shunt between the electrodes, allowing safe discharge to 0 volts and improving performance by restoring the battery's capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If commercially available lithium-ion batteries are used, then high energy density and long cycle life are achieved, but sensitivity to over-discharge causes safety issues and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidover-discharge sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system performs self-restoration by automatically reversing over-discharge damage through a simple switchable component that applies reverse voltage when over-discharge is detected, eliminating the need for complex external protection circuits while restoring battery performance and capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for sophisticated external protection circuitry by integrating a minimal switchable component directly into the battery system, removing the complexity and cost associated with traditional over-discharge protection while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If sophisticated circuitry is added for over-discharge protection, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system performs self-restoration by automatically reversing over-discharge damage through a simple switchable component that applies reverse voltage when over-discharge is detected, eliminating the need for complex external protection circuits while restoring battery performance and capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for sophisticated external protection circuitry by integrating a minimal switchable component directly into the battery system, removing the complexity and cost associated with traditional over-discharge protection while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If lithium-ion batteries are discharged to 0 volts, then capacity restoration is achieved, but conventional batteries suffer from performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable energy rangeVSAvoidperformance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The battery can be continuously discharged to 0 volts and restored through the switchable component without degradation, maintaining performance stability across multiple cycles while maximizing usable energy range by utilizing the full voltage range down to 0 volts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational voltage parameters by allowing discharge to 0 volts and using the switchable component to apply reverse voltage, transforming what was previously a destructive parameter (0V discharge) into a restorative action that extends battery life and capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 battery system can be safely discharged to 0 volts, enhancing safety and stability, and the capacity can be restored, improving the battery's performance and extending its usable energy range, making it suitable for high-power applications without external over-discharge protection.

Implementation Method 1

a negative electrode including a second metal oxide having an electrochemical redox potential of 0.5 volt to 3 volts versus lithium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical redox reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS10700386B2Electrically restorable rechargeable battery, and methods of manufacture and methods of operating the battery

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 CAMX POWER LLC

AI summary

A battery system including: a lithium-ion cell including a positive electrode including a first metal oxide, an electrolyte, and a negative electrode including a second metal oxide having an electrochemical redox potential of 0.5 volt to 3 volts versus lithium; and an electrical circuit including a switchable component connecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein the switchable component provides a shunt between the positive electrode and the negative electrode in a first switch position, and wherein the electrical circuit is configured to provide a voltage of 0.1 volt or less between the positive electrode and the negative electrode when the switchable component is in the first switch position.