Capacitor Anode Conduits via Fluid Jet Erosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitors with increased anode surface area, formed by fusing powder particles, face challenges in achieving both high capacitance and a favorable stored energy to delivered energy ratio due to tortuous and narrow pore pathways, which hinder electrolyte movement and reduce electrical porosity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fluid jet to create conduits within the anode's active layer, which are larger and less tortuous than the existing pores, facilitating easier electrolyte flow and increasing the delivered to stored energy ratio by providing a more efficient pathway for electrolyte movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the anode is formed by fusing powder particles to increase surface area, then capacitance is improved, but the pore pathways become tortuous and narrow, reducing electrical porosity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the anode structure into two distinct pore systems: macro-pores (formed by particle fusion) and micro-pores (formed within particles). The macro-pores provide open, less tortuous pathways for electrolyte flow, while micro-pores provide surface area. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the functions of surface area generation and electrolyte transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating different pore characteristics in different locations and scales within the anode. Macro-pores are created between particles with larger diameters and lower tortuosity, while micro-pores are created within particles with smaller diameters. This local differentiation allows the anode to simultaneously achieve high surface area and good electrolyte accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If smaller powder particles are used to increase surface area, then capacitance is improved, but pore pathways become narrower and more tortuous, reducing electrolyte movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces macro-pores as intermediary structures that mediate between the external electrolyte environment and the internal micro-pores. These macro-pores act as transport corridors with larger diameters and lower tortuosity, enabling fast electrolyte movement to and from the micro-pores where capacitance is generated. This intermediary structure resolves the speed-surface area contradiction.
3Quantity of substance
If powder particles are fused together to create pores, then capacitance increases, but the delivered to stored energy ratio decreases due to poor electrolyte access
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a dimensional hierarchy to the pore structure by creating a bimodal distribution of pore sizes (macro and micro scales). This dimensional change provides multiple transport pathways with different characteristics, allowing the anode to achieve both high capacitance (through extensive micro-pore surface area) and high power delivery (through open macro-pore pathways).
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 approach enhances the capacitance and electrical porosity of capacitors, allowing for a higher delivered to stored energy ratio, thereby improving their performance and efficiency, particularly in applications like Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators.
Implementation Method 1
using a fluid jet to form a conduit in a material
Data Source
AI summary
Fabricating a capacitor includes using a fluid jet to form a conduit in a sheet of material. A capacitor can include at least a portion of the sheet of material in an anode. In some instances, the sheet of material is porous before the fluid jet is used to form the conduit.