Capacitor-Assisted Battery Modules for High-Temperature Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional battery systems, such as lead acid batteries, face challenges in high-temperature applications due to swelling, reduced charge capacity, and durability issues in vehicles, particularly under the hood where temperatures range from 45-75°C, leading to increased direct current resistance and electrolyte shortages in lithium ion capacitor (LIC) cells.
Innovation Solution
The development of capacitor-assisted battery modules with lithium ion battery (LIB) and LIC electrodes, utilizing NMC cathodes, graphite anodes, and activated carbon cathodes, along with system control techniques to adjust operational voltage and power allocation based on vehicle modes, minimizing swelling and enhancing state of charge retention and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lead acid batteries are used in high-temperature applications, then the battery system can operate in vehicles, but the battery experiences swelling, reduced charge capacity, and durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lithium ion battery (LIB) cells and lithium ion capacitor (LIC) cells into a hybrid capacitor-assisted battery module. The LIB provides stable voltage and energy storage, while the LIC delivers high power bursts and accepts regenerative braking energy, together resolving the durability and temperature performance contradictions through complementary functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite electrode materials including NMC cathodes with graphite anodes for the LIB portion and activated carbon cathodes with graphite anodes for the LIC portion. These composite material systems provide thermal stability, reduced swelling, and improved high-temperature durability while maintaining electrical performance
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium ion capacitor cells are used to provide electrical boost power, then fuel economy is improved, but direct current resistance increases and electrolyte shortages occur in high-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition and concentration parameters of the LIC cells to optimize performance at elevated temperatures. By adjusting electrolyte parameters such as lithium salt concentration and solvent ratios, the system maintains ionic conductivity and prevents electrolyte shortages while enabling the high power delivery needed for fuel economy improvement
3Productivity
If capacitor-assisted battery modules are used to provide electrical boost power, then fuel economy improves and capacity retention is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery system into distinct LIB and LIC modules, each with specialized functions. The LIB handles steady-state energy storage and voltage stabilization, while the LIC manages transient power delivery and regenerative braking. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module and simplifies control strategies through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid capacitor-assisted battery module performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical boost power for acceleration, captures regenerative braking energy, stabilizes system voltage, and extends the operational life of the main battery. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive performance benefits that improve fuel economy
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 capacitor-assisted battery modules experience minimal swelling and improved capacity retention, enabling their use in high-temperature applications while providing electrical boost power for improved fuel economy and reducing warranty costs.
Implementation Method 1
lithium ion battery (LIB) and LIC electrodes, utilizing NMC cathodes, graphite anodes, and activated carbon cathodes
Implementation Method 2
one or more capacitor terminals are connected to capacitor electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor-assisted battery module includes a housing, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, one or more capacitor-assisted battery cells and one or more first switches. The one or more capacitor-assisted battery cells are disposed in the housing and include one or more battery terminals and one or more capacitor terminals. The one or more battery terminals are connected to battery electrodes. The one or more capacitor terminals are connected to capacitor electrodes. At least one of the one or more battery terminals and the capacitor terminals is connected to the negative terminal. One or more first switches is configured to connect the one or more capacitor terminals to the positive terminal. An overall voltage of the capacitor assisted battery module is measured across the positive terminal and the negative terminal.