Bi-Functional Capacitor Wall for Bipolar Battery Gel Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer blockers in gel-assisted bipolar solid-state batteries occupy valuable space without performing any active energy-generating function, thereby reducing the battery's energy capacity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a capacitor wall made from a capacitor active material, which functions as both a power-promoting component and a sealing blocker, replacing the passive polymer blockers. The capacitor wall is designed to surround the electrodes and is separated from them by an air-gap, preventing gel electrolyte leakage while enhancing energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer blockers are used to prevent gel electrolyte leakage, then reliability is improved, but volume is increased and energy generating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor wall serves dual functions: it acts as a sealing blocker to contain the gel electrolyte (preventing leakage) and simultaneously functions as an energy-generating component through capacitor active material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate polymer blockers, reducing overall battery volume while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If polymer blockers are used to prevent gel electrolyte leakage, then reliability is improved, but energy generating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor wall integrates sealing and energy generation functions. The capacitor active material embedded in the wall structure enables energy storage and generation while the wall itself provides the sealing barrier against gel electrolyte leakage, replacing the passive polymer blocker with an active energy-generating component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing blocker function with the energy-generating capacitor structure into a single integrated component. The capacitor wall combines the barrier properties needed for electrolyte containment with the electroactive material necessary for energy generation, eliminating wasted space and improving overall energy capacity.
3Reliability
If capacitor wall is separated from electrode by air-gap, then gel electrolyte leakage is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The air-gap between the capacitor wall and electrode acts as a flexible sealing barrier that prevents gel electrolyte leakage while accommodating manufacturing tolerances. This gap design provides a simple yet effective sealing mechanism that does not require precise dimensional control, as the gap itself serves as the containment barrier.
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 design enhances the energy generating capacity of the battery cell by utilizing the capacitor material for both energy generation and electrolyte containment, eliminating the need for passive polymer blockers and improving high-temperature performance.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor wall is disposed parallel to at least one external surface of the anode or cathode; where the capacitor wall includes a capacitor active material
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar solid-state battery cell includes a plurality of battery cells, wherein each cell includes a separator, an anode disposed on a first side of the separator and a cathode disposed on a second side of the separator; where the second side is opposedly disposed to the first side. The anode is in electrical communication with an anode current collector and the cathode is in electrical communication with a cathode current collector. A capacitor wall is disposed parallel to at least one external surface of the anode or cathode, where the capacitor wall includes a capacitor active material.