Composite Structural Battery for Weight Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium ion batteries, face limitations due to their high energy density requirements, sensitivity to environmental factors, and structural vulnerabilities, which hinder their use in space and weight-sensitive applications, and they often require additional support structures that reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic composite structural component incorporating a rechargeable battery with anode, cathode, and separator structures made from composite materials, including electrically conductive fibers and electrochemically active materials, integrated within a common binder matrix, eliminating the need for separate support structures and enhancing mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rechargeable batteries are used with separate support structures, then structural integrity is provided, but weight and volume efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and electrochemical function into a single integrated component. The composite material combines conductive fibers (providing structural integrity) with electrochemically active material (providing battery function), eliminating the need for separate support structures and current collectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical conduction, and electrochemical activity. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system weight and volume by eliminating redundant components.
2Reliability
If conventional batteries require hermetic sealing and protective casings, then battery safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separator structure is integrated directly into the composite material matrix, eliminating the need for separate hermetic sealing components. The composite structure itself provides both separation and containment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials with inherent structural and functional properties reduces the need for additional protective components. The composite structure provides both mechanical integrity and electrochemical functionality in a unified design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lithium ion batteries are used for high energy density, then energy storage capacity is improved, but sensitivity to environmental factors and structural vulnerabilities worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from lithium ion chemistry to alkaline or acid-based chemistries, changing the chemical parameters of the battery system. This change provides improved environmental stability and reduced sensitivity to external factors while maintaining practical energy density through efficient composite material utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure provides inherent protection and stability to the electrochemically active material, reducing its vulnerability to environmental factors. The fiber-reinforced matrix protects the active material while allowing efficient ion and electron transport.
4Reliability
If separate current collectors and support structures are used, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but volumetric and gravimetric efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive fibers within the composite material serve dual purposes: providing structural reinforcement and providing electrical conduction pathways. This eliminates the need for separate current collector foils or plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive fibers perform multiple functions: structural support, electrical conduction, and electrochemical activity. This multi-functionality maximizes the utilization of material volume and mass, improving both volumetric and gravimetric efficiency.
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 provides improved gravimetric and volumetric efficiency, increased structural robustness, and the ability to function as both electrochemical and structural elements, enabling longer flight durations in aircraft and reducing weight and bulk in various applications while integrating power and structural functions.
Implementation Method 1
the anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres
Implementation Method 2
said separator structure... separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
a rechargeable battery using one of an alkaline and acid based chemistry
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
According to the invention there is provided a component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing same. The component uses one of an acid and an alkaline chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.