Electrochemical Device With Segmented Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical energy storage devices face limitations in operating as high-cycling high-power electric double layer capacitors due to ion starvation, limited operating voltage, and unstable electrolyte concentration, leading to performance degradation and unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The design employs different electrolytes on each electrode with stable concentrations of cations and anions, using aqueous solutions of bromides at specific concentrations to maintain optimal ion balance, ensuring high power and long service life as both an electric double layer capacitor and an electrochemical power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different electrolytes are used on different electrodes to enable operation in various modes, then the device can operate as electrochemical power source, hybrid capacitor and electric double layer capacitor, but the concentration of electrolytes on electrode surfaces changes significantly during storage and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different electrolyte compositions on each electrode (first electrode with halide electrolyte, second electrode with zinc/cadmium bromide electrolyte) to enable different operational modes at different locations, while the ion-permeable separator ensures local ion balance that prevents concentration drift
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-permeable separator acts as an intermediary between the two different electrolyte systems, allowing controlled ion exchange that maintains concentration stability. The separator mediates the interaction between the halide electrolyte side and the zinc/cadmium bromide electrolyte side, preventing uncontrolled concentration changes while enabling versatile operation modes
2Ease of operation
If ion-permeable membrane with cation conduction is used in the design, then ion exchange is enabled, but high ionic resistance and ion starvation occur within the operating area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ionic conductivity by using an ion-permeable separator that allows both cation and anion transport, unlike conventional cation-only membranes. This parameter change reduces ionic resistance and prevents ion starvation by enabling balanced ion exchange between the two electrolyte compartments
3Ease of manufacture
If aqueous electrolyte is used in carbon electrodes, then the device structure is simple, but the operating voltage is limited to about 1.0 V due to electrolyte decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolyte system into two separate compartments with different aqueous electrolytes - halide electrolyte on the first electrode and zinc/cadmium bromide electrolyte on the second electrode. This segmentation allows each electrode to operate within its optimal voltage range without being constrained by the decomposition voltage of a single electrolyte, thereby increasing the overall operating voltage while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite electrolyte system combining two different aqueous electrolyte compositions separated by an ion-permeable membrane. This composite approach allows the device to achieve higher operating voltages by preventing direct interaction between the electrolytes while maintaining the benefits of aqueous systems (simplicity, safety)
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 stabilizes electrolyte concentrations, enhances charging potential, and extends the service life of the device, allowing it to operate reliably across various modes, including as a hybrid capacitor and electrochemical power source, with improved electrical characteristics and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a ion-permeable separator (3), separating the electrodes, impregnated with electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
the concentration of zinc and lithium ions will change over time in an unregulated and uncontrolled manner
Implementation Method 3
aqueous solution of halides of elements of the first, or the second, or the third groups of main subgroups
Implementation Method 4
aqueous solution of sodium bromide or lithium bromide, or a mixture thereof, used as an electrolyte for the first electrode
Implementation Method 5
it depends on the square of operating voltage, and this energy store, that depends on the square of operating voltage, is limited by the electrolyte decomposition voltage and the electrostatic capacitance of electric double layer
Implementation Method 6
the electrostatic capacitance of electric double layer, that depends on carbon specific surface area
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to electrical engineering. In particular, the invention relates to the design of electrochemical device storing electric energy, and can be used in modern power engineering, for example, in devices storing regenerative braking energy in transport, as traction batteries for electric transport (electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles), in emergency power systems when operating in a floating or trickle charge mode. The proposed invention ensures steady operation of this device due to stable preservation of a given concentration of electrolyte components on the electrodes, and improvement of service life in various modes of operation.