End-of-Life Cell Regeneration via Pressure and Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium secondary batteries reach the end of life due to rapid capacity deterioration, leading to significant waste, as existing methods for regenerating these cells are costly and require expensive equipment, damaging the cells in the process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a high temperature environment of 80° C. or more and controlled pressure to move gases within the electrode assembly of end-of-life cells to the external portion, using a pressurizing jig to regenerate cells without damage, thereby reducing internal resistance and improving capacity retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If expensive equipment and well-controlled environment are used for electrolyte injection, then cell regeneration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell regeneration effectivenessVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical injection equipment with a simple pressure application system. Instead of using expensive injection devices to force electrolyte into the cell, the method applies external pressure to the entire cell structure, utilizing pressure-driven flow to move electrolyte and gas phases. This mechanical substitution dramatically simplifies the equipment while achieving the same regeneration effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressure as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate electrolyte movement. Rather than directly injecting electrolyte through complex nozzles and control systems, external pressure acts as a mediator that drives the electrolyte through the cell structure naturally, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If cell structure is damaged to enable electrolyte injection, then electrolyte replenishment is achieved, but cell integrity and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte amountVSAvoidcell integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of breaking the cell to inject electrolyte, the patent inverts the approach by applying external pressure to force electrolyte through the existing cell structure. The electrolyte is introduced from the outside and pushed through the cell components using pressure, eliminating the need for structural damage while achieving the same electrolyte replenishment goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell structure itself serves as the injection pathway. By applying external pressure, the existing pores, channels, and spaces within the cell naturally guide the electrolyte flow, allowing the cell to 'self-service' the injection process without requiring external modification or damage to its structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If conventional disposal or disassembly methods are used for EOL cells, then waste management is achieved, but economic cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste managementVSAvoidprocessing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of disposing of EOL cells or expensive disassembly for material recovery, the patent recovers the cells' functionality by replenishing electrolyte through simple pressure application. This allows the cells to be reused, transforming waste management into a cost-effective regeneration process that preserves both the cell structure and valuable materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters (applying external pressure and temperature) to restore cell functionality without complex processing. By modifying these parameters, the degraded cells are regenerated into usable state, avoiding the high costs associated with conventional disposal or detailed disassembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method allows for simple and economical regeneration of end-of-life cells, increasing capacity retention rates and extending their usable life without damaging the cells, making it applicable to various portable devices and vehicle batteries.

Implementation Method 1

leaving an end of life (EOL) cell under high temperature environment of 80° C. or more for a predetermined time while applying pressure to the EOL cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

applying pressure to the EOL cell including the electrode assembly 100

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11355787B2Method for regenerating EOL cell

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A method for regenerating an end of life (EOL) cell which comprises an electrode assembly including a cathode, an anode, and a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein the EOL cell is left under a high temperature environment of 80° C. or higher for a predetermined time while pressure is applied thereto, whereby gas located within the electrode assembly is moved to the outer portion of the electrode assembly is provided. The method can regenerate an EOL cell in a simple and economical way without breaking or damaging the same, and furthermore can also be applied to a pack or module which is an extended unit of the cell. A pressuring jig is also provided.