Flow-Electrolyte Electrochemical Cells for In-Situ Electrode Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lead acid batteries face challenges in achieving long cycle life and high depth of discharge due to issues like acid stratification, electrode sulfation, and non-uniform current distribution, which limit their suitability for large-scale stationary storage applications such as grid storage systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using multiple electrolytes with specific concentrations and flow rates to electrochemically fabricate and regenerate active materials within the battery casing, optimizing electrolyte flow to balance chemical state of charge and reduce degradation, allowing for in-situ manufacturing and regeneration of electrodes without physical disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lead acid batteries are used for stationary storage with deep charge/discharge cycling, then capital investment utilization improves, but calendar and cycle life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the electrolyte (using alternative electrolytes with different compositions and concentrations) to enable high depth-of-discharge operation while maintaining electrode stability and preventing sulfation, thus extending cycle life while utilizing capital investment effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical battery structures with electrochemically regenerable electrodes, allowing the battery to be restored to full capacity through electrochemical reactions rather than physical replacement, thereby extending service life for stationary storage applications
2Productivity
If high depth-of-discharge cycling is implemented, then economic efficiency improves, but electrode sulfation and active material softening worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through electrochemical regeneration where the battery electrodes automatically restore their active material and uniform morphology through electrochemical reactions during charging, eliminating the need for external maintenance or replacement even after high depth-of-discharge cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrolyte composition parameters to prevent electrode sulfation and maintain active material integrity during high depth-of-discharge operation, using alternative electrolytes that protect electrode morphology while enabling economic efficient operation
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional lead acid cell design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but acid stratification and non-uniform current distribution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the electrolyte to actively participate in electrochemical reactions and regenerate, transforming the static electrolyte into a dynamic component that continuously maintains uniform composition and prevents stratification through electrochemical cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrolyte composition parameters to alternative chemistries that inherently prevent acid stratification and promote uniform current distribution across electrodes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability
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 extends battery lifetime, reduces manufacturing and recycling costs, and enhances efficiency, making lead acid batteries more viable for long-duration energy storage applications by enabling in-situ regeneration and maintaining high performance over 20 years.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical cell includes a housing, a negative electrode substrate disposed within a first electrode chamber of the housing, a positive electrode substrate disposed within a second electrode chamber of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a pumping assembly configured to pump a plurality of electrolytes the first electrode chamber and/or the second electrode chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell includes a housing, a positive electrode substrate disposed within a first electrode chamber of the housing, a negative electrode substrate disposed within a second electrode chamber of the housing, and a separator may be disposed within the housing between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber. A method further includes pumping a manufacturing electrolyte through the positive electrode portion around the positive electrode substrate. The method further includes applying a first electrical signal to the positive electrode substrate so as to electrochemically fabricate one or both of an active material the negative electrode substrate to form a negative electrode and/or an active material on the positive electrode substrate, thereby forming a positive electrode.