Fluid-Surfaced Electrode for Battery Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies are expensive, have limited cycle lifetimes, and low energy densities, making them inefficient for widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, despite the need for reliable electrical storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device with two electrodes and an electrolyte, where at least one electrode includes an electrochemically active fluid layer that clings to a smooth solid support via surface energy, and a fluid-directing structure to optimize fluid flow and electrical properties, allowing dynamic adjustment of fluid properties in response to device conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing battery technologies are used, then electrical storage is provided, but the cost is high and cycle lifetime is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode from solid to liquid, fundamentally altering the electrochemical parameters. This enables continuous replenishment of active material and eliminates degradation mechanisms associated with solid electrodes, thereby extending cycle lifetime while using abundant, low-cost materials
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid electrode allows for inexpensive replacement of depleted active material. The solid support structure is reusable and durable, while the liquid electrolyte/active material can be easily replenished at low cost, effectively implementing a disposable active material strategy that reduces overall system cost
2Quantity of substance
If existing battery technologies are used, then electrical storage is provided, but energy density is low
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the electrode from solid to liquid allows for higher concentrations of active material and eliminates the dead weight of solid electrode structures. The liquid phase enables complete utilization of active material without isolation issues, significantly increasing energy density while maintaining efficient electrochemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The solid support structure uses porous materials with high surface area to volume ratio, enabling maximum contact between liquid electrode and electrolyte. This increases the effective quantity of active material per unit volume, thereby increasing energy density while maintaining reaction efficiency
3Productivity
If fluid layer is used to cling to smooth support by surface energy, then fluid flow is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid electrode self-regulates its distribution and flow patterns through surface energy effects and electrochemical reactions. The system automatically optimizes fluid flow without external control mechanisms, maintaining simple device architecture while achieving optimal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluid control systems with surface energy effects and electrochemical driving forces. The liquid electrode naturally flows and distributes itself based on electrochemical potential gradients and surface tension, eliminating the need for pumps, valves, or complex flow control mechanisms
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
Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of energy storage by optimizing fluid flow and electrical properties, potentially increasing the lifespan and energy density of batteries, thus supporting the broader use of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
fluid properties that permit at least a portion of it to cling to a substantially smooth solid support by a surface energy effect
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte arranged to conduct an ionic current from a surface in contact with one electrode to a surface in contact with the other electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.