Hybrid Electrode Design for Balanced Lithium Ion Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion battery and capacitor systems lack efficient interconnection and interaction, leading to suboptimal energy and power density in hybrid electrochemical cells, with imbalances in lithium ion flow and capacity utilization between battery and capacitor electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The use of varying combinations of lithium-ion battery anode and cathode materials with compatible capacitor materials, carefully balancing the amounts and locations of electrode materials to proportionally manage lithium ion flow and capacity utilization, forming hybrid electrochemical cells with interposed porous separators and a non-aqueous lithium ion-conducting electrolyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lithium-ion battery and capacitor systems are combined in hybrid electrochemical cells, then energy density and power density can be enhanced, but imbalances in lithium ion flow and capacity utilization occur between battery and capacitor electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric electrode configurations where different electrode types (battery anode, battery cathode, capacitor electrodes) have different capacities and characteristics tailored to their specific roles. The capacitor electrodes are designed with higher capacity than traditional battery electrodes to compensate for their faster charge/discharge rates, creating locally optimized quality distribution throughout the cell assembly that balances overall lithium ion flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the capacity ratios between different electrode types within the hybrid cell. Specifically, the capacitor electrodes are designed with capacities exceeding those of the battery electrodes (e.g., capacitor anode capacity > battery anode capacity), which changes the traditional parameter relationships and enables balanced lithium ion utilization despite the inherent differences in charge/discharge kinetics between battery and capacitor materials.
2Productivity
If capacitor electrodes are added to lithium-ion battery cells to form hybrid cells, then operational efficiency and lifespan are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hybrid electrochemical cell into distinct functional modules: battery anode sections, battery cathode sections, and capacitor electrode sections, each with specific capacities and characteristics. This modular segmentation allows for systematic design and assembly while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized building blocks that can be configured in different arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the hybrid cell structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: energy storage (battery function), power delivery (capacitor function), and self-balancing (through capacity ratios). The same basic cell architecture with modified capacity ratios can be applied to various hybrid configurations, creating a universal design approach that reduces overall system complexity despite the multi-functional requirements.
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 enhances the energy and power densities of hybrid cells, improving their operational efficiency and lifespan by ensuring balanced lithium ion exchange and utilization between battery and capacitor electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
infiltrated with a non-aqueous lithium ion-conducting electrolyte solution
Implementation Method 2
lithium ion-adsorbing capacitor electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Lithium-utilizing electrochemical cells, providing hybrid battery and capacitor activity, are formed of one or more lithium battery anodes, optionally also including a capacitor electrode, and one or more lithium battery cathodes, optionally with a capacitor electrode, provided that there is at least one capacitor electrode in the hybrid cell and that there are an equal number of electrodes of opposing charge. The respective electrodes are formed of porous layers of one of lithium anode material particles, lithium cathode material particles, or compatible capacitor material particles, formed on one or both sides of a compatible current collector foil. The amounts of active battery and capacitor particles are managed by the thickness of the porous coating layers, and one-side or two-side electrode coatings, to balance the capacities of the battery and capacitor particles to accept and release lithium ions during repeated charging and discharging of the hybrid cell.