Integrated Contact Pins in Metal-Air Battery Storage Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable metal-air batteries (ROBs) face challenges in achieving high storage density and mechanical stability due to the high temperatures required for oxygen transport, leading to complex material selection and design issues, as well as decreased performance after several redox cycles.
Innovation Solution
An electrical energy store with a storage cell design that integrates contact pins directly into the storage structure, allowing for a small spacing between the storage electrode and structure, enabling effective electron flow and gas regulation, and using interconnector plates with air channels to enhance current path efficiency, thereby increasing energy density and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If contact pins are integrated directly into the storage structure, then energy density per volume unit is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pins are merged with the storage structure by integrating them directly into the storage structure during production. This integration eliminates the need for separate attachment steps and reduces the number of discrete components, thereby increasing energy density while managing manufacturing complexity through process integration rather than component proliferation.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, contains the active storage material, and integrates the contact pins for electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and improves space utilization, achieving higher energy density without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Volume of stationary object
If a small number of contact pins are used, then volume for active storage material is maximized, but current path efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pins are strategically positioned and sized to provide adequate electrical connection at critical locations. By optimizing the local properties (number, position, and dimensions of contact pins), the design achieves sufficient current path efficiency while minimizing the volume occupied by non-active components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing extensive contact coverage throughout the storage electrode, the design uses a limited number of contact pins positioned to capture the essential current paths. This partial action approach suffices for achieving acceptable current collection efficiency while maximizing the volume available for active storage material.
3Reliability
If contact pins protrude slightly out of the storage structure, then contact between electrode and contact pins is ensured, but mechanical stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pins protrude slightly from the storage structure to pre-establish reliable electrical contact with the storage electrode before operational stresses occur. This small protrusion acts as a cushioning measure that ensures contact reliability while the overall integrated design maintains mechanical stability through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion distance of the contact pins is optimized to a small value (less than 5 mm) that balances two competing requirements: sufficient protrusion to ensure reliable electrical contact while minimizing the protrusion to maintain mechanical stability and avoid excessive stress concentrations in the integrated structure.
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
The design achieves increased energy density per volume unit, reduced costs, and improved mechanical stability, allowing for mass production of the electrical energy store with enhanced performance and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
oxygen which is supplied to a (positive) air electrode of the electrical cell is converted into oxygen ions, transported by a solid electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
transported from the negative electrode via the solid electrolyte to the air side (charging operation)
Implementation Method 3
the oxygen which is absorbed or given off by the gaseous redox pair is transferred by diffusion by the components of the redox pair to a porous, i.e. gas-permeable and likewise oxidizable and reducible storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical energy store is provided, including a storage cell, which in turn has an air electrode, which is connected to air channels in an air supply device, and a storage electrode, wherein the storage electrode adjoins a storage structure, wherein electrical contacts rest on the storage electrode, further wherein contact pins which protrude out of a surface of the storage structure are integrated in the storage structure, and the contact pins are in electrical contact with the storage electrode.