Liquid Metal Cell Housing for Integrated Battery Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies face challenges in efficiently connecting and structurally supporting electrochemical cells, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The development of liquid metal energy storage devices with electrically conductive housings that serve both electrical and structural functions, allowing for direct joining of cell housings to create parallel and series connections without the need for additional frameworks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery cell housings are used as electrically insulating material, then electrical isolation between cells is achieved, but additional frameworks and components are required for electrical connection and structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and structural support function into the cell housing itself. The electrically conductive housing directly connects adjacent cells electrically while simultaneously providing structural support, eliminating the need for separate frameworks and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural containment, electrical isolation through coating or treatment, and direct electrical connection to adjacent cells. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and system complexity.
2Strength
If additional frameworks are used to structurally support cells, then mechanical strength is improved, but the number of components and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is merged into the cell housing by making it electrically conductive and directly connectable. The housing itself becomes both the structural element and the electrical connection element, eliminating separate support frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, electrical connection, and electrical isolation (through coating). This eliminates the need for additional specialized components for each function.
3Reliability
If conductors protrude through electrically conductive housing, then electrical connection between cells is achieved, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal as an intermediary component that simultaneously provides electrical isolation and mechanical sealing where the conductor passes through the housing. This single intermediary element handles both sealing and electrical insulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed to automatically provide both sealing and electrical isolation functions without requiring additional components. The seal material itself provides electrical insulation while maintaining the mechanical seal, making the system self-sufficient.
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 reduces the number of components required for electrical connection and structural support, enhancing system efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining high energy storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
A battery is a device capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy. In some instances, batteries are rechargeable such that electrical energy, which may be converted from non-electrical energy, is capable of being stored in the battery as chemical energy.
Implementation Method 2
Cell housing side walls can be directly joined together to create parallel connections within a module of cells. The electrically conductive housing comprising a negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode.
Implementation Method 3
The series connections can be formed by stacking one cell on top of another cell, thus connecting the opposing polarity terminals of the two cells. The cells can be designed to support the weight of the cells above without the use of significant additional framework.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are energy storage devices. In some cases, the energy storage devices are capable of being transported on a vehicle and storing a large amount of energy. An energy storage device is provided comprising at least one liquid metal electrode, an energy storage capacity of at least about 1 MWh and a response time less than or equal to about 100 milliseconds (ms).