Liquid Metal Electrode Energy Storage Device Transportability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices lack the capability to efficiently store large amounts of energy while being transportable and maintaining performance over multiple charge/discharge cycles, with existing solutions often compromising on energy capacity, response time, and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of energy storage devices utilizing liquid metal electrodes, which include a container with a surface area-to-volume ratio less than or equal to 100 m−1, capable of storing at least 1 kWh of energy, maintaining 90% capacity after 100 cycles, and being transportable with solid-state anode, cathode, and electrolyte components, along with a control system for sustained self-heating during charge/discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If energy storage capacity is increased to store large amounts of energy, then energy storage capacity is improved, but device size and weight increase making transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrode materials from solid to liquid, enabling the energy storage device to achieve high energy storage capacity (at least 1 kWh) while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for vehicle transport. The liquid metal electrodes allow for higher energy density without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing liquid metal electrodes that can undergo reversible melting and solidification. During operation, the electrodes transition between liquid and solid phases, enabling the device to store large amounts of energy while remaining transportable through controlled phase changes that accommodate volume variations.
2Speed
If response time is reduced for faster energy delivery, then speed is improved, but energy storage capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrode material state to liquid, which fundamentally improves ion transport kinetics and electrical conductivity. This parameter change enables the device to achieve fast response times (less than or equal to 100 milliseconds) while simultaneously maintaining high energy storage capacity (at least 1 kWh), resolving the traditional trade-off between speed and capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If device is designed for high energy storage capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but durability over multiple cycles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reversible phase transitions of liquid metal electrodes between solid and liquid states during charge/discharge cycles. This phase transition mechanism allows the device to maintain high energy storage capacity (at least 1 kWh) while achieving extended cycle life (maintaining at least 90% capacity after 100 cycles), as the liquid state enables better stress distribution and reduced mechanical degradation.
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
These devices achieve high energy storage capacity, fast response times, and extended cycle life, with the ability to maintain performance over numerous charge/discharge cycles while being transportable, and the self-heating mechanism ensures efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
A battery can be a device capable of converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a control system for sustained self-heating during charge/discharge
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).