Lithium-Ion Reserve Battery Low-Temperature Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries face safety issues and operational limitations at low temperatures, particularly below zero degrees C., as they cannot be charged and perform efficiently, leading to safety concerns and reduced effectiveness in military and munitions applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of a Lithium Ion Rechargeable Reserve Battery (LIRRB) with a preheated and pressurized liquid electrolyte injection system, allowing for fast activation and operation at very low temperatures, and a novel cell structure with a porous separator to prevent electrical shorts, enhancing safety and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lithium ion batteries are charged at low temperatures (below zero degrees C.), then charging capability is improved, but safety issues and performance degradation worsen due to lithium plating and thermal runaway risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the battery to a suitable temperature range (above freezing) before initiating the charging process. This pre-heating step prevents lithium plating and thermal runaway by ensuring the battery is in a safe temperature state prior to charging, thereby resolving the contradiction between low-temperature charging capability and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor battery temperature during charging. The system adjusts charging parameters based on real-time temperature feedback, preventing unsafe conditions while maintaining charging capability at low temperatures
2Ease of operation
If external heating elements are used to charge lithium ion batteries at low temperatures, then charging at low temperature is enabled, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing battery structure by utilizing the battery's own internal resistance and chemistry to generate heat during charging. This eliminates the need for separate external heating elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining low-temperature charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the battery to heat itself through controlled charging current that generates appropriate thermal energy internally. This self-heating mechanism eliminates external heating systems and reduces overall power consumption while enabling low-temperature operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If lithium ion batteries operate at very low temperatures (below -20 degrees C.), then operational range is extended, but performance significantly degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the battery to optimal operating temperature before use in cold environments. This pre-conditioning ensures the battery maintains high performance while extending the operational temperature range, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and performance
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 LIRRB provides high energy density, long shelf-life, and rapid activation at -55 degrees C., ensuring reliable power for extended periods, addressing safety and performance issues of conventional lithium ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a microporous polymer membrane impregnated with lithium salts dissolved in organic solvents
Implementation Method 2
The charge/discharge mechanism is based on movement of lithium ions in and out of the electrode materials without disintegrating their structures (intercalation)
Implementation Method 3
Thermal runaway is an exothermic reaction mechanism that accelerates a rise in temperature in stages
Implementation Method 4
a microporous polymer membrane impregnated with lithium salts dissolved in organic solvents
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fabricating a Lithium-Ion reserve battery, the method including: assembling an operational Lithium-ion battery having an anode, cathode, separator membrane between the anode and cathode and an electrolyte; charging the assembled Lithium-ion battery; disassembling the Lithium-ion battery by separating the anode, cathode and separator membrane and removing the electrolyte; rinsing and drying the disassembled cathode and anode; reassembling the rinsed and dried cathode and anode with a new separator membrane between the anode and cathode and without the electrolyte to provide the Lithium-Ion reserve battery; and discharging the Lithium-Ion reserve battery.