Lithium Air Battery Module Electrolyte Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium air batteries face a reduced lifespan due to electrolyte evaporation, as their positive electrode is open to the environment, leading to a decrease in battery capacity and stability.

Innovation Solution

A lithium air battery module is designed with an additional electrolyte system that includes a housing with an outlet for air discharge and a collector to condense evaporated electrolyte, which is then reused, along with a passivation layer and specific electrolyte compositions to enhance stability and prevent evaporation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the positive electrode is open to the environment to enable oxygen access, then the battery can function as a lithium air battery, but the electrolyte evaporates and lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen access capabilityVSAvoidbattery lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A porous membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the open environment and the electrolyte. The membrane allows oxygen to pass through to reach the positive electrode while blocking the electrolyte from evaporating into the environment, thus resolving the contradiction between oxygen access and electrolyte retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible porous membrane is used to cover the positive electrode, providing a physical barrier that prevents electrolyte evaporation while maintaining oxygen permeability. This thin film structure allows the battery to maintain its open architecture for oxygen access while protecting against electrolyte loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Use of energy by moving object

If the positive electrode is open to the environment, then oxygen can be utilized, but electrolyte exhaustion occurs reducing battery capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen utilizationVSAvoidelectrolyte quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The porous membrane acts as a selective barrier that mediates between oxygen supply and electrolyte retention, allowing oxygen to reach the positive electrode for energy utilization while preventing electrolyte from being lost to the environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The porous membrane creates a controlled microenvironment around the positive electrode that prevents direct exposure to the external environment, effectively creating a protected space where electrolyte can be retained while still allowing oxygen diffusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 additional electrolyte system effectively extends the battery's lifespan by maintaining electrolyte levels and improving capacity retention during charging and discharging cycles, enhancing the overall stability and performance of the lithium air battery.

Implementation Method 1

The collector may cool the air to collect the additional electrolyte from the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS9263779B2Lithium air battery module

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A lithium air battery module including a lithium air battery cell including a first electrolyte; an additional electrolyte disposed non-adjacent the first electrolyte; and a housing which accommodates the lithium air battery cell and the additional electrolyte.