Lithium-Air Battery Oxygen Supply With Humidity and Regeneration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-air batteries require improved stability and lifespan for eco mobility devices, and existing systems lack effective humidity control and oxygen concentration methods to optimize their performance.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-air battery-based power supply apparatus with an air supply part, dehumidification part, oxygen concentration part, and a controller that uses a small air pump for pressurization, zeolite-based dehumidifying members, and a vacuum pump for oxygen concentration, along with a control method to regenerate the oxygen concentration members and manage humidity during charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a lithium-air battery is used to achieve high energy density, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the stability and lifespan deteriorate due to sensitivity to humidity and oxygen concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the oxygen concentration and humidity levels in the battery environment by controlling the oxygen concentration members (molecular sieves) and dehumidification members. By changing the environmental parameters (oxygen concentration from 21% to higher levels, and humidity control), the battery maintains high energy density while improving stability and lifespan through optimized operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled atmosphere around the lithium-air battery by removing moisture through dehumidification members and enriching oxygen through oxygen concentration members. This controlled environment acts as a protective inert atmosphere that prevents harmful reactions, thereby improving battery stability and lifespan while maintaining the high energy density benefits
2Reliability
If a humidity control system and oxygen concentration system are added to optimize battery performance, then the stability and lifespan are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The humidity control system and oxygen concentration system are merged into a single integrated apparatus where dehumidification members and oxygen concentration members work together in close proximity. The air supply unit serves both functions, and the control unit manages both processes, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply unit serves multiple functions: it supplies air to both the dehumidification members and oxygen concentration members, and the processed air is delivered to the battery. The control unit manages both humidity control and oxygen concentration operations, making the system multi-functional while avoiding the need for completely separate independent systems
3Volume of moving object
If the power supply apparatus is miniaturized for small mobility devices, then the portability is improved, but the oxygen concentration efficiency and humidity control capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen concentration members and dehumidification members are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where one component is positioned within or adjacent to another. This nesting approach allows both functions to be performed in a minimized space while maintaining their respective efficiencies for oxygen concentration and humidity control
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 solution miniaturizes the power supply apparatus, enhances oxygen concentration efficiency, and extends the lifespan of lithium-air batteries, making them suitable for small mobility devices by effectively managing humidity and oxygen levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first dehumidifying member, a second dehumidifying member, and a heating member configured to heat the first dehumidifying member and the second dehumidifying member
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum pump configured to separate and concentrate oxygen from the air from which moisture is removed by the dehumidification part
Implementation Method 3
a heating member configured to heat the first dehumidifying member and the second dehumidifying member. In response to charging the lithium-air battery, the first dehumidifying member and the second dehumidifying member are heated by using the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes: an air supply part provided to supply air; a dehumidification part configured to remove moisture in the air supplied from the air supply part; an oxygen concentration part including a first oxygen concentration member, a second oxygen concentration member, and a vacuum pump configured to separate and concentrate oxygen from the air; a battery part including a lithium-air battery and configured to be supplied with the concentrated oxygen from the oxygen concentration part; and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to discharging the lithium-air battery, generate the concentrated oxygen to be supplied to the lithium-air battery by driving one of the first oxygen concentration member or the second oxygen concentration member and regenerate the other of the first oxygen concentration member or the second oxygen concentration member by driving the vacuum pump while the concentrated oxygen is generated.