Metal-Air Battery Cathode Air Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal-air batteries face a weight increase due to the use of a gas diffusion layer, which hinders the achievement of high energy density.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a metal-air battery design that eliminates the gas diffusion layer by incorporating a cathode with an air path, featuring protrusion units on the cathodes that form an air path for oxygen supply, allowing efficient air access without the need for a gas diffusion layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a gas diffusion layer is used in the metal-air battery, then oxygen supply to the cathode is ensured, but the battery weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gas diffusion layer from the battery structure entirely. Instead of using a separate gas diffusion layer component, the cathode itself is designed with an integrated air path structure that directly guides oxygen from the external environment to the cathode reaction sites, eliminating the need for the gas diffusion layer and reducing overall battery weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the gas diffusion function directly into the cathode structure by forming air paths within the cathode body. The cathode serves dual purposes: as the electroactive material and as the oxygen transport medium, merging the functions of the cathode and gas diffusion layer into a single integrated component
2Weight of stationary object
If the gas diffusion layer is removed, then battery weight is reduced, but oxygen supply efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized air path structures within the cathode that concentrate oxygen flow directly at the reaction sites. The air paths are strategically positioned and dimensioned to optimize oxygen delivery to specific regions of the cathode where electrochemical reactions occur, ensuring efficient oxygen supply without requiring a bulky gas diffusion layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces three-dimensional air path structures within the cathode volume, creating internal channels and pores that facilitate oxygen transport through the cathode thickness. This dimensional approach allows oxygen to reach deep within the cathode structure efficiently, maintaining high oxygen supply rates without increasing overall battery weight
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 design reduces the weight of the battery while maintaining high energy density by ensuring smooth oxygen supply to the cathodes, enhancing discharge performance and energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode that uses oxygen in the air as an active material. A reduction/oxidation of oxygen entering from the outside occurs in the cathode
Implementation Method 2
protrusion units extended from the base... form an air path for oxygen supply
Implementation Method 3
an oxidation/reduction of a metal occurs in the anode of the metal-air battery, and chemical energy generated in this process is used as electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
A reduction/oxidation of oxygen entering from the outside occurs in the cathode... chemical energy generated in this process is used as electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a metal-air battery including a cathode having an air path. The metal-air battery includes a plurality of folded cells stacked in a direction, and each of the folded cells includes: an anode having a U-shape defined by first and second portions separated from and parallel to each other, and a side portion which connects the first and the second portions to each other; an anode protection film arranged on an inner surface of the anode; and a first cathode and a second cathode on the anode protection film, the first cathode and the second cathode arranged facing each other between the first portion and the second portion of the anode. The first cathode and the second cathode each includes a base which contacts the anode protection film, and a plurality of protrusion units extended from the base.