Metal-Air Battery Electrode Layout for Long-Duration Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy storage technologies face challenges in achieving increased availability, reliability, and reduced costs for long-duration energy storage, particularly in supporting grid stability across multiple time scales from milliseconds to years.

Innovation Solution

The design of an electrochemical cell comprising a vessel with mirrored arrangements of anode assemblies and oxygen evolution electrodes, a gas diffusion electrode, and an electrolyte, which enhances energy storage capabilities and efficiency through optimized electrode configurations and structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current energy storage technologies are used, then energy storage capacity is provided, but availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for long-duration storage are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage reliabilityVSAvoidenergy storage duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochemical cell is divided into multiple compartments with mirrored arrangements of anode assemblies and oxygen evolution electrodes separated by gas diffusion electrodes. This segmentation allows independent operation of each compartment, improving reliability while enabling extended duration storage through modular configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where gas diffusion electrodes are positioned between mirrored electrode assemblies, creating layered configurations that maximize space utilization. This nesting approach enables long-duration storage by allowing multiple electrochemical reactions to occur simultaneously in compact arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If energy storage capacity is increased for long-duration storage, then duration is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage durationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated assemblies: anode assemblies with oxygen evolution electrodes are mirrored and positioned around gas diffusion electrodes, creating compact units that achieve long-duration storage without requiring excessive materials. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas diffusion electrodes serve multiple functions: they separate compartments, facilitate gas transport, and provide structural support for the mirrored electrode arrangements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining long-duration storage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If mirrored arrangements of electrodes are implemented, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall configuration is symmetric with mirrored arrangements, the patent introduces asymmetric elements within compartments through varied electrode geometries and strategic positioning of gas diffusion electrodes. This controlled asymmetry optimizes reaction efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through repeating modular patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration improves the reliability and cost-effectiveness of energy storage systems, enabling long-duration energy storage solutions that can efficiently match energy generation and demand across various time scales.

Implementation Method 1

a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) wherein, in the vessel, the GDE is disposed between mirrored arrangements of the at least two instances of the OEE and the at least two instances of the anode assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

the electrochemical cell may further include an electrolyte disposed in the vessel, wherein the at least two instances of the anode assembly, the at least two instances of the OEE, and the gas diffusion electrode are each at least partially immersed in the electrolyte in the vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport: Electrolyte

Data Source

PatentUS20240072262A1Construction of electrode and cell components for metal-air batteries

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 FORM ENERGY INC

AI summary

According to an aspect, an electrochemical cell may include a vessel, at least two instances of an anode assembly, at least two instances of an oxygen evolution electrode (OEE), and a gas diffusion electrode (GDE). In the vessel, the GDE may be disposed between mirrored arrangements of the at least two instances of the OEE and the at least two instances of the anode assembly.