Metal-Air Battery Electrode Stack Layout for Long-Duration Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for increased availability, reliability, and reduced costs in energy storage systems, particularly in electrochemical cells, to support energy storage across multiple time scales from milliseconds to years.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical cell design includes a vessel with a core, panels, and a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) sandwiched between modules, with anodes and oxygen evolution electrodes heat-staked, and terminals extending through the vessel for electrical communication, using polyamide seals and various polymers for structural support and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional electrochemical cell design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability and duration for long-term energy storage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell is divided into multiple modules, each containing specific electrodes and electrolytes. This segmentation allows for improved reliability through modular design while managing complexity through standardized repeating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where modules are arranged in series and parallel configurations within the cell. Multiple electrode layers and separator layers are nested between terminals, creating a compact multi-layered architecture that enhances energy storage duration and reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If energy storage duration is extended to multi-day scales, then the availability for long-term energy storage increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cell is segmented into multiple modules that can be connected in series and parallel to extend energy storage duration. This allows scaling from hours to multi-days without redesigning the entire system, managing complexity through modular repetition.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode modules are designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions - the same basic module structure supports both short-term and long-term energy storage when configured in different series/parallel arrangements, reducing overall device complexity.
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 enhances the reliability and reduces costs of electrochemical cells, enabling long-duration energy storage with improved structural integrity and efficient electrical connections, suitable for multi-day energy storage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first anode sandwiched between two first oxygen evolution electrodes along the thickness dimension of the vessel; a second anode sandwiched between two second oxygen evolution electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) disposed between the first module and the second module in the vessel along the thickness dimension of the vessel
Implementation Method 3
the each of the two first oxygen evolution electrodes may be heat staked to the first anode and, in the second module, each of the two second oxygen evolution electrodes is heat staked to the second anode
Implementation Method 4
a polyamide seal may be overmolded on at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, or the third terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell may include a vessel, a first module, a second module, and a gas diffusion electrode (GDE). The vessel has a thickness dimension. The first module includes a first anode sandwiched between two first oxygen evolution electrodes along the thickness dimension of the vessel. The second module includes a second anode sandwiched between two second oxygen evolution electrodes along the thickness dimension of the vessel. A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) is disposed between the first module and the second module in the vessel along the thickness dimension of the vessel.