Metal-Hydrogen Electrode Stack Assembly for Reliable Grid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current large-scale energy storage systems, such as rechargeable batteries, face challenges in cost and reliability, limiting their effectiveness in mitigating the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Innovation Solution
A novel electrode stack assembly for metal-hydrogen batteries is designed, comprising alternating anode and cathode assemblies separated by separators, with feedthrough bridges and terminals, housed in a pressure vessel with an electrolyte, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large-scale energy storage systems are implemented to mitigate renewable energy intermittency, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple electrode stacks, each containing multiple cells with alternating anode and cathode assemblies. This segmentation allows for modular construction that improves reliability while maintaining large-scale storage capacity, as each cell can operate independently and the system can be scaled by adding more stacks rather than relying on a single large unit.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional battery configurations are used for large-scale storage, then energy storage is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode stack is constructed from repeating units of alternating anode and cathode assemblies separated by separators, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes that reduce complexity and cost when scaling to large capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough bridges serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connections between cells, maintain structural integrity of the electrode stack, and facilitate assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
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 electrode stack assembly improves the performance and longevity of metal-hydrogen batteries by optimizing catalysts and electrolyte management, facilitating high-capacity and cost-effective energy storage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions
Implementation Method 3
an electrolyte contained within the pressure vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode stack can include a plurality of anode assemblies, each anode assembly including at least one anode layer attached to an anode tab; a plurality of cathode assemblies, each cathode assembly including at least one cathode layer attached to a cathode tab; a plurality of separators; an anode feedthrough bridge arranged to engage each anode tab of each of the plurality of anode assemblies; a cathode feedthrough bridge arranged to engage each cathode tab of each of the plurality of cathode assemblies; an anode feedthrough terminal coupled to the anode feedthrough bridge; and a cathode feedthrough terminal coupled to the cathode feedthrough bridge, wherein the plurality of anode assemblies and the plurality of cathode assemblies are alternately arranged and separated by the plurality of separators to form an electrode stack. A battery is also presented.