Metal-Hydrogen Electrode Stack Assembly for Reliable Grid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current large-scale energy storage systems, such as pumped-hydroelectric and compressed air, face challenges in cost and efficiency, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption in renewable energy grids, while rechargeable batteries offer potential but require improved reliability for large-scale deployment.
Innovation Solution
A metal-hydrogen battery configuration featuring an electrode stack with alternating anode and cathode assemblies separated by a separator, housed in a pressure vessel with an electrolyte, where the anode and cathode buses are electrically and mechanically attached to form conductors, and a method of assembly that includes preassembling components and applying pressure to form a frame around the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumped-hydroelectric storage is used for large-scale energy storage, then cost and long-term lifetime are improved, but site availability and environmental footprint are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular electrode stacks that can be assembled in series to achieve desired capacity and voltage levels. Each stack contains multiple electrode assemblies separated by separators, allowing flexible configuration for different storage scales and locations without requiring specific geographic features like pumped-hydroelectric systems
Solution Approach 2:
The metal-hydrogen battery design uses universal components (electrode assemblies, separators, pressure vessels) that can be deployed in various locations and configurations, making the technology adaptable to different sites and applications unlike pumped-hydroelectric storage which requires specific topographic conditions
2Reliability
If compressed air and flywheel energy storage are used, then different advantages are achieved, but efficiency and cost need significant improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy storage mechanisms (compressed air tanks, flywheels) with electrochemical energy storage in metal-hydrogen batteries, which offer higher round-trip efficiency and lower energy losses during charge-discharge cycles while maintaining reliability for grid-scale applications
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system changes the fundamental storage parameter from mechanical potential energy to electrochemical energy, enabling more efficient energy conversion and storage with lower losses compared to compressed air and flywheel systems
3Reliability
If rechargeable batteries are deployed for large-scale energy storage, then low-cost and high capacity opportunities are achieved, but reliability needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular electrode stacks that can be assembled in series to achieve desired capacity and voltage levels. Each stack contains multiple electrode assemblies separated by separators, allowing flexible configuration for different storage scales and locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-assembly of electrode stacks and modules before final system integration. This preliminary assembly ensures proper configuration and quality control, improving reliability while managing system complexity through standardized modular units
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 metal-hydrogen battery configuration enhances the reliability and efficiency of energy storage, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a cost-effective and long-lasting solution for large-scale energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte contained within the electrode stack
Data Source
AI summary
A metal hydrogen battery is presented. The metal hydrogen batter includes an electrode stack, the electrode stack including alternating anode assemblies and cathode assemblies, the anode assemblies and cathode assemblies separated by a separator, each of the anode assemblies including at least one anode layer connected to an anode bus, each of the cathode assemblies including at least one cathode layer connected to a cathode bus, wherein each of the anode buses are electrically and mechanically attached to form an anode conductor, and wherein each of the cathode buses are electrically and mechanically attached to form a cathode conductor. The electrode stack is positioned in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel including a side wall, a cathode end plate, and an anode end plate. Finally, an electrolyte is contained within the pressure vessel.