Modular Battery Structure with Ionic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries, such as lithium batteries, face capacity degradation due to cracks and deterioration during charging and discharging, leading to reduced performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery structure comprising multiple modules electrically connected but ionically blocked, with each module having a positive and negative active material layer and an electrolyte layer, and a current collector layer, which prevents ion transfer between modules, thus isolating failed modules and maintaining capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple battery modules are electrically connected to increase capacity, then the overall battery capacity increases, but ion migration between modules causes structural instability and capacity degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own electrolyte layer and active material layers. These modules are electrically connected through current collector layers but ionically isolated from each other, allowing the system to achieve high capacity through parallel connection while maintaining structural stability through modular isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
A separator layer is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent battery modules. This separator prevents ion migration between modules while allowing electrical connection through the current collectors, thus resolving the conflict between achieving high capacity through multiple modules and maintaining structural stability by preventing unwanted ion exchange.
2Reliability
If battery modules are connected in parallel to maintain capacity during deterioration, then overall capacity is maintained, but ion transfer between modules accelerates deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery into independently isolated modules with separate electrolyte systems, the patent prevents deterioration in one module from affecting other modules. Each module can be independently replaced or maintained without impacting the entire battery system, thus improving reliability while preventing harmful ion transfer that accelerates deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator acts as a protective intermediary that physically blocks harmful ion migration between modules during operation. This isolation prevents the propagation of deterioration effects between modules, allowing the battery system to maintain capacity and reliability even as individual modules age.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrolyte is shared between multiple battery modules, then manufacturing is simplified, but ion migration causes capacity loss and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
Each battery module is designed with its own dedicated electrolyte layer, creating independent electrochemical environments. This segmentation prevents ion migration between modules that would lead to capacity loss, while the modular design actually simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardized module production and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator serves as a physical barrier that prevents ion migration between modules while maintaining electrical isolation. This design choice prioritizes battery performance and reliability over manufacturing simplicity, as each module requires its own electrolyte filling process, but ensures optimal performance by preventing harmful ion exchange.
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 reduces the impact of module deterioration on overall battery performance, maintaining energy density and capacity by preventing ion migration and structural instability.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte layer disposed between the plurality of first positive active material layers and the plurality of first negative active material layers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of battery modules disposed on the positive electrode current collector layer and spaced apart from one another... electrically connected to and ionically blocked from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A battery structure including a positive electrode current collector layer; a plurality of battery modules on the positive electrode current collector layer and spaced apart from one another; and a negative electrode current collector layer on the battery modules, opposite to the positive electrode current collector layer, wherein each battery module of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of first positive active material layers which are in electrical contact with the positive electrode current collector layer and disposed in a direction protruding from the positive electrode current collector layer; a plurality of first negative active material layers which are in electrical contact with the negative electrode current collector layer and disposed in a direction protruding from the negative electrode current collector layer; and an electrolyte layer between the first positive active material layers and the first negative active material layers.