Multi-Functional Electrode Internal Voltage Controller Fast-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, face limitations in fast-charging capabilities, leading to material degradation, safety hazards, and inefficient energy storage due to slow charge and discharge processes, with batteries offering high energy density but low power density and supercapacitors providing high power density but low energy density.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-functional electrode devices with an internal voltage controller (IVC) that allows for voltage-controlled fast-charging by adjusting input voltage and regulating intra- and inter-electrode potential gradients, enabling the use of both fast- and slow-charging components within a single electrode, thereby controlling charge rates and reducing electrode degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid charging is applied to batteries, then charging speed is improved, but material degradation and safety hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple functional components: a first component for fast charging and a second component for slow charging. This segmentation allows the electrode to simultaneously handle rapid charging currents while maintaining structural integrity and preventing material degradation through controlled ion distribution across different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by applying different potential gradients to different components of the electrode. The internal voltage controller adjusts the potential gradient to optimize charging rates for each component, enabling rapid charging while maintaining safe operating conditions and preventing material degradation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries use high energy density materials, then energy storage capacity is improved, but power density and charging rate worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode uses a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The first component is optimized for fast charging with appropriate conductivity and ion transport properties, while the second component provides high energy density. This composite approach enables the electrode to deliver both high power density for rapid charging and high energy density for extended storage capacity.
3Productivity
If supercapacitors are used for fast charging, then charging speed is improved, but energy density worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of supercapacitors (fast charging capability) and batteries (high energy density) into a single electrode structure. The first component provides rapid charging through high power density similar to supercapacitors, while the second component contributes high energy density similar to batteries. This merging eliminates the need to choose between the two technology types.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode achieves multi-functionality by incorporating components that perform different functions: one optimized for rapid charge acceptance and another optimized for energy storage. This universal electrode design can operate in both fast-charging mode and high-energy-storage mode, adapting to different operational requirements within a single device.
4Reliability
If standard battery charging processes are used, then safety is maintained, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal voltage controller acts as an intermediary that manages the charging process between the external power source and the electrode components. It regulates the potential gradient distribution to enable rapid charging while maintaining safe operating conditions, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging process becomes dynamic with the internal voltage controller continuously adjusting the potential gradient based on the state of charge and operational conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to operate safely under varying conditions while maximizing charging speed, transitioning between different charging rates as needed.
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 solution enables efficient, rapid charging of energy storage devices with extended cycle life and reduced degradation, balancing high energy and power density by optimizing charge rates and potential gradients, enhancing the performance of energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
An internal voltage controller (IVC) for applying a bias potential to the first MFE structure and/or the counter-electrode structure, whereby the bias potential is set in accordance with the chemical nature of the first MFE structure and the counter-electrode structure
Implementation Method 2
Batteries store energy electrochemically, in which chemical reactions release electrical carriers that can be extracted into an electrical circuit. During discharge, the energy-containing lithium ions (Li ions) travel from a high-energy anode material through an electrolyte and a separator to a low-energy cathode material. The electrochemical reaction, taking place in the discharging process, involves internal movement of Li ions from the anode to the cathode, and the release of electrons (e.g., energy) at the anode
Implementation Method 3
Since both diffusion and charge transfer are slow processes, power delivery as well as the recharge time of Li ion batteries is kinetically limited
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for manufacturing multi-functional electrode (MFE) devices for fast-charging of energy-storage devices are provided. The method includes assembling first MFE structure for forming a suitable electrochemical half-couple, the first MFE structure having a first fast-charging component (FCC) and a first MFE assembly and a counter-electrode structure for forming a complementary electrochemical half-couple and supplying an internal voltage controller (IVC) for applying a bias potential to the first MFE structure and/or the counter-electrode structure, the bias potential is set in accordance with the first MFE structure and said counter-electrode structure. The IVC is configured to regulate an intra-electrode potential gradient between the first FCC and the first MFE assembly to control a charge rate from the first FCC to the first MFE assembly.