Multi-mode Charging of Hierarchical Anode for Metal Fuel Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cell systems face inefficiencies in recharging and discharging processes, particularly in the architecture and control mechanisms for optimizing metal fuel growth and energy density across permeable electrode bodies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a charge/discharge controller that selectively applies electrical current to permeable electrode bodies, allowing for adjustable growth modes by functioning as both anode and cathode, enabling progressive and high-rate growth strategies, and utilizing a charging electrode to establish electrical connections between electrode bodies within the electrochemical cell system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical current is applied to multiple permeable electrode bodies simultaneously, then the charging rate increases, but the uniformity of metal fuel growth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel electrode is divided into multiple permeable electrode bodies arranged in spaced-apart relation, allowing selective application of electrical current to different segments. The charge/discharge controller can apply current to one or more specific electrode bodies based on operational requirements, enabling controlled segmentation of the charging process to balance charging rate and growth uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which permeable electrode bodies receive electrical current based on real-time conditions. The charge/discharge controller selectively applies current to different electrode bodies in sequence or simultaneously, allowing the system to adapt between high-rate charging (applying to multiple bodies) and uniform growth (applying to single bodies) modes as needed.
2Quantity of substance
If electrical current is applied to increase metal fuel growth density, then the energy density improves, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge/discharge controller applies electrical current selectively to one or more specific permeable electrode bodies rather than uniformly to all bodies. This partial action allows concentrated current application to achieve high growth density in targeted areas, improving energy density without requiring prolonged charging of the entire electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which electrode bodies receive current and at what density. By selectively applying current to specific electrode bodies, the system can optimize between high-density growth (applying to fewer bodies) and faster charging (applying to more bodies), effectively managing the trade-off between energy density and charging time.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of permeable electrode bodies is increased, then the capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel electrode is segmented into multiple permeable electrode bodies that are spaced apart and independently addressable by the charge/discharge controller. This segmentation increases capacity by providing more surface area for metal fuel growth while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture, where each electrode body can be controlled independently or in groups.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple permeable electrode bodies serve universal functions within the system - each can act as a cathode for metal fuel deposition, and the charge/discharge controller can selectively activate any combination of them. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve increased capacity without proportionally increasing control complexity, as the same controller architecture manages all electrode bodies.
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 approach enhances the energy density and cycle life of electrochemical cells by optimizing metal fuel growth and distribution across electrode bodies, improving the overall efficiency of recharging and discharging processes.
Implementation Method 1
The charge/discharge controller is configured to apply an electrical current between the charging electrode and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies, with the charging electrode functioning as an anode and the at least one permeable electrode body functioning as a cathode, such that reducible metal fuel ions in the ionically conductive medium are reduced and electrodeposited as metal fuel in oxidizable form on the at least one permeable electrode body
Implementation Method 2
an ionically conductive medium for supporting the transport of ions
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention provides an electrochemical cell system comprising at least one electrochemical cell configured to be connected to a power supply to recharge the cell. The electrochemical cell system comprises a plurality of electrodes and electrode bodies therein. The electrochemical cell system further comprises a switching system configured to permit modifications of the configuration of anodes and cathodes during charging of the electrochemical cell, and a controller configured to control the switching system. The controller is configured to selectively apply the electrical current to a different number of said electrode bodies based on at least one input parameter so as to adjust a rate and density of the growth of the electrodeposited metal fuel.