Multi-Phase Flame Retardant Battery Electrolyte Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries with high energy densities pose a risk of ignition and fire due to the presence of highly energetic active substances in confined volumes, necessitating the development of safer battery designs that manage energy density and flammability.
Innovation Solution
The battery incorporates a multi-phase liquid system with distinct flame retardants, where a first liquid phase containing an electrolyte is positioned within the active region, and second and third liquid phases with specific flame retardants are located outside, utilizing their density and boiling point characteristics to suppress volatility and prevent thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high energy density active substances are used in confined volumes, then energy density is improved, but flammability and ignition risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery electrolyte system is segmented into multiple liquid phases with different functions: a first liquid phase containing electrolyte for active electrochemical function, and second and third liquid phases containing flame retardants for safety. This segmentation allows the battery to maintain high energy density while incorporating flame retardant protection without compromising performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Flame retardant liquid phases act as intermediary substances between the high-energy active substances and the external environment. These intermediate layers suppress volatility and prevent thermal runaway by absorbing excess heat and inhibiting flame propagation, thereby mediating the harmful effects of high energy density materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flame retardants are added to the electrolyte, then flammability is reduced, but electrochemical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte system is divided into distinct liquid phases: a first liquid phase optimized for electrochemical performance and second/third liquid phases optimized for flame retardancy. This segmentation allows each phase to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other, maintaining high productivity while reducing flammability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the battery electrolyte system have different qualities: the first liquid phase in contact with electrodes has high ionic conductivity for performance, while the second and third liquid phases have high flame retardant properties. This local differentiation of qualities allows simultaneous optimization of performance and safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple liquid phases with different densities are used, then flame retardancy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-phase liquid system utilizes natural density differences to achieve automatic stratification and positioning without external intervention. The first liquid phase with intermediate density positions itself between the second and third phases, creating stable layers that provide flame retardancy while minimizing system complexity through self-organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in physical parameters (density, boiling point) of the liquid phases to achieve functional differentiation. By selecting liquid phases with specific parameter ranges, the patent creates a complex safety mechanism that operates passively based on inherent physical properties rather than active control systems.
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 effectively reduces the risk of battery ignition by isolating flame retardants from the active region, absorbing heat, and preventing exothermic reactions, thereby enhancing safety and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing heat, and preventing exothermic reactions
Implementation Method 2
liquid-liquid separated from the first liquid phase
Implementation Method 3
The first liquid phase and/or the electrolyte has a density greater than a density of the third liquid phase. In some instances, the second liquid phase has a density that is greater than the density of the third liquid phase.
Data Source
AI summary
The battery has an electrode assembly that includes one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. A first liquid phase is positioned in an active region of the electrode assembly. The first liquid phase includes one or more first flame retardants and an electrolyte. A second liquid phase is outside of the active region and in contact with the first liquid phase. The second liquid phase includes one or more second flame retardants. A third liquid phase is outside of the active region and in contact with the second liquid phase. The third liquid phase includes one or more third flame retardants. The first liquid phase and/or the electrolyte have a density between the second liquid phase and the third liquid phase.