Non-aqueous Electrolyte for Extreme Temperature Battery Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face performance and life issues at extreme temperatures, requiring thermal management systems that increase complexity and cost, limiting their deployment in extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery design featuring a carbon-containing negative electrode, a lithium transition metal oxoanion positive electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution without γ-butyrolactone, containing vinylene carbonate and an additive that enhances electrochemical and thermal stability across a wide temperature range, reducing the need for thermal management circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal management systems are integrated into rechargeable batteries for extreme temperature operation, then battery performance and life at extreme temperatures are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A novel electrolyte composition acts as an intermediary substance between the electrodes, providing intrinsic thermal management capabilities. The electrolyte contains specific additives that form protective films on electrode surfaces, enabling stable operation from -30°C to +70°C without external thermal management systems. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by embedding temperature compensation functionality within the electrolyte itself rather than adding external management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the electrolyte by introducing specific additives (compounds with formulas (1) and (2)) and adjusting solvent ratios. These parameter changes enable the electrolyte to maintain stable ionic conductivity and form protective SEI layers across extreme temperature ranges, eliminating the need for external thermal management while maintaining battery reliability.
2Reliability
If thermal management circuitry is added to enable extreme temperature operation, then battery reliability at extreme temperatures improves, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte composition is designed to self-regulate and protect the battery across extreme temperature ranges through intrinsic chemical mechanisms. The additives automatically form temperature-stable protective films on electrodes without requiring external intervention or additional weight-bearing thermal management components, achieving self-service temperature adaptation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrolyte compositions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but battery life at high temperatures and power at low temperatures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining conventional solvents (cyclic carbonates, chain carbonates) with novel additive compounds formulating a synergistic mixture. This composite approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while the additive components provide enhanced temperature stability and protective film formation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and improved reliability.
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 battery maintains long cycle life and delivers high power at extreme temperatures without thermal management, enabling operation from -30°C to +70°C and reducing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising a lithium salt and at least one organic solvent
Implementation Method 2
a carbon-containing negative electrode capable of intercalating and liberating lithium
Implementation Method 3
the organic solvent comprises vinylene carbonate, the at least one additive represented by the formula (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable battery is designed with cells having a specific combination of anode, cathode, and electrolyte compositions to maintain long cycle life at extreme high temperatures and deliver high power at extreme low temperatures. These properties can significantly reduce or altogether eliminate the need for thermal management circuitry, reducing weight and cost. Applications in telecommunications backup, transportation, and military defense are contemplated.