Divided Electrochemical Cell Layout for Energy-Power Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical cells often excel in either energy density or power density but not both, leading to limitations in delivering desired energy and power performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of divided energy electrochemical cell systems, which comprise multiple electrochemical cells connected in parallel, each with distinct performance properties, such as different cathode and anode chemistries and thicknesses, to achieve improved performance in a wider range of metrics by combining high energy density and high power density capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single electrochemical cell uses high energy density chemistry and thick electrodes, then energy density is improved, but power density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrochemical cell into multiple independent cells, each optimized for specific performance characteristics. Some cells are designed with high energy density (thick electrodes, high capacity chemistry) while others are designed with high power density (thin electrodes, low resistance chemistry). These segmented cells are then connected in parallel to deliver both high energy and high power simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between energy density and power density that plagues single-cell designs.
2Power
If a single electrochemical cell operates at high power density, then power delivery is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power delivery function across multiple cells with different characteristics. High-power cells can be activated when power demand is high, while lower-power cells handle baseline loads. This segmentation allows the system to distribute heat generation across multiple units rather than concentrating it in a single cell, improving thermal management and reducing peak temperature excursions while maintaining high power delivery capability.
3Quantity of substance
If a single electrochemical cell uses thick electrodes for high capacity, then energy capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the total capacity requirement across multiple cells, each with moderate-thickness electrodes. This segmentation relaxes the manufacturing precision requirements for each individual cell compared to a single cell attempting to achieve the same total capacity with thick electrodes. Moderate-thickness electrodes are easier to manufacture with consistent quality and better control over thickness uniformity, reducing production defects and improving overall manufacturing yield.
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 allows for the delivery of high power density or high energy density on demand, enhancing the overall performance of the electrochemical cell system by leveraging the strengths of individual cells, such as high capacity, high heat production, or high capacity retention.
Implementation Method 1
A battery or an electrochemical cell typically includes a single anode and a single cathode... the first electrochemical cell can have a first cathode chemistry (e.g., lithium iron phosphate), while the second electrochemical cell can have a second cathode chemistry (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) different from the first cathode chemistry
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to divided energy electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell systems. Divided energy electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell systems include a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell connected in parallel. Both electrochemical cells include a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an anode disposed on an anode current collector, and a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. In some embodiments, the first electrochemical cell can have different performance properties from the second electrochemical cell. For example, the first electrochemical cell can have a high energy density while the second electrochemical cell can have a high power density. In some embodiments, the first electrochemical cell can have a battery chemistry, thickness, or any other physical/chemical property different from those properties of the second electrochemical cell.