Periodic Unit Structures for High Capacity Density Secondary Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary cells with existing configurations face challenges in increasing capacity density, as increasing the area of electrode and electrolyte layers does not significantly enhance capacity density, and adding more layers is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A secondary cell configuration featuring periodic unit structures with a first electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode stacked in a specific direction, connected to interconnect patterns, allowing for increased ion absorption and emission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the area of positive electrode, electrolyte and negative electrode layers is increased, then the capacity of the secondary cell is increased, but the capacity density (capacity per unit area of substrate) does not rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar layer structure to a three-dimensional vertical stacking structure. Multiple electrode layers and electrolyte layers are stacked in the thickness direction, creating vertical columns of alternating layers. This dimensional change allows capacity to increase through vertical stacking while maintaining high capacity density by utilizing the substrate area more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple electrode layers and electrolyte layers are contained within vertical columns that are themselves arranged on the substrate. Each column contains nested layers of electrodes and electrolytes, creating a compact hierarchical structure that maximizes capacity within the available substrate area.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of positive electrode, electrolyte and negative electrode layers to be stacked on the substrate is increased, then the capacity density may rise, but it is difficult to increase the number significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the secondary cell into multiple discrete vertical columns, each containing a manageable number of stacked electrode and electrolyte layers. This segmentation allows the overall capacity density to be increased by adding more columns rather than excessively increasing the number of layers in each column, thereby controlling device complexity while achieving high capacity density.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a compact solar secondary cell is formed by combining a thin film solar cell and a secondary cell, then the solar cell efficiency is improved, but the integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar cell and secondary cell into a single integrated structure where the back surface of the thin film solar cell serves as the substrate for the stacked electrode and electrolyte layers. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting and connection structures, reducing integration complexity while maintaining compactness and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The back surface of the solar cell serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural substrate for the secondary cell, provides electrical connection points through interconnect patterns, and supports the entire stacked structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying integration while maintaining solar cell efficiency.
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 increases capacity density, enabling higher energy storage per unit area and facilitating easier integration with solar cells for enhanced energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte which is interposed between the first and second electrodes and which conducts the ions
Implementation Method 2
solar cells which use the photovoltaic effect produced by a semiconductor substrate of silicon, for example, have been used very often as a photoelectric transducer that converts optical energy into electric power
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a structure that contributes to increasing the capacity density. A secondary cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of periodic unit structures that are arranged on a first surface. Each of those periodic unit structures includes a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer, each of which projects away from the first surface, and a solid electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode and negative electrode layers.