Piezoelectric Battery Separator for Dendrite Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-ion batteries face catastrophic failures due to the formation of metallic dendrites, which current methods cannot reliably detect, posing safety and lifespan concerns, especially in rugged applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating electric field sensors within the separator material of lithium-ion batteries to detect and monitor changes in the electric field, allowing for early detection of dendrite formation and prevention of internal shorts through a battery management system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric field sensors are incorporated within the separator material to detect dendrites, then battery safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric field sensors are embedded within the separator material structure itself, with sensors positioned at multiple locations including within the porous matrix and at the surfaces. This nesting approach integrates the detection function directly into the existing battery component without adding separate external monitoring systems, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator material serves dual functions: its traditional role in preventing direct contact between electrodes and the additional function of housing dendrite detection sensors. The sensor system is designed to monitor multiple parameters (electric field changes at different locations) simultaneously, providing comprehensive safety monitoring through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple electric field sensors are placed within the separator material, then measurement precision for dendrite detection is improved, but manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedendrite detection precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into multiple discrete sensor locations within the separator material, including sensors embedded in the porous matrix and sensors positioned at opposite surfaces. Each sensor monitors local electric field conditions independently, and the combined data provides comprehensive detection coverage. This segmentation allows precise localization of dendrite formation while using standardized sensor modules that simplify manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects dendrite formation by monitoring changes in electric field parameters (field strength, field distribution) rather than requiring direct physical contact with dendrites. This parameter-based detection approach allows the use of simple electric field sensors that can be manufactured and positioned using standard techniques, avoiding the need for highly precise positioning of complex sensor assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 battery safety by preventing catastrophic failures and provides insights into the battery's health by monitoring electric field changes over time, potentially extending the battery's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical device includes a dielectric separator element coupled to the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode and configured to provide a second pulse. The second pulse is based on the first pulse and based on electrical properties of the dielectric separator element. In one or more aspects, the dielectric separator element is a non-conductive piezoelectric separator element.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

In some implementations, the present disclosure describes batteries containing an electric field sensor configured to detect an electric field in their separator material. In some implementations, the batteries include a cathode and an anode having a separator material disposed therebetween, and a plurality of electric field sensors configured to detect an electric field in the separator material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10079410B2Methods for dendrite detection and devices for batteries and dendrite sensors

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An electrical device is provided. The electrical device includes a pulse generator configured to generate a first pulse. The electrical device also includes a battery. The battery includes a first conductive electrode configured to receive the first pulse from the pulse generator, a second conductive electrode coupled to the first conductive electrode, and a dielectric separator element coupled to the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode and configured to provide a second pulse. The second pulse is based on the first pulse and based on the electrical properties of the dielectric separator element. The electrical device also includes a controller coupled to the pulse generator and the dielectric separator element. The controller is configured to compare the first pulse with the second pulse.