Pulsed Current Electrochemical Power Source for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical power sources face limitations in achieving compact and lightweight designs due to inefficiencies in reaction product formation, gas diffusion, and surface activity, which affect their electrical performance and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a current transformer with a primary circuit consisting of an electrochemical power source, a shunt circuit, and a switching element with a control unit, where the secondary circuit includes an inductive energy storage and storage capacitor, optimizing frequency pulses to enhance energy transfer and storage, utilizing a planar transformer for improved efficiency and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electrochemical cells are used with standard DC discharge, then the design is simpler, but the power density and electrical performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed current discharge instead of continuous DC discharge. The circuit switches between charging and discharging phases at controlled frequencies (typically 1-100 Hz), creating periodic action that enhances power density by utilizing capacitive effects during discharge while maintaining electrochemical reactions during charging phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of discharge parameters including variable frequency and duty cycle adjustment. The circuit dynamically adapts the pulse width and frequency based on load requirements, transforming the static DC discharge into a dynamic pulsed regime that optimizes power delivery while managing heat and reaction product formation.
2Weight of moving object
If the power source size is reduced for portability, then weight and dimensions decrease, but gas diffusion and surface activity become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed current creates periodic electrochemical reactions that generate micro-vibrations and turbulence in the electrolyte and at gas-liquid interfaces. This mechanical agitation effect enhances gas diffusion rates and maintains surface activity even in compact cell designs, preventing mass transport limitations that would normally occur in small-sized power sources.
3Duration of action of moving object
If metal consumption is reduced to extend power source life, then operational duration increases, but maximum power output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic pulsed discharge allows the electrochemical cell to operate at higher average current densities without excessive metal consumption. During the charging phase, the cell recovers and maintains reaction interfaces, enabling higher power delivery during discharge phases. This periodic operation decouples the relationship between metal consumption rate and maximum power capability.
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 results in improved electrical performance and increased capacity of electrochemical power sources, enabling the development of more compact and lighter power sources with desired power and capacity, while minimizing metal consumption and internal resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a current transformer which contains a transformer (4), the primary circuit of which is an electrochemical power source (1)... and its secondary circuit contains an inductive energy storage (5)
Implementation Method 2
its secondary circuit contains an inductive energy storage (5) and the consumer (7)
Implementation Method 3
the use of electrochemical cells for the production of power sources is well known. Especially in portable power sources, metal-air cells are often used, in which a metal anode and a gas diffusion cathode as well as an electrolyte solution are used
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention describes a method for drawing power from all types of electrochemical power sources in which power is drawn using frequency pulses with the condition that the specific impedance of each anode of the electrochemical cells is a maximum of 1.87 O cm2. The invention also describes a power source for carrying out this method, said power source containing an electrochemical power source (1), which is filled with an electrolyte solution, and a DC/DC power converter, in which the DC/DC power converter contains a transformer (4) of which the primary circuit comprises a. the electrochemical power source (1), b. a shunt circuit (2), and c. a switching element with a control unit (3), and of which the secondary circuit comprises d. an inductive energy storage means (5) and e. a storage capacitor (6), wherein the load (7) is connected to the secondary circuit of the power source.