Reference Cell Anode Potential Control for Low-Temperature Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face challenges in maximizing charging power, especially at low temperatures, due to lithium plating which reduces available capacity and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A battery system that includes a reference battery cell with a cathode, anode, and reference electrode, equipped with potential measuring means to monitor the anode potential relative to the reference electrode, and controlling means to adjust the charging current based on the measured potential, ensuring it remains above a predetermined threshold voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charging power is increased at low temperatures, then charging speed is improved, but lithium plating occurs which reduces battery capacity and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the anode potential is continuously measured during charging, and the charging current is dynamically adjusted based on the measured potential. When the anode potential approaches a threshold that indicates risk of lithium plating, the charging current is automatically reduced, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents plating while maximizing charging power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed charging current/voltage to dynamic charging current adjusted based on anode potential measurement. By using the anode potential as a real-time indicator of lithium insertion state, the system adapts charging parameters to prevent lithium plating while optimizing charging speed at low temperatures.
2Reliability
If charging current is reduced to prevent lithium plating, then battery safety is improved, but charging power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static charging current limits to dynamic current adjustment based on real-time anode potential measurements. The charging current is continuously modulated to maintain optimal charging power while preventing lithium plating, allowing the system to operate at high power when safe and reduce power only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures anode potential in advance during the charging process to predict when lithium plating might occur, and proactively adjusts charging current before plating actually happens. This preliminary detection and prevention approach allows maintaining higher charging power for longer periods while still preventing safety issues.
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 solution effectively maximizes charging power by preventing lithium plating, especially at low temperatures, thereby enhancing battery performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
An electrolyte solution may be injected into the case in order to enable charging and discharging of the battery via an electrochemical reaction of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution
Data Source
AI summary
A battery system includes a non-reference battery cell; a reference battery cell including a cathode, an anode, and a reference electrode; a potential measuring means configured to measure a reference potential of the anode relative to the reference electrode, of the reference battery cell, and to generate a signal corresponding to the reference potential; and a controlling means configured to receive the signal and to reduce, during a charging process of the battery system, a charging current applied to the battery system when the signal indicates that the reference potential is below a predetermined threshold voltage. The non-reference battery cell may be disposed at a first position in the battery system, and the reference battery cell may be disposed at a second position in the battery system, the second position being a position that has a lowest temperature, among the first and second positions, during the charging process.