Reverse-Potential Battery Discharge Using Saltwater Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for discharging batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for high-priced equipment and the potential for explosions when dealing with waste batteries with varying residual electricity levels.
Innovation Solution
A battery discharge apparatus and method utilizing reverse potential discharge, where a first target battery is discharged using a second target battery, both connected to a discharge processor with an electrolyte, allowing for efficient and safe discharge without the need for expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing electrical-load-based discharge method is used, then discharge control is possible, but high-priced equipment is required and explosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable salt water solution as the electrolyte medium for discharge, replacing expensive electrical load control equipment. The salt water is consumed during the discharge process and can be replenished, providing a low-cost alternative to sophisticated electrical control systems while maintaining discharge safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electrical-load-based discharge system with a chemical-based discharge system using salt water as electrolyte. This replaces complex electrical control mechanisms with a simpler chemical reaction process that inherently controls discharge through the electrochemical properties of the salt water solution.
2Device complexity
If salt water immersion method is used, then discharge is possible without expensive equipment, but discharge time is very long (3-7 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control elements to the salt water discharge system, including adjustable voltage sources and current control circuits that can modify the discharge rate in real-time. This allows the system to maintain simplicity while significantly reducing discharge time from days to hours or minutes by optimizing the electrochemical reaction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the discharge process by controlling voltage, current, and temperature of the salt water electrolyte. By adjusting these parameters, the discharge rate is optimized to achieve rapid discharge without requiring complex equipment, transforming the slow passive immersion process into an active controlled electrochemical discharge.
3Productivity
If waste batteries with different residual electricity are discharged using existing method, then discharge is possible, but big explosion with strong spark occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces salt water as an intermediary medium between batteries with different residual electricity levels. This intermediary provides a controlled electrochemical environment that buffers voltage differences and current surges, preventing direct dangerous interactions between batteries while enabling safe discharge of varying battery states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements prior cushioning by using the salt water electrolyte solution to buffer and dampen potential voltage spikes and current surges before they can cause explosions or sparks. The electrochemical properties of the salt water provide inherent protection against harmful electrical discharges during the discharge process.
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
The reverse potential discharge method efficiently discharges batteries to a reverse potential voltage, minimizing time and labor, and preventing battery recycling issues by defunctionalizing the batteries, while providing high stability and economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first target battery is discharged by reverse potential discharge using the second target battery
Implementation Method 2
The discharge processor may include a first electrode member, a second electrode member disposed to face the first electrode member, and an electrolyte in which the first and second electrode members are immersed
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery discharge apparatus, battery discharge system, and battery discharge method which uses a battery as a power source for reverse potential discharge. The battery discharge apparatus includes a discharge processor electrically connected to a first target battery and a second target battery to discharge the first and second target batteries, a first battery loader loaded with the first target battery to electrically connect the first target battery to the discharge processor, and a second battery loader loaded with the second target battery to electrically connect the second target battery to the discharge processor, and the first target battery is discharged by reverse potential discharge using the second target battery.