Rotating Valve Fluid Regulator for Battery Oxygen Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical battery cells, such as air-depolarized and air-assisted cells, face limitations in discharge rate due to insufficient oxygen diffusion into the oxygen reduction electrode, while also experiencing issues with CO2 and water diffusion, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity in controlling gas entry.
Innovation Solution
A fluid regulating system utilizing a rotating valve actuated by shape memory alloy components, which adjusts the rate of fluid passage to the oxygen reduction electrode, ensuring optimal oxygen supply during high discharge rates and minimizing unwanted gas entry during low discharge periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rate of oxygen diffusion into the oxygen reduction electrode is increased to improve discharge rate, then the maximum discharge rate capability is improved, but the entry of undesirable gases (CO2, water) also increases causing wasteful reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid entry control into separate controllable channels using a valve assembly with multiple openings. The valve can selectively open or close specific openings to allow oxygen diffusion while blocking CO2 and water entry, thus segmenting the fluid control function to resolve the contradiction between maximizing oxygen supply and minimizing harmful gas diffusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic valve mechanism that can change its state (open/closed) based on operational requirements. During high discharge rates, the valve opens to maximize oxygen diffusion; during low discharge rates, it closes to prevent CO2 and water diffusion. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the diffusion rate to actual operational needs.
2Productivity
If external means such as fans are used to force air into cells to increase oxygen supply during high discharge rates, then the oxygen diffusion rate is improved, but the cost and complexity of manufacturing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of air forcing (oxygen supply enhancement) from complex external devices like fans and implements it through a simple valve mechanism integrated into the cell structure. The valve can be actuated by simple means (pressure differential, magnetic field, or external signal) to open openings and allow rapid oxygen diffusion, achieving high oxygen supply without the complexity of fans and their control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and potentially fragile components (fans, electronic controls) with a simple, inexpensive valve mechanism that can be manufactured at low cost. The valve uses basic mechanical or magnetic components that are reliable and easy to manufacture, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same functional goal of enhanced oxygen supply.
3Ease of operation
If valves are used to control the amount of air entering the cells, then the control of fluid entry is improved, but external means are required to operate the valves adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve mechanism to be self-actuating based on operational conditions. The valve can respond automatically to pressure differentials across the membrane or to magnetic fields generated by the cell's own operation, eliminating the need for complex external actuators. This self-service approach maintains excellent fluid entry control while minimizing the complexity of valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve actuation systems with simpler alternatives such as magnetic field actuation or pressure-driven mechanisms. The valve can be opened or closed by applying a magnetic field to a magnetically responsive component or by utilizing pressure differentials across the membrane, substituting complex mechanical linkages and actuators with field-based control that reduces overall system complexity.
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 system provides a high-efficiency, responsive, and cost-effective means to regulate fluid entry, enhancing discharge rates while maintaining cell stability and reducing complexity by using SMA-actuated valves to control fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a first shape memory alloy component actuatable to rotate the first plate relative to the second plate to open the valve and a second shape memory alloy component actuatable to rotate the first plate relative to the second plate to close the valve.
Implementation Method 2
the maximum discharge rates they are capable of can be limited by the rate at which oxygen can enter the oxygen reduction electrode
Implementation Method 3
The oxygen reduction electrode promotes the reaction of the oxygen with the cell electrolyte and, ultimately, the oxidation of the negative electrode active material with the oxygen. The material in the oxygen reduction electrode that promotes the reaction of oxygen with the electrolyte is often referred to as a catalyst.
Implementation Method 4
A fluid regulating system utilizing a rotating valve actuated by shape memory alloy components, which adjusts the rate of fluid passage to the oxygen reduction electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.