Selective Charging Matrix for Rechargeable Battery Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large battery cells face charge uniformity issues due to physical or operational irregularities, leading to non-uniform charging and discharging, which can cause performance problems over time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a matrix of electrodes on opposite surfaces of battery cells, which operate as current collectors, allowing for selective charge distribution and sensing across regions, thereby maintaining uniform charge during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single current collector configuration is used in large battery cells, then the device complexity is low, but charge uniformity deteriorates due to physical or operational irregularities across the cells
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is segmented into multiple independent electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing each electrode to independently manage charge distribution in its local region. This segmentation enables targeted charging of specific areas to compensate for physical irregularities and achieve uniform charge across the entire large battery cell.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode in the matrix is equipped with independent control capabilities, allowing the system to apply different charging parameters to different regions based on local conditions. This local quality approach enables the system to address operational irregularities in specific areas without affecting the entire cell, thereby improving overall charge uniformity.
2Reliability
If multiple electrodes are implemented for selective charging, then charge uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes are merged into a single matrix structure that functions as an integrated current collector system. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing by treating the multi-electrode assembly as one unified component rather than separate parts, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to provide selective charging to different regions.
3Productivity
If regional charging capability is added, then cell performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix electrode system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the current collector for overall charge transmission, provides regional charging capability through selective electrode activation, and enables voltage sensing across different cell regions. This multi-functionality improves charging efficiency and cell performance without requiring entirely separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device 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
This solution enhances charge uniformity and cell performance by enabling regional charging and voltage sensing across multiple regions, improving the overall efficiency and longevity of battery cells.
Implementation Method 1
current collectors configured based on a z-directional transmission of current through the cell components
Implementation Method 2
An in-plane resistivity of the polymer current collectors may be greater than or about 0.005 ohm-meters across a lateral distance of the polymer current collectors
Implementation Method 3
the electrical circuitry may be configured to determine a voltage of the battery cell at a coordinate position defined through the battery cell between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 4
the electrical circuitry may be configured to provide current along a first electrode and a second electrode to selectively charge a portion of the battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
Energy storage devices, battery cells, and batteries may include a first current collector having an anode active material disposed along a first surface of the first current collector. The cells may include a plurality of first electrodes positioned along a second surface of the first current collector opposite the first surface. The plurality of first electrodes may be characterized by a first orientation. The cells may include a second current collector having a cathode active material disposed along a first surface of the second current collector. The cells may include a separator positioned between the anode active material and the cathode active material. The cells may also include a plurality of second electrodes positioned along a second surface of the second current collector opposite the first surface. The plurality of second electrodes may be characterized by a second orientation substantially orthogonal to the first orientation.