Solid-State Battery Design Using Computational Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state batteries suffer from low ionic conductivity, limited energy density, and impracticality for large-scale production due to high capital expenditures and trial-and-error design processes, making them unsuitable for electric vehicle drivetrains.
Innovation Solution
Development of a computational design toolset using physics-based codes and optimization algorithms to optimize materials and layer thicknesses for solid-state batteries, enabling production of high-energy-density batteries with ceramic electrolytes and roll-to-roll processes, which are then integrated into vehicle propulsion systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solid-state batteries are designed with traditional trial-and-error methods, then manufacturing complexity increases and production costs rise, but energy density and ionic conductivity remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by developing computational design tools and physics-based models before actual battery manufacturing. The simulation framework predicts optimal materials, layer thicknesses, and electrode configurations in advance, eliminating trial-and-error experimentation and enabling direct fabrication of optimized solid-state batteries with target energy densities above 300 Wh/L
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying critical design parameters including electrolyte thickness (5-20 micrometers), electrode porosity (30-50%), and material compositions through computational optimization. The simulation framework evaluates multiple parameter combinations to identify optimal configurations that achieve high ionic conductivity and energy density while simplifying manufacturing
2Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used to achieve high ionic conductivity, then energy density increases, but safety issues arise from organic solvent decomposition and dendrite formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from liquid electrolytes to solid-state electrolytes with carefully controlled parameters: thickness of 5-20 micrometers, specific compositional ratios, and crystalline structure optimization. These parameter adjustments maintain ionic conductivity while eliminating safety hazards associated with organic solvents, including decomposition reactions and dendrite formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by developing solid-state electrolytes that combine multiple functional components: ion-conducting ceramics, stabilizing matrix materials, and interface-modifying additives. This composite approach achieves both high ionic conductivity and enhanced safety by eliminating flammable organic solvents while maintaining electrochemical performance
3Quantity of substance
If conventional battery design methods are used, then production processes become costly and time-consuming, but energy density targets of 300 Wh/L are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through comprehensive computational design and simulation before manufacturing. The framework predicts optimal battery configurations achieving 300+ Wh/L energy density, allowing direct fabrication without iterative prototyping. This preliminary optimization significantly improves production efficiency by eliminating costly trial-and-error cycles while meeting target energy density specifications
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
Achieves energy densities above 300 Wh/L, eliminates lithium dendrites and internal short circuits, and allows for scalable production of solid-state batteries capable of powering electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
Contain a solid electrolyte that consists of a phosphate or a ceramic
Implementation Method 2
Contain a cathode material consisting of a phosphate or oxide compound that is capable of achieving substantial lithium or magnesium intercalation
Implementation Method 3
Contain anode material consisting of a carbonaceous, silicon, tin, lithium metal or other material that is capable of plating or intercalating lithium or magnesium
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle propulsion system comprising a plurality of solid state rechargeable battery cells configured to power a drivetrain. In accordance with once aspect of the invention, a transportation system that is powered at least in part by electricity stored in the form of rechargeable electrochemical cells. According to an embodiment of the present invention, these cells are combined in series and in parallel to form a pack that is regulated by charge and discharge control circuits that are programmed with algorithms to monitor state of charge, battery lifetime, and battery health.