Solid-State Proton-Conductive Battery for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal hydride batteries are too heavy for PHEV applications, and lithium-ion battery technology faces challenges with high cost, performance issues at low temperatures, abuse tolerance, and limited calendar life, making them unsuitable for HEV and PHEV applications.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state battery design featuring a multilayered cell structure with a solid state layer of negative electrode material, a solid state layer of positive electrode material, and a perovskite-type oxide material that is electrically insulating yet proton-conductive, along with thin-film electrically conductive terminal layers, to enhance power and energy density while reducing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current metal hydride batteries are used, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but weight becomes too heavy for PHEV applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, and employs thin-film technology to reduce material quantities. This transforms the battery into a solid-state thin-film device that maintains energy storage capacity while dramatically reducing weight through minimized material usage and optimized structural parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film technology throughout the battery structure, using ultra-thin layers of electrodes, solid electrolyte, and current collectors. This thin-film approach reduces the overall mass and volume of the battery while maintaining functional performance, directly addressing the weight reduction requirement for PHEV applications.
2Quantity of substance
If lithium-ion battery technology is used, then energy density is improved, but cost increases significantly for HEV and PHEV applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, abundant materials such as nickel hydroxide, zinc, and common solid electrolytes instead of costly lithium-based materials. The thin-film fabrication process uses low-cost deposition techniques that can be scaled economically, making the battery suitable for cost-sensitive HEV and PHEV applications while maintaining high energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters to use abundant, low-cost elements while achieving high energy density through optimized thin-film structures. The solid-state configuration and thin-film architecture enable high energy density without relying on expensive lithium materials, thereby reducing manufacturing costs for vehicle applications.
3Power
If high-power battery design is implemented, then power output increases, but abuse tolerance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid electrolyte acts as an intermediary between the electrodes, providing inherent safety by being non-flammable and resistant to thermal runaway. This solid-state mediator enables high power output while simultaneously improving abuse tolerance, as the solid electrolyte prevents the harmful effects associated with liquid electrolytes in high-power conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional battery structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but weight reduction potential is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film technology throughout the battery structure, using ultra-thin layers of electrodes, solid electrolyte, and current collectors. This thin-film approach reduces the overall mass and volume of the battery while maintaining functional performance, directly addressing the weight reduction requirement for PHEV applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified thin-film layers, combining current collection, ion transport, and structural support functions within the same components. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate heavy structural elements and simplifies the overall construction, achieving weight reduction without significantly complicating the manufacturing 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 solution achieves high power and energy density, reduces weight, and lowers manufacturing costs, making it suitable for HEV and PHEV applications with improved abuse tolerance and extended calendar life.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state layer of perovskite-type oxide material disposed between the layer of positive electrode material and the layer of negative electrode material, where the layer of perovskite-type oxide material is electrically insulating and capable of readily conducting or transporting protons from the layer of positive electrode material to the layer of negative electrode material
Implementation Method 2
a solid state layer of negative electrode material capable of adsorbing and desorbing protons during charge and discharge
Implementation Method 3
a solid state layer of positive electrode material capable of desorbing and adsorbing protons during charge and discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state battery including at least one multilayered battery cell comprising: 1) a layer of negative electrode material; 2) a layer of positive electrode material; and 3) a layer of perovskite-type oxide material disposed between the layer of positive electrode material and the layer of negative electrode material, where said layer of perovskite-type oxide material is electrically insulating and capable of readily conducting or transporting protons.