Three-Terminal Cell Voltage Control via Switched Capacitor Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies face challenges in simultaneously achieving long service life, maximizing energy density, minimizing cell failure risk, and maintaining acceptable costs when storing and retrieving large amounts of energy using three-terminal electrochemical cells.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling a battery composed of multiple three-terminal electrochemical cells, where each cell has a third terminal connected to a grid electrode, with capacitors switchably coupled to the second and third terminals, and a controller connected through a switching matrix to manage voltage and balance cell performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If many three-terminal electrochemical cells are connected in series to store large amounts of energy, then energy density is maximized, but the risk of cell failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual control for each cell through separate capacitors and switching elements. Each cell can be independently monitored and controlled, allowing localized management of voltage and charge states. This enables the system to maintain high energy density with many cells while mitigating failure risk through cell-by-cell management, preventing cascade failures and allowing individual cell replacement without affecting the entire battery pack.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sophisticated control systems are implemented to manage cell voltages, then battery service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular units, with each cell having its own capacitor and switching elements. The controller manages cells sequentially rather than simultaneously, dividing the complex task of managing N cells into N simpler individual control cycles. This segmentation extends battery service life through precise voltage control while keeping each control module relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller operates in periodic cycles, sequentially connecting to each cell's capacitor in turn. During each cycle, the controller measures and adjusts the voltage of one cell before moving to the next. This periodic action allows comprehensive control of all cells over time while simplifying the instantaneous control requirements, reducing complexity compared to simultaneous multi-cell control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If capacitors are continuously connected to each cell for voltage control, then cell balancing is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitors are connected to cells periodically rather than continuously. The controller sequentially connects to each cell's capacitor, performs voltage measurement and adjustment, then disconnects before moving to the next cell. This periodic connection maintains adequate voltage balance while significantly reducing energy loss compared to continuous connection, as capacitors only draw charging current during their brief connection periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitors serve as local energy buffers that maintain cell voltages during brief disconnection periods. When a capacitor is disconnected from its cell, it continues to provide voltage support, allowing the cell to essentially service itself during the controller's absence. This self-service capability maintains voltage stability without requiring continuous external energy input, reducing overall energy wastage.
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 approach enables sophisticated control and balancing of cell voltages, extends battery life, predicts potential failures, and optimizes energy storage capacity while reducing energy wastage through efficient management of charging and discharging processes.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided a respective capacitor switchably coupled to the second and third terminals thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described permitting a sophisticated control of a battery composed of a multiplicity of three-terminal electrochemical cells. Each cell has first and second terminals, connected with respective electrodes, one of which is a positive terminal and one of which is a negative terminal. Each cell has a third terminal connected with a grid electrode. A battery is composed of N cells. For each of the N cells, there is provided a respective capacitor switchably coupled to the second and third terminals thereof. A controller is connected through a switching matrix to the capacitors. In operation, the controller is connected sequentially to each capacitor among the multiplicity of capacitors, during which time the capacitor is momentarily uncoupled from its respective cell. When the controller is connected to one of the capacitors, it measures the voltage thereupon. The controller can then charge up or discharge the capacitor to drive it to a desired voltage level. Thereafter, the capacitor is disconnected from the controller and is coupled again to its respective cell.