Described herein are lithium-metal rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising a lithium-metal negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a liquid electrolyte. The liquid electrolyte comprises a core mixture and a diluent. The diluent comprises a fluorinated ether. The core mixture comprises a set of salts and a set of solvents. The set of solvents comprises a pyrrolidinium-containing ionic liquid and a molecular solvent. The molecular solvent is a non-fluorinated ether, for example including but not limited to 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In some examples, the electrolyte further comprises an electrolyte additive, for example including but not limited to tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphate. In some examples, the set of salts comprises one or more imide-containing lithium salts. In some examples, the set of salts comprises lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and an additional salt and the mole fraction of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in the set of salts is 0.5 or greater.
Described herein are negative electrodes comprising polymer base layers and current collector layers, formed from alloys or multi-layered structures, lithium electrochemical cells (e.g., lithium metal and lithium-ion cells), comprising such electrodes, and methods of fabricating such electrodes. In some examples, a negative electrode comprises a polymer base layer, a current collector layer, and a negative active material layer. The polymer base layer can be formed from one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyimide, cellulose, and nylon. The negative current collector layer can be formed from an alloy or a multi-layered structure comprising at least two or more elements selected from the group aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, indium, lithium, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorous, silicon, silver, sodium, tin, titanium, vanadium, and zinc. For example, the negative current collector layer can be formed from an alloy of titanium and aluminum or a lithium alloy.
A request may be received to determine a control profile for a device to perform a course of action. The request may include input values characterizing a state of a battery system included in the device and/or the course of action. Fixed parameter values may be determined based on the input values. Prospective control profiles may be determined for the device. The prospective control profiles may share the fixed parameter values and may each have a respective set of variable parameter values that vary across the plurality of prospective control profiles. A battery system state space prediction model may be applied to determine corresponding battery system state space output values. A selected prospective control profile may be determined, and an instruction to execute the selected prospective control profile may be transmitted to a device controller.
Described herein are negative battery electrodes, electrochemical cells comprising such electrodes, and methods of fabricating such electrodes. In some examples, a negative electrode comprises a polymer base layer, a current collector layer, and a lithium-metal negative active material layer. The polymer base layer can include a lithium-resistant polymer, at least forming the layer surfaces. The current collector layer is attached to and mechanically supported by the polymer base layer. The negative current collector layer provides a plating surface for the lithium-metal negative active material layer and electronic pathways during charge/discharge. The negative current collector layer is positioned between the polymer base layer and the lithium-metal negative active material layer and at least partially blocks the polymer base layer from the lithium metal.
Described herein are lithium-metal negative electrodes, lithium-metal liquid-electrolyte electrochemical cells comprising such electrodes, and methods of fabricating such electrodes. In some examples, a lithium-metal negative electrode comprises a polymer base layer, a current collector layer, and a lithium-metal negative active material layer. The polymer base layer can comprise a high-crystallinity polypropylene homopolymer that may have a melting point of 164-170°C and/or a Viscat softening point of 156-160°C. The current collector is attached to and mechanically supported by the polymer base layer. The negative current collector layer provides a plating surface for the lithium-metal negative active material layer and electronic pathways during charge/discharge. The negative current collector layer is positioned between the polymer base layer and the lithium-metal negative active material layer. The lithium-metal negative active material layer is attached to and supported by the negative current collector layer and the polymer base layer.
H01M 4/02 - Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
6.
SIMULATED DATASET GENERATION AND MODEL PRETRAINING FOR SIMULTANEOUS PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION, STATE ESTIMATION, AND PREDICTION OF BATTERY SYSTEM RESPONSE IN BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Control profiles may be determined for a designated type of battery system. The control profiles may define patterns of charging and/or discharging the designated type of battery system over time. Simulated battery values may be determined by applying one or more physics models to the control profiles. The physics models may model interactions between states. A pre-trained battery value temporal convolutional neural network may be determined based on a timeseries pre-training dataset that includes the control profiles and the simulated battery values. One or more predicted battery values may be determined based on application of the temporal convolutional neural network to a prospective control profile and observed battery system input values for a designated battery system of the designated type of battery system. An operational instruction may be sent to the designated battery system based on the one or more predicted battery values.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G01R 31/367 - Software therefor, e.g. for battery testing using modelling or look-up tables
7.
MODEL ADAPTATION THROUGH CONTROL PROFILE PERTURBATION FOR SIMULTANEOUS PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION, STATE ESTIMATION, AND PREDICTION OF BATTERY SYSTEM RESPONSE IN BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Observed battery system values characterizing one or more states associated with the battery system over time may be received for a battery system associated with a device. A prospective control profile identifying a time-varying pattern of battery system charge and/or discharge for the designated device over time may be determined. Prospective perturbed control profiles introducing variation over time into the prospective control profile may be determined. Battery state estimate values and corresponding predicted battery state variance values may be determined for the designated battery system by applying a trained temporal convolutional neural network to the prospective perturbed control profiles and the observed battery system values. The predicted battery state variance values may indicate statistical uncertainty for the predicted battery state estimate values. A designated perturbed control profile may be selected based on the plurality of predicted battery state variance values.
Observed battery system values may be received for one or more battery systems associated with one or more devices. The observed battery system values may characterize operation of the one or more battery systems over time. Prospective control profiles may be determined for the battery systems. The prospective control profiles may correspond to a time-varying patterns of battery system charge and/or discharge for prospective courses of action for the devices over time. Predicted battery system values may be determined for the battery systems by applying a trained temporal convolutional neural network to the prospective control profiles and the observed battery system values. A designated control profile may be selected based on the plurality of predicted battery system values. An instruction may be sent to a designated device to execute a course of action corresponding with the designated control profile.
B60L 58/12 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to state of charge [SoC]
B60L 58/16 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries responding to battery ageing, e.g. to the number of charging cycles or the state of health [SoH]
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
Described herein are lithium-metal negative electrodes, lithium-metal liquid-electrolyte electrochemical cells comprising such electrodes, and methods of fabricating such electrodes. In some examples, a lithium-metal negative electrode comprises a base layer comprising aluminum and/or titanium. The lithium-metal negative electrode also comprises a protection layer disposed on and supported by the base layer and comprising copper, silicon, zinc, magnesium, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, and/or silver. Furthermore, the lithium-metal negative electrode comprises a lithium-metal negative active material layer attached to and supported by the protection layer such that the protection layer is positioned between the negative-electrode base layer and the lithium-metal negative active material layer. In some examples, the lithium-metal negative electrode further comprises an additional protection layer disposed on and supported by the negative-electrode base layer such that the base layer is positioned between the protection layer and the additional protection layer.
Described herein are methods and systems for restoring LiMLE cells by cycling such cells using restoring conditions comprising specially selected restoring discharge current (e.g., at least 1 D) and a restoring charge current (e.g., less than 0.5 C). This restoration cycling can be triggered when a LiMLE cell reaches a restoring threshold, determined based on one or more of the following operating and resting conditions: a discharge capacity, an overpotential, an impedance, a direct-current (DC) resistance, the rest period duration, an open circuit voltage, operating discharge and/or charge currents, and an operating cycle count. The restoring threshold is selected to reflect the negative electrode state in a LiMLE cell. The restoring conditions are selected to change this negative electrode state to improve the performance of the LiMLE cell. For example, the restoring discharge can reduce the cell's state of charge (SOC) by at least 10%.
Described herein are methods and systems for restoring LiMLE cells by cycling such cells using restoring conditions comprising specially selected restoring discharge current (e.g., at least 1D) and a restoring charge current (e.g., less than 0.5C). This restoration cycling can be triggered when a LiMLE cell reaches a restoring threshold, determined based on one or more of the following operating and resting conditions: a discharge capacity, an overpotential, an impedance, a direct-current (DC) resistance, the rest period duration, an open circuit voltage, operating discharge and/or charge currents, and an operating cycle count. The restoring threshold is selected to reflect the negative electrode state in a LiMLE cell. The restoring conditions are selected to change this negative electrode state to improve the performance of the LiMLE cell. For example, the restoring discharge can reduce the cell's state of charge (SOC) by at least 10%.
Described herein are electrochemical cells fabricated with current collectors comprising polymer bases and metal layers and methods of interconnecting these current collectors or, more specifically, interconnecting their metal layers. For example, a current collector, positioned between two other current collectors, can have an opening allowing these two other current collectors to form a direct interface. This interface not only directly interconnects the metal layers on these two current collectors but also indirectly interconnects the two metal layers of the middle current collector, which are positioned on the opposite sides of the polymer base of this current collector. In some examples, the metal layers of current collectors are reinforced by external metal foils that help to maintain continuity and/or repair any discontinuities in the metal layers when these metal layers are welded together. For example, welding may push portions of the polymer bases away from the weld zone.
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/70 - Carriers or collectors characterised by shape or form
B23K 20/10 - Non-electric welding by applying impact or other pressure, with or without the application of heat, e.g. cladding or plating making use of vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic welding
13.
LITHIUM-METAL CELLS WITH LIQUID ELECTROLYTES AND HIGH-POROSITY SEPARATORS
Described herein are lithium-metal cells comprising liquid electrolytes and porous separators characterized by the ionic conductivity reduction of less than 7 times when these porous separators are added between the electrodes. In other words, the separator porosity (e.g., volumetric pore ratio, pore sizes, tortuosity) is such that at least 14% of the separator-free ionic conductivity is retained when the separator is added. For example, the separator may have a volumetric pore ratio of at least about 50% or even at least about 60%. In some examples, the separator comprises a polymer base and a ceramic material, arranged as a surface layer on the polymer base and/or embedded as a filler into the polymer base. This type of separator allows the use of liquid electrolytes with viscosities of at least about 100 cP, or even at least about 200 cP (at room temperature) while maintaining high-rate capabilities.
H01M 50/446 - Composite material consisting of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials
H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
H01M 50/489 - Separators, membranes, diaphragms or spacing elements inside the cells, characterised by their physical properties, e.g. swelling degree, hydrophilicity or shut down properties
Described herein are electrode-separator integrated assemblies, lithium-metal electrochemical cells comprising such assemblies, and methods of fabricating such assemblies and cells. An assembly can be formed as one continuous structure comprising one type of electrodes (referred to as an assembly electrode) wrapping around multiple other-type electrodes (referred to as non-assembly electrodes). Either positive or negative electrodes can be assembly electrodes, i.e., parts of electrode-separator integrated assemblies. The assembly also comprises a first separator portion and a second separator portion such that the assembly electrode is positioned between the two separator portions. The separator portions can be adhered to the assembly electrode. The separator portions can be independent separate sheets or parts of a single monolithic sheet wrapping around the inner edges of the assembly electrode. A portion of the assembly electrode extends from the separator portions for making electrical connections to other electrodes and or cell tabs.
H01M 10/0587 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only wound construction elements, i.e. wound positive electrodes, wound negative electrodes and wound separators
H01M 50/46 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by their combination with electrodes
Described herein are current collectors comprising metal grids as well as electrodes and lithium-metal cells comprising such current collectors and methods of fabricating such current collectors, electrodes, and lithium-metal cells. A thin current collector comprises a polymer base and a metal layer positioned on, directly interfaces, and supported by one side of the polymer base. A thin current collector also comprises a metal grid, which directly interfaces and is supported by the edge of the polymer base. The metal grid is electrically coupled to the metal layer, e.g., by overlapping or at least forming an interface with the metal layer. In an electrode that further comprises an active material layer supported on the metal layer, the metal grid extends away from the active material layer. In an electrochemical cell, the metal grid can be connected to the metal grids of other electrodes and/or cell tabs.
Described herein are lithium-metal rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising positive single-crystal nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC)-containing structures and liquid electrolytes comprising one or more imide-containing salts, such as bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI−)-containing salts, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI−)-containing salts, and bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (BETI−)-containing salts. These salts can also include various cations, such as lithium (Li+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), cesium (Cs+), n-propyl-n-methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr13+), n-octyl-n-methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr18+), and 1-methyl-1-pentylpyrrolidinium (Pyr15+). For example, imide-containing salts can act as a source of lithium ions in lithium-metal salts. In some examples, the liquid electrolyte further comprises one or more of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl Ether (TFEE), 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TFPE), one or more phosphites, and one or more phosphates. In some examples, the liquid electrolyte has a lithium-ion activity of at least 370 mV or even at least about 390 mV (vs. 1M LiFSI in DME at 25° C.). Furthermore, the single-crystal NMC-containing structures can have a nickel concentration of at least 70% atomic.
H01M 10/0568 - Liquid materials characterised by the solutes
H01M 4/02 - Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/505 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of manganese of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing manganese for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiMn2O4 or LiMn2OxFy
H01M 4/525 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of nickel, cobalt or iron of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing iron, cobalt or nickel for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiNiO2, LiCoO2 or LiCoOxFy
H01M 10/0569 - Liquid materials characterised by the solvents
17.
LITHIUM-METAL RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS WITH LIQUID ELECTROLYTES AND SINGLE-CRYSTAL NICKEL-MANGANESE-COBALT
Described herein are lithium-metal rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising positive single-crystal nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC)-containing structures and liquid electrolytes comprising one or more imide-containing salts, such as bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI-)-containing salts, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI-)-containing salts, and bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (BETI-)-containing salts. These salts can also include various cations, such as lithium (Li+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), cesium (Cs+), n-propyl-n-methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr13+), n-octyl-n-methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr18+), and 1-methyl-1-pentylpyrrolidinium (Pyr15+). For example, imide-containing salts can act as a source of lithium ions in lithium-metal salts. In some examples, the liquid electrolyte further comprises one or more of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl Ether (TFEE), 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TFPE), one or more phosphites, and one or more phosphates. In some examples, the liquid electrolyte has a lithium-ion activity of at least 370 mV or even at least about 390 mV (vs. 1M LiFSI in DME at 25°C). Furthermore, the single-crystal NMC-containing structures can have a nickel concentration of at least 70% atomic.
H01M 10/0568 - Liquid materials characterised by the solutes
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodesLithium-ion batteries
H01M 10/0569 - Liquid materials characterised by the solvents
H01M 4/134 - Electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/131 - Electrodes based on mixed oxides or hydroxides, or on mixtures of oxides or hydroxides, e.g. LiCoOx
H01M 4/525 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of nickel, cobalt or iron of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing iron, cobalt or nickel for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiNiO2, LiCoO2 or LiCoOxFy
H01M 4/505 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides of manganese of mixed oxides or hydroxides containing manganese for inserting or intercalating light metals, e.g. LiMn2O4 or LiMn2OxFy
18.
CURRENT COLLECTORS COMPRISING METAL GRIDS AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF
Described herein are current collectors comprising metal grids as well as electrodes and lithium-metal cells comprising such current collectors and methods of fabricating such current collectors, electrodes, and lithium-metal cells. A thin current collector comprises a polymer base and a metal layer positioned on, directly interfaces, and supported by one side of the polymer base. A thin current collector also comprises a metal grid, which directly interfaces and is supported by the edge of the polymer base. The metal grid is electrically coupled to the metal layer, e.g., by overlapping or at least forming an interface with the metal layer. In an electrode that further comprises an active material layer supported on the metal layer, the metal grid extends away from the active material layer. In an electrochemical cell, the metal grid can be connected to the metal grids of other electrodes and/or cell tabs.
Described herein are lithium-metal unit cells and methods of fabricating such cells. A lithium-metal unit cell comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator sheet. The negative electrode comprises a negative polymer base and a negative active material layer adhered to and supported on the negative polymer base and comprising lithium metal. The positive electrode comprises a positive polymer base, a positive current collector adhered to and supported on the positive polymer base, and a positive active material layer adhered to and supported on the positive polymer base such that the positive current collector is positioned between the positive polymer base and the positive active material layer. The separator sheet is positioned between the negative active material layer and the positive active material layer and bonded to the negative base side edges and the positive base side edges.
H01M 10/0585 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
Described herein are lithium-metal unit cells and methods of fabricating such cells. A lithium-metal unit cell comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator sheet. The negative electrode comprises a negative polymer base and a negative active material layer adhered to and supported on the negative polymer base and comprising lithium metal. The positive electrode comprises a positive polymer base, a positive current collector adhered to and supported on the positive polymer base, and a positive active material layer adhered to and supported on the positive polymer base such that the positive current collector is positioned between the positive polymer base and the positive active material layer. The separator sheet is positioned between the negative active material layer and the positive active material layer and bonded to the negative base side edges and the positive base side edges.
An enclosure for a plurality of pouch battery cells, the enclosure comprising a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of pouch battery cells and wherein each receptacle includes a normally-closed cover, the cover configured to adopt an open configuration to reveal an aperture in the receptacle to allow material ejected from the pouch battery cell that is mounted in the receptacle to leave the receptacle and, in its normally-closed configuration, at least partially close the aperture to prevent material ejected from a different one of the receptacles from entering the receptacle.
A pouch battery cell system comprising: a pouch battery cell comprising an electrochemical cell and a pouch configured to house the electrochemical cell, wherein the pouch includes a peripheral flange configured to seal the electrochemical cell within the pouch; at least a first connector arrangement configured to extend through the peripheral flange and provide for electrical connection to the electrochemical cell housed within the pouch; a reinforcing structure configured to partially extend around the peripheral flange of the pouch such that it is absent at a predetermined region of the peripheral flange, the reinforcing structure configured to provide for the increased structural integrity of the peripheral flange where it is present relative to the predetermined region where it is absent.
A system including a battery module configured for use in an electric aircraft includes at least a battery cell and a battery module casing. The at least a battery cell includes at least a pair of cell tabs and at least a conductor. The battery module casing includes at least a lithiophobic surface with an ejecta barrier and at least a nonlithiphobic surface that is configured to vent the cell ejecta. The battery module casing closely matches the dimensions of the battery cell.
H01M 50/30 - Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
H01M 50/233 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions
H01M 50/202 - Casings or frames around the primary casing of a single cell or a single battery
H01M 50/249 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
H01M 50/528 - Fixed electrical connections, i.e. not intended for disconnection
H01M 10/655 - Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
B64D 27/24 - Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plants using steam or spring force
B64C 29/00 - Aircraft capable of landing or taking-off vertically, e.g. vertical take-off and landing [VTOL] aircraft
B64F 5/10 - Manufacturing or assembling aircraft, e.g. jigs therefor
A system for electrical energy production from chemical reagents in a compartmentalized cell includes: at least two electrodes, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode; at least one separator, that separates the anodes and the cathodes; and an ionic liquid electrolyte system. The system can be a battery or one or more cells of a battery system. The ionic liquid electrolyte system comprises an ionic liquid solvent; an ether co-solvent, comprising a minority fraction, by weight, of the electrolyte; and a lithium salt. In preferred variations, the anode is a lithium metal anode and the cathode is a metal oxide cathode and the separator is a polyolefin separator.
Described herein are methods and systems for controlling the charge and discharge characteristics of lithium-metal liquid-electrolyte (LiMLE) electrochemical cells that ensure extended cycle life even at high charge rates. In some examples, a method comprises charging a LiMLE electrochemical cell using a set of charge characteristics and discharging the cell using a set of discharge characteristics. These characteristics are specifically tailored to the cell design. For example, the cell temperature can be higher during the charge than during the discharge, especially for viscous electrolytes. For example, the cell can be heated before charging, e.g., using a separate heater and/or charge-discharge pulses (before or while charging the cell). In the same or other examples, the set of charge characteristics comprises charge pulses such that each pair of charge pulses is separated by a discharge pulse. The current during each discharge pulse can be greater during each charge pulse.
Described herein are methods and systems for controlling the charge and discharge characteristics of lithium-metal liquid-electrolyte (LiMLE) electrochemical cells that ensure extended cycle life even at high charge rates. In some examples, a method comprises charging a LiMLE electrochemical cell using a set of charge characteristics and discharging the cell using a set of discharge characteristics. These characteristics are specifically tailored to the cell design. For example, the cell temperature can be higher during the charge than during the discharge, especially for viscous electrolytes. For example, the cell can be heated before charging, e.g., using a separate heater and/or charge-discharge pulses (before or while charging the cell). In the same or other examples, the set of charge characteristics comprises charge pulses such that each pair of charge pulses is separated by a discharge pulse. The current during each discharge pulse can be greater during each charge pulse.
Described herein are electrochemical cells fabricated with current collectors comprising polymer bases and metal layers and methods of interconnecting these current collectors or, more specifically, interconnecting their metal layers. For example, a current collector, positioned between two other current collectors, can have an opening allowing these two other current collectors to form a direct interface. This interface not only directly interconnects the metal layers on these two current collectors but also indirectly interconnects the two metal layers of the middle current collector, which are positioned on the opposite sides of the polymer base of this current collector. In some examples, the metal layers of current collectors are reinforced by external metal foils that help to maintain continuity and/or repair any discontinuities in the metal layers when these metal layers are welded together. For example, welding may push portions of the polymer bases away from the weld zone.
Described herein are methods and systems for forming electrode stacks. For example, a method may comprise applying in-plane tension to a separator sheet and inspecting the separator sheet while applying the in-plane tension. This under-tension allows identifying any defects on the separator sheets that are not curable by tension, e.g., permanent wrinkles, tears, contaminants, and the like. Furthermore, this in-plane tension can be used for stacking and maintained while an electrode is placed over the separator. The tension can be formed by positioning vacuum clamps along the opposite edges (e.g., long edges) of the separator sheet. For example, one vacuum clamp can extend along the entire separator edge. Alternatively, multiple clamps can be distributed along the edge. Furthermore, additional clamps can be positioned along the remaining two edges (of the rectangular separator sheet). The vacuum clamps can move in various directions and/or rotate to apply the in-plane tension.
H01M 10/0583 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators with folded construction elements except wound ones, i.e. folded positive or negative electrodes or separators, e.g. with ‘’Z’’-shaped electrodes or separators
29.
BATTERY ASSEMBLIES COMPRISING LITHIUM-METAL ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS AND PRESSURE-APPLYING STRUCTURES
Described herein are battery assemblies that comprise lithium-metal electrochemical cells and pressure-applying structures disposed adjacent to the cells and applying uniform pressure to the cells. Specifically, this uniform pressure is applied between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold at any operating state of charge of these cells and, in some examples, over the entire operating lifetime of the cells. A pressure-applying structure can be positioned between a pair of adjacent cells or between a cell and an assembly enclosure. In some examples, the footprint of the pressure-inducing structure fully covers the footprint of the negative-electrode planar portion. The pressure-inducing structure may have a stress relaxation of less than 5% and/or a compression set of less than 10%. The pressure-inducing structure may remain in an elastic deformation region at any operating condition. In some examples, the pressure-inducing structure is foam or aerogel.
H01M 50/293 - MountingsSecondary casings or framesRacks, modules or packsSuspension devicesShock absorbersTransport or carrying devicesHolders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs characterised by the material
H01M 50/209 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells
H01M 50/211 - Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for pouch cells
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodesLithium-ion batteries
30.
BATTERY ASSEMBLIES COMPRISING LITHIUM-METAL ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS AND PRESSURE-APPLYING STRUCTURES
Described herein are battery assemblies that comprise lithium-metal electrochemical cells and pressure-applying structures disposed adjacent to the cells and applying uniform pressure to the cells. Specifically, this uniform pressure is applied between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold at any operating state of charge of these cells and, in some examples, over the entire operating lifetime of the cells. A pressure-applying structure can be positioned between a pair of adjacent cells or between a cell and an assembly enclosure. In some examples, the footprint of the pressure-inducing structure fully covers the footprint of the negative-electrode planar portion. The pressure-inducing structure may have a stress relaxation of less than 5% and/or a compression set of less than 10%. The pressure-inducing structure may remain in an elastic deformation region at any operating condition. In some examples, the pressure-inducing structure is foam or aerogel.
Described herein are battery assemblies that comprise lithium-metal electrochemical cells and lithium-ejecta containment components. A lithium-ejecta containment component is configured to prevent or at least reduce the migration of lithium metal that has been ejected from any of the lithium-metal electrochemical cells. For example, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be positioned between a pair of lithium-metal electrochemical cells and/or between the battery-assembly enclosure and each cell. In the same or other examples, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be integrated into the battery-assembly enclosure and/or cell enclosures. Furthermore, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be configured to absorb and contain the ejected lithium metal. In further examples, a lithium-ejecta containment component is configured to direct the ejected lithium metal away from the battery assembly. Various materials, which are resistant to lithium and capable of withstanding high temperatures, can be used for a lithium-ejecta containment component.
Described herein are battery assemblies that comprise lithium-metal electrochemical cells and lithium-ejecta containment components. A litliium-ejecta containment component is configured to preventorat least reduce the migration of lithium metal that lias been ejected from any of the lithium-metal electrochemical cells. For example, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be positioned between a pair of lithium-metal electrochemical cells and/or between the battery-assembly enclosure and each cell. In the same or other examples, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be integrated into the battery-assembly enclosure and/or cell enclosures. Furthermore, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be configured to absorb and contain the ejected lithium metal. In further examples, a lithium-ejecta containment component is configured to direct the ejected lithium metal away from the battery assembly. Various materials, which are resistant to lithium and capable of withstanding high temperatures, can be used for a litliium-ejecta containment component
Described herein are battery assemblies that comprise lithium-metal electrochemical cells and lithium-ejecta containment components. A lithium-ejecta containment component is configured to prevent or at least reduce the migration of lithium metal that has been ejected from any of the lithium-metal electrochemical cells. For example, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be positioned between a pair of lithium-metal electrochemical cells and/or between the battery-assembly enclosure and each cell. In the same or other examples, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be integrated into the battery-assembly enclosure and/or cell enclosures. Furthermore, a lithium-ejecta containment component can be configured to absorb and contain the ejected lithium metal. In further examples, a lithium-ejecta containment component is configured to direct the ejected lithium metal away from the battery assembly. Various materials, which are resistant to lithium and capable of withstanding high temperatures, can be used for a lithium-ejecta containment component.
A system for electrical energy production from chemical reagents in a compartmentalized cell includes: at least two electrodes, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode; at least one separator, that separates the anodes and the cathodes; and an ionic liquid electrolyte system. The system can be a battery or one or more cells of a battery system. The ionic liquid electrolyte system comprises an ionic liquid solvent; an ether co-solvent, comprising a minority fraction, by weight, of the electrolyte; and a lithium salt. In preferred variations, the anode is a lithium metal anode and the cathode is a metal oxide cathode and the separator is a polyolefin separator.
A system for a high temperature, high energy density secondary battery that includes an electrolyte comprising an ionic liquid solvent, and electrolyte salts; a metallic anode; a cathode, compatible with the electrolyte and comprising an active material and a polyimide binder; and a separator component that separates the cathode and anode.
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodesLithium-ion batteries
H01M 10/04 - Construction or manufacture in general
H01M 10/0568 - Liquid materials characterised by the solutes
H01M 10/0569 - Liquid materials characterised by the solvents
H01M 4/134 - Electrodes based on metals, Si or alloys
H01M 4/13 - Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulatorsProcesses of manufacture thereof
H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
H01M 4/46 - Alloys based on magnesium or aluminium
H01M 4/48 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic oxides or hydroxides
H01M 4/62 - Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
H01M 10/0587 - Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only wound construction elements, i.e. wound positive electrodes, wound negative electrodes and wound separators
A system for electrical energy production from chemical reagents in a compartmentalized cell includes: at least two electrodes, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode; at least one separator, that separates the anodes and the cathodes; and an ionic liquid electrolyte system. The system can be a battery or one or more cells of a battery system. The ionic liquid electrolyte system comprises an ionic liquid solvent; an ether co-solvent, comprising a minority fraction, by weight, of the electrolyte; and a lithium salt. In preferred variations, the anode is a lithium metal anode and the cathode is a metal oxide cathode and the separator is a polyolefin separator.
A system for electrical energy production from chemical reagents in a compartmentalized cell includes: at least two electrodes, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode; at least one separator, that separates the anodes and the cathodes; and an ionic liquid electrolyte system. The system can be a battery or one or more cells of a battery system. The ionic liquid electrolyte system comprises an ionic liquid solvent; an ether co-solvent, comprising a minority fraction, by weight, of the electrolyte; and a lithium salt. In preferred variations, the anode is a lithium metal anode and the cathode is a metal oxide cathode and the separator is a polyolefin separator.
A system for a high temperature, high energy density secondary battery that includes an electrolyte comprising an ionic liquid solvent, and electrolyte salts; a metallic anode; a cathode, compatible with the electrolyte and comprising an active material and a polyimide binder; and a separator component that separates the cathode and anode.
A system for a high temperature, high energy density secondary battery that includes an electrolyte comprising an ionic liquid solvent, and electrolyte salts; a metallic anode; a cathode, compatible with the electrolyte and comprising an active material and a polyimide binder; and a separator component that separates the cathode and anode.
patents
