A123 Systems, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150364791 | ELECTRODE MATERIALS WITH A SYNTHETIC SOLID ELECTROLYTE INTERFACE - A material suitable for use in an electrode, preferably an anode, and processes of its formation are provided. The material includes an electrode base material and an organic artificial solid electrolyte interface material including a water soluble organic polymer coating the electrode base material. The polymer is polymerized with a crosslinker to form the organic artificial solid electrolyte interface material. The resulting artificial SEI coated electrode material demonstrates superior discharge rate capacity and cycle stability. | 12-17-2015 |
20140368158 | HYBRID BATTERY SYSTEM - A rechargeable, hybrid battery system incorporates a high power battery component and a high energy density battery component. The voltage of the high energy density battery varies as a function of its state of charge, but remains greater than the voltage of the high power battery throughout the operating range of the battery system. | 12-18-2014 |
20140138591 | BLENDED CATHODE MATERIALS - A positive electroactive material is described, including: a lithium iron manganese phosphate compound having a composition of Li | 05-22-2014 |
20140049222 | Method for Opportunistically Balancing Charge Between Battery Cells - Systems and methods for balancing battery cells of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a charge imbalance is determined while battery cells operate in a high charge resolution voltage range. The charge imbalance determined during operation in the high charge resolution voltage range may be removed when the battery cells are operated in a low charge resolution voltage range. The system and method may be particularly useful for balancing battery cells that operate in the low charge resolution voltage range for a large portion of their operating time. | 02-20-2014 |
20140042980 | System and Method for Balancing Charge Between Battery Cells - Systems and methods for balancing charge of battery cells of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, battery cell balancing may be improved by balancing battery cells of a battery cell stack simultaneously. The system and method may be particularly useful battery packs that may be constructed with battery cell stacks that vary in a number of series battery cells. | 02-13-2014 |
20130295435 | CRIMPED, PRISMATIC BATTERY STRUCTURE - A battery housing is comprised of a unitary, seamless base member having a generally planar, quadrilateral bottom face with a side wall extending therefrom. The length dimension of the bottom face is at least twice the height of the side wall. The base member has an open top face. The housing includes a cover which closes the open top face and is engageable with the side wall of the base. An electrically resistive sealing gasket is configured to contact the cover member and the side wall so as to provide a fluid-tight seal. The components are mechanically interlocked by crimping or hemming. The housing is specifically configured to accommodate stacking of individual batteries into power assemblies, and the geometry of the housing optimizes thermal management. Further disclosed are batteries and battery assemblies including the housing. | 11-07-2013 |
20130265059 | System and Method for Verifying a Reference Voltage for Battery Cell Monitoring - Systems and methods for verifying a reference voltage within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, an assessment of a reference voltage is made via a band-gap voltage of a microcontroller. The system and method may be particularly useful determining whether or not the reference voltage has drifted from a desired voltage. | 10-10-2013 |
20130252043 | System and Method for Controlling Humidity in a Battery Module - A method for reducing moisture in a battery enclosure is presented. The method may reduce battery degradation during some conditions. In one example, moisture is controlled in a battery enclosure by a desiccant material. In another example, moisture is controlled in a battery enclosure by periodically passing electrical current through a Peltier device. | 09-26-2013 |
20130202959 | ELECTROPHORETIC ASSEMBLY OF ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES - Methods are provided for making bipolar electrochemical devices, such as batteries, using electrophoresis. A bipolar device is assembled by applying a field that creates a physical separation between two active electrode materials, without requiring insertion of a discrete separator film or electrolyte layer. | 08-08-2013 |
20130171480 | System and Method for Monitoring Battery Bus Bars Within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods monitoring battery bus bars are disclosed. In one example, positive temperature coefficient thermistors are coupled to battery bus bars. The systems and method may reduce the cost and complexity of battery bus bar monitoring. | 07-04-2013 |
20130119941 | System and Method for Assessing ADC Operation and Voltage of a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for assessing operation of ADCs of a battery pack supplying power to a vehicle are disclosed. One example system comprises, a first ADC for determining the voltage of at least one battery cell; a second ADC for determining the voltage of a plurality of battery cells; and a controller performing an action in response to comparing an output of said first ADC to an output of said second ADC. | 05-16-2013 |
20130116844 | GRID LOAD SYNCHRONIZATION DEVICE AND METHOD - The grid load synchronization system described herein permits proactive mitigation of the effects of large loads transitioning on and off the power grid and the resultant risks and power quality issues associated therewith. The disclosed proactive system permits a grid-connected power consumer to synchronize demand with power storage equipment in real time using a digital communication link. The power consumer transmits requests to bring a load online or offline to a control site. The control site coordinates power grid source(s) and power grid loads to maintain power quality when loads go on and offline. The control sites manage requests from multiple power consumers and schedule the various loads for the consumers to mitigate the effects of large loads transitioning on and off the power grid. The resulting power quality can be guaranteed when adequate battery resources are made proactively available, rather than reacting to line conditions to engage compensation actions. | 05-09-2013 |
20130101874 | BATTERY WITH INTEGRATED POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND SCALABLE BATTERY CUTOFF - The present disclosure relates battery with an integrated power management system and scalable cutoff component, the battery system including a battery housing with first and second voltage output terminals, a plurality of rechargeable battery cells within the battery housing and having first and second voltage terminals; a power management system for generating an external control signal and an internal control signal based upon monitored operating parameters of the plurality of rechargeable battery cells, said external control signal for controlling an external power source and/or an external load, said power management system forming an integral part of the battery system; and a cutoff switch circuit within the battery housing and for making and breaking a conductive path between the first voltage terminal of the plurality of battery cells and the first voltage output terminal of the battery housing in response the internal control signal from the battery management system. | 04-25-2013 |
20130022845 | Battery Module System - A battery module is disclosed where the battery module includes a variety of internal components. In one example, microcellular polyurethane pads are positioned between walls of the battery module and internal components of the battery module to reduced degradation that may be caused by operating the battery module in a vehicle. The pads may reduce vibration and interference between the battery module walls and interior battery components so that battery module life may be extended. | 01-24-2013 |
20130009602 | Temperature Controlled Parallel Balancing - A method of controlling current in a parallel battery systems includes providing at least two parallel connected batteries, each said battery having an internal resistance and dissipating heat while operating; during operation, measuring at least the temperature and current of each individual battery; and providing instructions to a temperature control system having a temperature control module coupled with each said battery for individually cooling each said battery to adjust temperature of at least one battery in order to maintain the current at a target value. | 01-10-2013 |
20130009464 | System and Method for Controlling a Battery Pack Output Contactor - Systems and methods for controlling a contactor of a battery pack are disclosed. In one embodiment, the coil of the contactor is controlled by a power supply. Further, the contactor coil holding current may be adjusted in response to vehicle drive mode. | 01-10-2013 |
20130004829 | Heterogeneous Ohmic Contact for a Voltaic Cell - An electrochemical cell has first and second electroactive layers, a heterogeneous ohmic contact, and a homogeneous ohmic contact. The heterogeneous ohmic contact includes dissimilar first and second conductors, with the first conductor joined to the first electroactive layer and the second conductor oriented opposite the first electroactive layer. The homogeneous ohmic contact includes the second conductor, joined to the second electroactive layer. | 01-03-2013 |
20120328942 | DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF ELECTRODES WITH GRADIENTS - An electrode has a front face furthest from the current collector and a back face closest to the current collector and Is disposed on the current collector, and the electrode has a primary gradient of one of a chemical, physical and performance properties of the electroactive particle composition between the front and back faces, with the proviso that the primary gradient is not a bulk porosity gradient. In some embodiments, the electrode further comprises one or more secondary gradients Imposed over the primary gradient. The secondary gradient is one or more gradients selected from the group consisting of particle size gradient, particle size distribution gradient, particle morphology gradient, particle internal porosity, bulk porosity, particle volumetric charge-transfer resistance gradient, particle specific surface area gradient, particle crystalline structure gradient, particle crystallite size gradient, particle chemical composition gradient, particle robustness to cycling gradient, binder gradient, conductive additive gradient, and combinations thereof. | 12-27-2012 |
20120306503 | System and Method for Assessing Voltage Threshold Detecting Circuitry Within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for assessing voltage threshold detection circuitry of individual battery cells within a battery pack supplying power to a vehicle are disclosed. One example system comprises, a plurality of battery cells within a battery pack, a plurality of voltage threshold detecting circuits detecting voltage of the plurality of battery cells, a voltage of a first battery cell of the plurality of battery cells coupled to a first voltage threshold detecting circuit of the plurality of voltage threshold detecting circuits, and a network that selectively couples a second battery cell to the first voltage detecting circuit while the first battery cell is coupled to the first voltage detecting circuit. | 12-06-2012 |
20120292987 | System and Method Providing Power Within a Battery Pack - A system for supplying power internal to a battery pack is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a power supply that is powered by battery cells in the battery pack such that each battery cell supplies substantially the same amount of current to power the power supply. In this way, power can be distributed within the battery pack without causing imbalance between an amount of charge stored in different battery cells. | 11-22-2012 |
20120286794 | System and Method for Monitoring and Balancing Voltage of Individual Battery Cells within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for a scalable battery controller are disclosed. In one example, a circuit board coupled to a battery cell stack is designed to be configurable to monitor and balance battery cells of battery cell stacks that may vary depending on battery pack requirements. Further, the battery pack control module may configure software instructions in response to a voltage at a battery cell stack. | 11-15-2012 |
20120286739 | System and Method for Estimating a State of a Battery Pack - A method for estimating the state of a battery having multiple cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, strain gauges are coupled to battery binding bands that hold cells of the battery together. The strain measured by the gauges may be related to the electrical charge stored by the battery. The method may improve estimates of battery state of charge during conditions when battery voltage changes little and the battery continues to accept charge. | 11-15-2012 |
20120274284 | System and Method for Controlling Voltage of Individual Battery Cells Within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for detecting and managing a plurality of cells within a battery pack supplying power to propel a vehicle are disclosed. One example method comprises, monitoring voltage of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack, activating a power supply when a voltage of at least one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells exceeds a threshold, and draining a portion of charge from the at least one battery cell. | 11-01-2012 |
20120270109 | AMORPHOUS AND PARTIALLY AMORPHOUS NANOSCALE ION STORAGE MATERIALS - Amorphous or partially amorphous nanoscale ion storage materials are provided. For example, lithium transition metal phosphate storage compounds are nanoscale and amorphous or partially amorphous in an as-prepared state, or become amorphous or partially amorphous upon electrochemical intercalation or de-intercalation by lithium. These nanoscale ion storage materials are useful for producing devices such as high energy and high power storage batteries. | 10-25-2012 |
20120263986 | LITHIUM RECHARGEABLE CELL WITH REFERENCE ELECTRODE FOR STATE OF HEALTH MONITORING - A battery management system includes one or more lithium ion cells in electrical connection, each said cell comprising: first and second working electrodes and one or more reference electrodes, each reference electrode electronically isolated from the working electrodes and having a separate tab or current collector exiting the cell and providing an additional terminal for electrical measurement; and a battery management system comprising a battery state-of-charge monitor, said monitor being operable for receiving information relating to the potential difference of the working electrodes and the potential of one or more of the working electrodes versus the reference electrode. | 10-18-2012 |
20120214056 | BATTERY STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - An electrochemical device includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector, a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector and a crosslinked solid polymer in contact with the first and second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a network of electrically connected particles comprising an electroactive material, and the particles of one electrode exert a repelling force on the other electrode when the first and second electrodes are combined with an uncrosslinked precursor to the solid polymer. | 08-23-2012 |
20120199784 | ELECTRODE MATERIAL WITH ENHANCED IONIC TRANSPORT PROPERTIES - Materials useful as electrodes for lithium batteries have very good electronic and ionic conductivities. They are fabricated from a starting mixture which includes a metal, a phosphate ion, and an additive which enhances the transport of lithium ions in the resultant material. The mixture is heated in a reducing environment to produce the material. The additive may comprise a pentavalent metal or a carbon. In certain embodiments the material is a two-phase material. Also disclosed are electrodes which incorporate the materials and lithium batteries which incorporate those electrodes. | 08-09-2012 |
20120196170 | PRISMATIC BATTERY MODULE WITH SCALABLE ARCHITECTURE - A battery system including: a plurality of subunits each of which has a heatsink and a battery cell and two voltage terminals symmetrically positioned with respect to a centerline of that battery cell, wherein all of the battery cells are arranged so that their voltage terminals are aligned along two rows; a plurality of identical busbar supports equal in number to the plurality of subunits, each having two slots and mounted on a corresponding different one of the subunits with each of the terminals of the battery cell extending up through the two slots; and a plurality of bimetallic busbars, each one supported by a different corresponding subset of the busbar supports and electrically connected directly to either a first or second terminal of each of the battery cells of each of the modules on which those busbar supports are mounted. | 08-02-2012 |
20120171568 | PRISMATIC BATTERY CELL WELDING - A prismatic battery cell is provided. The prismatic battery cell includes a plurality of electrode films conducting electricity in the prismatic battery cell, a terminal welded to the plurality of electrodes, and a buffer film welded to the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes interposing the terminal and the buffer film. | 07-05-2012 |
20120104856 | BATTERY BALANCING SYSTEM - A battery system comprises a first battery unit; a DC voltage bus; a second battery unit electrically connected to the DC voltage bus; a current-limiting component; and switching circuitry for connecting the first battery unit to the DC voltage bus, where the switching circuitry is configured to electrically connect the first battery unit to the DC voltage bus either directly or through a current-limiting component, depending on an operating parameter of the first battery unit. | 05-03-2012 |
20120098543 | System And Method For Controlling Output Of A Battery Pack - Systems and methods for communicating a state of a battery to a vehicle controller are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack outputs a signal indicative of an amount of capability the battery pack has to source or sink current at present operating conditions. The system and method may improve vehicle drivability and reduce battery pack degradation. | 04-26-2012 |
20120080938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A BATTERY PACK OUTPUT CONTACTOR - Systems and methods for controlling the output of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack contactor is closed after receiving a request to open the battery pack contactor during a power-up sequence. The system and method may reduce battery pack degradation. | 04-05-2012 |
20120074904 | System and Method for Controlling Output of a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for controlling the output of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack contactor is opened in response to battery pack current. The system and method may reduce battery pack degradation and increase system flexibility. | 03-29-2012 |
20120038322 | Rechargeable Battery Management - Systems and methods for adjusting sampling and switching rates of a battery management system are provided. For example, a rate at which different battery cells of a battery cell stack are in communication with an analog to digital converter may be adjusted in response to conditions of a battery cell. | 02-16-2012 |
20110309799 | System and Method for Extending the Usable Capacity of a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for extending the useable capacity of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, flyback transformers supply charge to lower capacity battery cells to extend battery output. | 12-22-2011 |
20110309796 | System and Method for Managing Charge Within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for a managing charge within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, flyback transformers manage charge in a second current path. The system and method can improve battery efficiency and performance at least during some conditions. | 12-22-2011 |
20110309795 | System and Method for Balancing Voltage of Individual Battery Cells Within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for actively balancing battery cells are disclosed. In one example, a charge is supplied to different battery cells at different times during a battery discharge cycle. The method may reduce instantaneous current draw within a battery pack. | 12-22-2011 |
20110278170 | BATTERY STRUCTURES, SELF-ORGANIZING STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector. | 11-17-2011 |
20110244324 | LI-ION BATTERY CATHODE MATERIALS WITH OVER-DISCHARGE PROTECTION - A lithium-ion battery having over-discharge protection includes an anode comprising at least an electrochemically active anode material, said anode having an anode irreversible capacity loss during a first charge of the lithium-ion battery; and a cathode comprising at least an electrochemically active cathode material characterized by the formula: | 10-06-2011 |
20110195306 | NANOSCALE ION STORAGE MATERIALS INCLUDING CO-EXISTING PHASES OR SOLID SOLUTIONS - Nanoscale ion storage materials are provided that exhibit unique properties measurably distinct from their larger scale counterparts. For example, the nanoscale materials can exhibit increased electronic conductivity, improved electromechanical stability, increased rate of intercalation, and/or an extended range of solid solution. Useful nanoscale materials include alkaline transition metal phosphates, such as LiMPO | 08-11-2011 |
20110081577 | LITHIUM SECONDARY CELL WITH HIGH CHARGE AND DISCHARGE RATE CAPABILITY - A high capacity, high charge rate lithium secondary cell includes a high capacity lithium-containing positive electrode in electronic contact with a positive electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a high capacity negative electrode in electronic contact with a negative electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a separator positioned between and in ionic contact with the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte in ionic contact with the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the total area specific impedance for the cell and the relative area specific impedances for the positive and negative electrodes are such that, during charging at greater than or equal to 4 C, the negative electrode potential is above the potential of metallic lithium. | 04-07-2011 |
20110074215 | ENERGY STORAGE BASED COUNTERMEASURE FOR A DELAYED VOLTAGE RECOVERY - The disclosed system includes a metering device for monitoring electrical power grid conditions, a controller for determining if the metering device is detecting a condition on an electrical grid that is indicative of a delayed voltage recovery event, and a communication device for communicating with one or more remotely located bi-directional power source modules connected to the electrical power grid, wherein the controller is programmed to send a notification via the communication device to the one or more remotely located bi-directional power source modules if the controller detects a condition indicative of delayed voltage recovery event. In some embodiments, the metering device includes a grid metering device. In some embodiments, the metering device measures power factor, and a change in the voltage and ratio of VARs to Watts. | 03-31-2011 |
20110068298 | ELECTRODE MATERIAL WITH ENHANCED IONIC TRANSPORT PROPERTIES - Materials useful as electrodes for lithium batteries have very good electronic and ionic conductivities. They are fabricated from a starting mixture which includes a metal, a phosphate ion, and an additive which enhances the transport of lithium ions in the resultant material. The mixture is heated in a reducing environment to produce the material. The additive may comprise a pentavalent metal or a carbon. In certain embodiments the material is a two-phase material. Also disclosed are electrodes which incorporate the materials and lithium batteries which incorporate those electrodes. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068295 | FERRIC PHOSPHATE AND METHODS OF PREPARATION THEREOF - High-purity crystalline ferric phosphate material with desirable characteristics for use in synthesis of nano-sized LFP cathode material are described. The ferric phosphate dihydrate material has as disclosed herein has a molar ratio of phosphorous to iron is from about 1.001 to about 1.05, a surface area of from about 25 m | 03-24-2011 |
20110052988 | MIXED METAL OLIVINE ELECTRODE MATERIALS FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES HAVING IMPROVED SPECIFIC CAPACITY AND ENERGY DENSITY - Improved positive electrode material and methods for making the same are described. Lithium-iron-manganese phosphate materials, doped with one or more dopant Co, Ni, V, and Nb, and methods for making the same are described. The improved positive electrode material of the present invention is capable of exhibiting improved energy density and/or specific capacity for use in wide range of applications. In certain embodiments, energy density of greater than 340 mWh/g is possible. | 03-03-2011 |
20110045346 | BATTERY STRUCTURES, SELF-ORGANIZING STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector. | 02-24-2011 |
20110027656 | ELECTROPHORETIC ASSEMBLY OF ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES - Methods are provided for making bipolar electrochemical devices, such as batteries, using electrophoresis. A bipolar device is assembled by applying a field that creates a physical separation between two active electrode materials, without requiring insertion of a discrete separator film or electrolyte layer. | 02-03-2011 |
20110014102 | MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR THE REMOVAL OF SULFUR COMPOUNDS FROM FEEDSTOCK - A composite material having utility for removing sulfur from a feedstock comprises a ceramic matrix having a relatively low melting point metal such as tin, zinc, lead or bismuth nanodispersed therein. The material may be prepared from a mixture of particles of a precursor of the ceramic matrix and precursor of the metal. The precursors are selected such that the melting point of the precursor of the ceramic is less than the melting point of the precursor of the metal. The mixture of precursor materials is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the precursor of the ceramic material so as to coat it onto the precursor of the metal. The ceramic precursor is then reacted so as to convert it to a ceramic. Thereafter, the precursor of the metal is converted to a free metal which is retained within the ceramic matrix so as to prevent agglomeration. | 01-20-2011 |
20100323264 | FUEL SYSTEM USING REDOX FLOW BATTERY - An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called “fuel”) is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the “fuel” tanks are removable and are separately charged in a charging station, and the charged fuel, plus tanks, are placed back in the vehicle or other power system, allowing fast refueling. The technology also provides a charging system in which discharged fuel is charged. The charged fuel can be placed into storage tanks at the power source or returned to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the charged fuel in the storage tanks can be used at a later date. The charged fuel can be transported or stored for use in a different place or time. | 12-23-2010 |
20100323244 | BATTERY ELECTRODES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - This disclosure relates to compositions and methods of manufacture of electrodes for batteries, including rechargeable lithium batteries, wherein at least one electrode comprises an electroactive material and a malleable metal. The electrode may be substantially free of other conductive additives and organic binders. Manufacture of the electrode may be performed without solvent or sintering. | 12-23-2010 |
20100314950 | System and Method for Communicating Notice to Limit Degradation Within a Battery Pack - Systems and methods for communicating notice to limit battery degradation within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a signal is generated and passed between modules of a battery pack to provide notice to limit battery pack degradation. The system and method may be particularly useful for a battery pack with distributed battery modules. | 12-16-2010 |
20100266893 | Method and Design for Externally Applied Laser Welding of Internal Connections in a High Power Electrochemical Cell - An electrochemical cell includes components that are welded from an external source after the components are assembled in a cell canister. The cell canister houses electrode tabs and a core insert. An end cap insert is disposed opposite the core insert. An external weld source, such as a laser beam, is applied to the end cap insert, such that the end cap insert, the electrode tabs, and the core insert are electrically coupled by a weld which extends from the end cap insert to the core insert. | 10-21-2010 |
20100261065 | LAMINATED BATTERY CELL AND METHODS FOR CREATING THE SAME - Electrodes with a multilayer or monolayer composite separator are described. The multilayer composite separator comprises multiple individual composite separator layers. Each individual composite separator layer comprises inorganic particulate material(s) and organic polymer(s) with different inorganic particulate material/polymer weight ratios. The multilayer composite separator layer is constructed in a way such that the composite separator layer adjacent to the electrode active material contains a higher weight percentage of the inorganic particulate material and lower weight percentage of the organic polymer than the composite separator layer outermost from the electrode current collector. Laminated cells comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a laminated multilayer or monolayer composite separator layer are described, wherein at least one of the electrodes has a multilayer or monolayer composite separator disposed onto the surface of the electrode. Methods of making such laminated cells are also described. | 10-14-2010 |
20100255351 | FUSE FOR BATTERY CELLS - A battery system comprises a battery cell having a cell body and a voltage terminal extending out of the cell body and having first and second terminal edges; a busbar to which an upper end of the voltage terminal is electrically connected; and a zipper fuse formed in a portion of the terminal between the cell body and the busbar, wherein the zipper fuse comprises an array of perforations through the voltage terminal and extending across the voltage terminal from the first edge to the second edge. | 10-07-2010 |
20100248029 | METHODS OF WELDING BATTERY TERMINALS - A method of manufacturing a battery including: supplying a busbar having a U-shaped portion defining a channel and characterized by a bend corner at one end of the U-shaped portion, wherein the busbar has a reduced-reflectivity treatment at least in the vicinity of the bend corner; positioning a single battery terminal in the channel formed by the U-shaped portion so that the top end of the terminal is proximate to the bend corner; directing a laser beam at the bend corner of the U-shaped portion; and with the laser beam, melting the busbar at the bend corner and forming a metallurgical bond between the busbar and the top end of the single terminal. | 09-30-2010 |
20100248028 | BIPOLAR ARTICLES AND RELATED METHODS - The invention provides bipolar articles (e.g., batteries and capacitors) with new architectures and methods of making and using the same. Articles are provided with interpenetrating anode and cathode structures that allow for improved power density, and arbitrary form factors that allow for formation in substantially any desired shape. The articles are useful for embedding or integral formation in various electronic devices to provide more efficient use of space in the devices. The articles optionally include self-organizing bipolar structures. | 09-30-2010 |
20100248010 | BI-METALLIC BUSBAR JUMPERS FOR BATTERY SYSTEMS - A battery system comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a sequence, each battery cell having a first voltage terminal and second voltage terminal, wherein the first voltage terminals of the plurality are arranged in a row; and a bimetallic busbar having a first segment joined to a second segment, the first segment made of a first metal and the second segment made of a second metal that is different from the first metal, wherein the first segment includes a first u-shaped bend defining a first channel into which the first terminal of one of the plurality of battery cells is positioned, and wherein the second segment includes a second u-shaped bend defining a second channel into which the first terminal of another one of the plurality of battery cells is positioned. | 09-30-2010 |
20100247999 | Prismatic Battery Module with Scalable Architecture - A battery system including: a plurality of subunits each of which has a heatsink and a battery cell and two voltage terminals symmetrically positioned with respect to a centerline of that battery cell, wherein all of the battery cells are arranged so that their voltage terminals are aligned along two rows; a plurality of identical busbar supports equal in number to the plurality of subunits, each having two slots and mounted on a corresponding different one of the subunits with each of the terminals of the battery cell extending up through the two slots; and a plurality of bimetallic busbars, each one supported by a different corresponding subset of the busbar supports and electrically connected directly to either a first or second terminal of each of the battery cells of each of the modules on which those busbar supports are mounted. | 09-30-2010 |
20100247998 | BUSBAR SUPPORTS AND METHODS OF THEIR USE FOR BATTERY SYSTEMS - A battery system comprises a plurality of battery subunits, each subunit comprising a heatsink and at least one battery cell with a positive terminal and a negative terminal; where each heatsink has a respective busbar support mounted to it, and each busbar support includes first and second slots through which, respectively, a positive and a negative terminal of the at least one battery cell for that subunit passes, wherein a first busbar is located above and held at least in part by the first busbar support and is electrically connected to the negative terminal passing through the first slot in the first busbar support; and a second busbar is located above and held at least in part by the first busbar support and electrically connected to the positive terminal passing through the second slot in the first busbar support. | 09-30-2010 |
20100247997 | STRUCTURE OF PRISMATIC BATTERY MODULES WITH SCALABLE ARCHITECTURE - A battery system comprises a plurality of battery subunits arranged in a stack, wherein each battery subunit among the plurality of battery subunits comprises a first battery cell, a heatsink, a second battery cell, and a compliant pad in that order with the heatsink between and in thermal contact with the first and second battery cells and with the compliant pad abutting the second battery cell. | 09-30-2010 |
20100247996 | SAFETY VENTING MECHANISM FOR BATTERIES - A battery comprises a battery cell having two voltage terminals and a flexible sidewall; a wall structure against which the battery cell is located, the wall structure including a sidewall that is adjacent to the sidewall of the battery cell; and a tooth structure that extends away from the sidewall of the wall structure and towards the sidewall of the battery cell, wherein the tooth structure includes a distal end sufficiently sharp to puncture the flexible sidewall of the battery cell when the flexible sidewall of the battery cell is forced up against the tooth structure due to a build up of excess pressure inside the battery cell. | 09-30-2010 |
20100136411 | Prismatic Cell With Outer Electrode Layers Coated On A Single Side - Embodiments of the present invention provide an electrochemical cell including a stack of electrode layers and separator layers. The electrode layers include anode layers and cathode layers disposed in an alternating manner and separated by the separator layers. The two outer electrode layers of the stack are of the same type and are coated with an active material on an inward-facing surface only. The electrochemical cell may include two or more insulating layers disposed at the two ends of the electrode stack, and a pouch enclosing the electrode stack and the insulating layers. | 06-03-2010 |
20090326842 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING STATE OF CHARGE OF AN ENERGY DELIVERY DEVICE - A method of determining state of charge of an energy delivery device includes sampling voltage values of the energy delivery device during relaxation of the device. The method further includes regressing an open circuit voltage value and the total overpotential being relaxed. The regression includes a predetermined time constant of relaxation associated with the energy delivery device. One embodiment uses the equation V(t)=OCV−α exp(−t/tau), where V(t) represents the sampled voltage values, t represents times at which each of the voltage values are sampled, OCV represents the open circuit voltage value of the energy delivery device, α represents the overpotential value, and tau represents the time constant of relaxation. The method uses a predetermined profile that relates open circuit voltage of the energy delivery device to state of charge of the device, to determine a particular state of charge corresponding to the regressed open circuit voltage value. | 12-31-2009 |
20090297892 | Flexible Voltage Nested Battery Module Design - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide flexible, multi-voltage battery modules having multiple cells that are nested together. The cells can be, for example, cylindrical lithium ion cells. To increase cell package density, the cells can be disposed in a nested configuration so that adjacent cell centers form equilateral triangles. The cells can be placed in a housing or case with interlocking tabs that allow multiple modules to be connected together. Within a module, the cells can be connected in different configurations by buss bars at the top and the bottom of the battery cells. The different configurations may provide different voltages for the module. | 12-03-2009 |
20090243548 | Method For Detecting Cell State-Of-Charge and State-Of-Discharge Divergence Of A Series String of Batteries Or Capacitors - A system for charging a battery includes a battery pack having at least two lithium ion cells. A controller detects a rate of change of voltage with respect to a state of charge (dV/dSOC) of the battery pack based on a calculated dV/dSOC that represents the battery pack as a whole, without calculating dV/dSOC individually on a cell-by-cell basis. Charging is terminated when dV/dSOC reaches a predetermined value. | 10-01-2009 |
20090179181 | SILICON BASED COMPOSITE MATERIAL - A composite material having utility as an anode for lithium ion batteries comprises silicon, a transition metal, a ceramic and an electrically conductive diluent such as carbon. In particular instances, the ceramic is electrically conductive, and may comprise vanadium carbide or tungsten carbide. The transition metal may, in some instances, comprise iron. The material may be fabricated by grinding together a starting mixture of the components, and grinding may be accomplished in a high impact ball milling process, and the grinding step may cause partial alloying of the silicon with the metal and/or carbon. Further disclosed is a method for making the material as well as electrodes which incorporate the material. | 07-16-2009 |
20090169990 | Battery Cell Design With Asymmetrical Terminals - An electrochemical cell is provided. The cell includes a plurality of electrode sheets separated by at least one separator sheet. A positive extension tab is attached to a current collecting tabs of positive electrode sheets, and a negative extension tab is attached to current collecting tabs of the negative electrode sheets. The dimensions of the positive extension tab and the negative extension tab are selected such that temperature difference between positive extension tab and the negative extension tab are minimized when the electrochemical cell is in use. | 07-02-2009 |
20090123813 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL MIXED METAL OLIVINES FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES - Electroactive compositions are disclosed for use in lithium ion battery electrodes. The compositions, such as multifunctional mixed metal olivines, provide an electrochemical cell having a plurality of open circuit voltages at different states of charge. The compositions afford improved state-of-charge monitoring, overcharge protection and/or overdischarge protection for lithium ion batteries. | 05-14-2009 |
20090104510 | LITHIUM RECHARGEABLE CELL WITH REFERENCE ELECTRODE FOR STATE OF HEALTH MONITORING - A battery management system includes one or more lithium ion cells in electrical connection, each said cell comprising: first and second working electrodes and one or more reference electrodes, each reference electrode electronically isolated from the working electrodes and having a separate tab or current collector exiting the cell and providing an additional terminal for electrical measurement; and a battery management system comprising a battery state-of-charge monitor, said monitor being operable for receiving information relating to the potential difference of the working electrodes and the potential of one or more of the working electrodes versus the reference electrode. | 04-23-2009 |
20090087728 | BATTERIES HAVING INORGANIC/ORGANIC POROUS FILMS - An electrochemical cell, such as Li-Ion, having (a) a positive electrode; (b) a negative electrode, (c) a porous inorganic/organic composite layer interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and (d) an electrolyte comprising a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent. The composite layer includes inorganic nanoparticles and a binder to form a nanocomposite separator (NCS). In addition to the composite layer, the electrochemical cell includes a porous separator. | 04-02-2009 |
20090029261 | SEPARATOR INCLUDING ELECTROACTIVE MATERIAL FOR OVERCHARGE PROTECTION - Porous separators for use in electrochemical cells and methods of their manufacture are provided. The separators are porous structures comprising an electroactive material and an electronically insulating structural material, wherein the electroactive material forms a percolating path in the separator. | 01-29-2009 |
20090029240 | BATTERY CELL DESIGN AND METHODS OF ITS CONSTRUCTION - In some embodiments, a battery cell can include an assembly having an anode sheet and a cathode sheet separated by separator membranes, each sheet having an electroactive layer on a current collector. At least one of the current collectors can be in electrical communication with conducting tabs that extend from at least one of the anode sheet and the cathode sheet, the conducting tabs extends from an end face of the spirally wound assembly. In addition, the cell can include a first tab insulator having concentrically positioned outer and inner members, each of the outer and inner members having at least one slot that allows one or more of the plurality of conducting tabs to pass through. The inner and outer members are adjustable with respect to relative angular orientation of the at least one slot on the outer and inner members of the first tab insulator. | 01-29-2009 |
20080311470 | BATTERY STRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - An electrochemical device includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector, a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector and a crosslinked solid polymer in contact with the first and second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a network of electrically connected particles comprising an electroactive material, and the particles of one electrode exert a repelling force on the other electrode when the first and second electrodes are combined with an uncrosslinked precursor to the solid polymer. | 12-18-2008 |