Patents by Inventor Leng Mao
Leng Mao has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230291020Abstract: A battery cell monitoring system provides a direct measurement of electrical and heat distributions in a battery cell, using segmented elements that are in direct contact with an electrode of the battery. The battery cell monitoring system provides distributed local through-plane current, temperature, and pressure measurements with power for operation of the battery being supplied via battery tabs. An embodiment of a battery cell monitoring system includes a two-dimensional current collector array, a two-dimensional temperature sensor array, a plurality of pressure sensors, and a plurality of reference electrodes interspersed within the current collector array. The current collector array, the temperature sensor array, the pressure sensors, and the reference electrodes are arranged on a printed circuit board. The current collector array is configured to have direct physical contact with an electrode of the battery cell. The current collector array is disposed within a container of the battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2022Publication date: September 14, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Yun Cai, Xingcheng Xiao, Yeh-Hung Lai, Taylor R. Garrick, Leng Mao
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Patent number: 11735744Abstract: A battery electrode, and a method for fabricating the battery electrode are described. The battery electrode includes a current collector having a woven mesh planar sheet that is composed of metallic strands. The metallic strands define a multiplicity of interstitial spaces, and the woven mesh planar sheet includes a first surface and a second surface. An active material including lithium is embedded in the interstitial spaces of a first portion of the woven mesh planar sheet, and an electrical connection tab arranged on a second portion of the woven mesh planar sheet.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Leng Mao, Louis G. Hector, Jr., Andrew C. Bobel
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Publication number: 20230261173Abstract: An electrode including an electrochemical layer defining a surface having a plurality of dimples formed thereon is provided. The dimples have an average lateral size greater than or equal to about 100 nm to less than or equal to about 100 ?m, and an average depth greater than or equal to about 100 nm to less than or equal to about 50 ?m. In certain variations, the dimples are formed in situ by applying a current to the electrochemical layer. In other variations, the dimples are formed by moving a roller having a plurality of shapes defined thereon along one or more surfaces of the electrochemical layer. In still other variations, the dimples are formed by contacting one or more surfaces of the electrochemical layer with a chemical etchant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Caleb REESE, Leng MAO, Andrew Clay BOBEL, Jeffrey David Cain
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Publication number: 20230101215Abstract: A method for forming a prelithiated, layered anode material includes contacting an ionic compound and a lithium precursor in an environment having a temperature ranging from about 200° C. to about 900° C. The ionic compound is a three-dimensional layered material represented by MX2, where M is one of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and X is one of silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and boron (B). The lithium precursor is selected from the group consisting of: LiH, LiC, LiOH, LiCl, and combinations thereof. The contacting of the ionic compound and the lithium precursor in the environment causes removal of cations from the ionic compound to create openings in interlayer spaces or voids in the three-dimensional layered material thereby defining a two-dimensional layered material and also causes introduction of lithium ions from the lithium precursor into the interlayer spaces or voids to form the prelithiated, layered anode material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul Taichiang YU, Leng MAO, Jeffrey David CAIN, Andrew Clay BOBEL
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Publication number: 20230019313Abstract: The present disclosure provides a negative electrode for an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions. The negative electrode may include a negative electroactive material and a lithiation additive. The negative electroactive material may have a first cell voltage window. The lithiation additive may have a second cell voltage window. The second cell voltage window may be less than the first cell voltage window. When the electrochemical cell is operated in the second cell voltage window, the lithiation additive may lithiated the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Leng MAO, Jeffrey David CAIN, Andrew Clay BOBEL, Anil K. SACHDEV, Dewen KONG
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Publication number: 20220384773Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a layered anode material. The method includes contacting a precursor material and a first electrolyte. The precursor material is a layered ionic compound represented by MX2, where M is one of calcium and magnesium and X is one of silicon, germanium, and boron. The method further includes applying a first bias and/or current as the precursor material contacts the first electrolyte so as to remove cations from the precursor material to create a two-dimensional structure that defines the layered anode material. In certain variations, the method further include contacting the two-dimensional structure and a second electrolyte, and applying a second bias and/or current as the two-dimensional structure contacts the second electrolyte so as to cause lithium ions to move into interlayer spaces or voids created in the two-dimensional structure by the removal of the cations thereby forming the layered anode material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey David CAIN, Thomas E. MOYLAN, Leng MAO, Paul Taichiang YU, Nicholas Paul William PIECZONKA, Andrew Clay BOBEL
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Publication number: 20220352523Abstract: A battery electrode, and a method for fabricating the battery electrode are described. The battery electrode includes a current collector having a woven mesh planar sheet that is composed of metallic strands. The metallic strands define a multiplicity of interstitial spaces, and the woven mesh planar sheet includes a first surface and a second surface. An active material including lithium is embedded in the interstitial spaces of a first portion of the woven mesh planar sheet, and an electrical connection tab arranged on a second portion of the woven mesh planar sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Leng Mao, Louis G. Hector, JR., Andrew C. Bobel
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Publication number: 20220352496Abstract: A battery electrode, and a method for fabricating the battery electrode are described. The battery electrode includes a lithium foil that is arranged between a first porous current collector and a second porous current collector. The first and second porous current collectors each defines a multiplicity of interstitial spaces, and the lithium foil is embedded in the interstitial spaces defined by the first porous current collector and in the interstitial spaces defined by the second porous current collector, thus enabling two-side functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Leng Mao, Anil K. Sachdev
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Publication number: 20220123279Abstract: Self-lithiating battery cells include an anode having a current collector, a host material applied to the current collector comprising graphite, silicon particles, and/or SiOx particles, wherein x is less than or equal to 2, and lithium foil in contact with the current collector. Methods for pre-lithiating battery cells include charging and discharging the battery cell to deplete the lithium foil by causing lithium ions to migrate from the lithium foil to the cathode and/or the anode. The methods can further include subsequently iteratively charging and discharging the battery while the depleted lithium foil remains within the battery cell. The lithium foil can be pure elemental lithium metal or a lithium magnesium alloy. The lithium foil can include 10 wt. % to 99 wt. % lithium and 1 wt. % to 90 wt. % magnesium. The anode current collector can include perforations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Leng Mao, Jeffrey D. Cain, Anil K. Sachdev, Andrew C. Bobel
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Publication number: 20210408517Abstract: A method for making a pre-lithiated electrode for a lithium ion battery cell, a method for making a battery with a pre-lithiated electrode, and an electric vehicle with a pre-lithiated electrode are provided. An exemplary method for making a pre-lithiated electrode for a lithium ion battery cell includes electrochemically connecting a magnesium-lithium alloy to the electrode. Further, the method includes pre-lithiating the electrode by transferring lithium ions from the magnesium-lithium alloy to the electrode. Also, the method includes electrochemically disconnecting the magnesium-lithium alloy from the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2020Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Andrew C. Bobel, Anil K. Sachdev, Jeffrey D. Cain, Leng Mao
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Patent number: 10391878Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for calibrating state-of-charge (SOC) of an energy storage device. The method includes monitoring, via a battery management system, at least one of an accumulated capacity of the energy storage device after a first SOC calibration or a time period after the first SOC calibration. Another step includes determining, via the battery management system, whether at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold. If at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold, then the method includes charging, via the battery management system, the energy storage device for a specified duration until the energy storage device reaches a second SOC calibration.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks, Jr., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao
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Patent number: 10343673Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a method for managing electrical charging of a DC power source, which includes determining an initial charge-sustaining SOC setpoint and an initial charge-termination SOC setpoint. The DC power source is dynamically monitored. An adjustment to a charge-sustaining SOC setpoint is determined based upon the ambient temperature, the device temperature and the SOC of the DC power source, and an updated charge-sustaining SOC setpoint is determined based upon the adjustment to the charge-sustaining SOC setpoint and the initial charge-sustaining SOC setpoint. An electric energy equalization factor ? is determined, and an updated charge termination SOC setpoint can be determined based upon the electric energy equalization factor ?, the updated charge-sustaining SOC setpoint and the initial charge-sustaining SOC setpoint. Charging of the DC power source is controlled based upon the updated charge-termination SOC setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.Inventors: Wei Liu, Pablo Valencia, Jr., Leng Mao, Sudhakar Inguva, Ryan B. Moulliet
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Patent number: 10218188Abstract: Systems and methods for charging a plurality of battery strings are provided. The individual string current of each of the individual battery strings can be monitored and used to regulate a charging output provided by the charger. For instance, the output voltage of charger can be controlled as part of a closed loop control system based on the individual string current of the battery string under the constraint of an individual string current limit and/or a charging voltage limit. As the charging voltage of the charger increases as a result of the closed loop control based on the individual string current, other battery strings can be coupled to the charger when the charging voltage provided by the charger exceeds a battery string voltage associated with the battery string.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks, Jr., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao
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Publication number: 20180370520Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a method for managing electrical charging of a DC power source, which includes determining an initial charge-sustaining SOC setpoint and an initial charge-termination SOC setpoint. The DC power source is dynamically monitored. An adjustment to a charge-sustaining SOC setpoint is determined based upon the ambient temperature, the device temperature and the SOC of the DC power source, and an updated charge-sustaining SOC setpoint is determined based upon the adjustment to the charge-sustaining SOC setpoint and the initial charge-sustaining SOC setpoint. An electric energy equalization factor ? is determined, and an updated charge termination SOC setpoint can be determined based upon the electric energy equalization factor ?, the updated charge-sustaining SOC setpoint and the initial charge-sustaining SOC setpoint. Charging of the DC power source is controlled based upon the updated charge-termination SOC setpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wei Liu, Pablo Valencia, JR., Leng Mao, Sudhakar Inguva, Ryan B. Moulliet
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Patent number: 9897658Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling an energy storage device by more accurately detecting an end-of-discharge voltage of the energy storage device. More specifically, in one embodiment, the method includes determining an end-of-discharge voltage threshold for the energy storage device. Another step includes filtering the end-of-discharge voltage threshold via a filter. The method also includes adjusting a time constant of the filter based on at least one voltage-current condition. Still a further step includes comparing the filtered end-of-discharge voltage threshold and a terminal voltage of the energy storage device. Based on the comparison, the method includes determining a change of state of the energy storage device. Thus, the energy storage device can be controlled based on the change of state.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks, Jr., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao, David E. James, Herman Lucas Norbert Wiegman, Mert Geveci
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Publication number: 20170222452Abstract: Systems and methods for charging a plurality of battery strings are provided. The individual string current of each of the individual battery strings can be monitored and used to regulate a charging output provided by the charger. For instance, the output voltage of charger can be controlled as part of a closed loop control system based on the individual string current of the battery string under the constraint of an individual string current limit and/or a charging voltage limit. As the charging voltage of the charger increases as a result of the closed loop control based on the individual string current, other battery strings can be coupled to the charger when the charging voltage provided by the charger exceeds a battery string voltage associated with the battery string.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks, JR., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao
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Patent number: 9627897Abstract: Systems and methods for charging a plurality of battery strings are provided. The individual string current of each of the individual battery strings can be monitored and used to regulate a charging output provided by the charger. For instance, the output voltage of charger can be controlled as part of a closed loop control system based on the individual string current of the battery string under the constraint of an individual string current limit and/or a charging voltage limit. As the charging voltage of the charger increases as a result of the closed loop control based on the individual string current, other battery strings can be coupled to the charger when the charging voltage provided by the charger exceeds a battery string voltage associated with the battery string.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks, Jr., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao
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Publication number: 20160218400Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling an energy storage device by more accurately detecting an end-of-discharge voltage of the energy storage device. More specifically, in one embodiment, the method includes determining an end-of-discharge voltage threshold for the energy storage device. Another step includes filtering the end-of-discharge voltage threshold via a filter. The method also includes adjusting a time constant of the filter based on at least one voltage-current condition. Still a further step includes comparing the filtered end-of-discharge voltage threshold and a terminal voltage of the energy storage device. Based on the comparison, the method includes determining a change of state of the energy storage device. Thus, the energy storage device can be controlled based on the change of state.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks,, JR., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao, David E. James, Herman Lucas Norbert Wiegman, Mert Geveci
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Publication number: 20160126766Abstract: Systems and methods for charging a plurality of battery strings are provided. The individual string current of each of the individual battery strings can be monitored and used to regulate a charging output provided by the charger. For instance, the output voltage of charger can be controlled as part of a closed loop control system based on the individual string current of the battery string under the constraint of an individual string current limit and/or a charging voltage limit. As the charging voltage of the charger increases as a result of the closed loop control based on the individual string current, other battery strings can be coupled to the charger when the charging voltage provided by the charger exceeds a battery string voltage associated with the battery string.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks,, JR., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao
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Publication number: 20160101708Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for calibrating state-of-charge (SOC) of an energy storage device. The method includes monitoring, via a battery management system, at least one of an accumulated capacity of the energy storage device after a first SOC calibration or a time period after the first SOC calibration. Another step includes determining, via the battery management system, whether at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold. If at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold, then the method includes charging, via the battery management system, the energy storage device for a specified duration until the energy storage device reaches a second SOC calibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Jiucai Zhang, Charles Clarence Hicks,, JR., Sam T. Liu, Robert A. Kaucic, Leng Mao