Patents Assigned to A123 Systems
  • Patent number: 8236441
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Gardner, Grace S. Chang
  • Publication number: 20120196170
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mujeeb Ijaz, Jonathan E. Hostler, Shazad M. Butt
  • Patent number: 8206469
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, William D. Moorehead, Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew L. Loxley, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Michael S. Viola
  • Patent number: 8187735
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Andrew C. Chu, Young-Il Jang, Nonglak Meethong, Yu-Hua Kao, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Anthony E. Pullen, Karen E. Thomas-Alyea
  • Patent number: 8187753
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wixom, Chuanjing Xu
  • Patent number: 8168326
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, William D. Moorehead, Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew L. Loxley, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Michael S. Viola
  • Publication number: 20120098543
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, Brian C. Moorhead
  • Patent number: 8163410
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Fulop, Yet-Ming Chiang, Karen E. Thomas-Alyea, William H. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8158090
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Anthony E. Pullen, Nonglak Meethong
  • Publication number: 20120074904
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, Brian C. Moorhead
  • Patent number: 8119280
    Abstract: A cap assembly for use in an electrochemical cell. The cap assembly includes a tab collection post, a core insert, and at least one current collecting tab connected at one end to an electrode foil in the electrochemical cell, and horizontally connected at the other end to the tab collection post and the core insert. The at least one current collecting tab is disposed between and welded with the tab collection post and the core insert. The cap assembly also includes a shock absorber disposed around the core insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Gardner, Donald G. Dafoe, Lucien Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8088512
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew L. Loxley, Ronnie Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8084158
    Abstract: A compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable cylindrical electrochemical cell is provided. In some embodiments, a cell can include a spirally wound assembly having an anode sheet and a cathode sheet separated by separator membranes, each sheet having a 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. The centers of the plurality of conducting tabs can be located within a 90 degree quadrant of an end face of the spirally wound assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Chu, Antoni S. Gozdz, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., C. Michael Hoff
  • Patent number: 8080338
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoni S. Gozdz, Andrew C. Chu, Yet Ming Chiang, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8076030
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium titanate material, which may include an additive, and its use as an electrode in a battery. Specifically disclosed is a lithium titanate based material, with primary particle size larger than 100 nm, having very good high rate charge and discharge capabilities when incorporated into a lithium battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pu Zhang, Suresh Mani, Yet-Ming Chiang, Shih-Chieh Yin, Brian Glomski, Young-Il Jang, Christopher Silkowski, Michael R. Wixom
  • Patent number: 8057936
    Abstract: 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 LiMPO4, where M is one or more transition metals. The nanoscale ion storage materials are useful for producing devices such as high energy and high power storage batteries, battery-capacitor hybrid devices, and high rate electrochromic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Antoni S. Gozdz, Martin W. Payne
  • Publication number: 20110212360
    Abstract: A compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable battery cell is provided. The cell design dedicates minimal internal volume to inert components of the cell. This is accomplished, in part, by providing multiple functionalities to individual cell components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: A123 Systems
    Inventors: Jonah S. MYERBERG, Donald G. DAFOE, Grace S. CHANG, Andrew C. CHU, Hung-Chieh SHIAO
  • Patent number: 8003250
    Abstract: The energy density of the entire cell may be improved while retaining high power density by use of an alkali metal transition metal polyanion compound as the cathode and a thin film metal or metalloid anode. The thin film anode may be initially unalloyed or partially unalloyed. During use, the thin film anode may be only partially unalloyed relative to the theoretical maximum. The high volumetric capacity of the metal anode makes it possible to use a dense or porous thin film anode in conjunction with a relatively thin particle-based cathode to thereby improve the energy density of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet Ming Chiang, Antoni S. Gozdz, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7988746
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, William D. Moorehead, Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew L. Loxley, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Michael S. Viola
  • Patent number: 7990101
    Abstract: An energy delivery system includes at least one string of two or more energy delivery modules electrically coupled in series. Each energy delivery module includes one or more energy delivery devices for storing and delivering electrical current, and a module monitor for monitoring and controlling each of the energy delivery devices. Each string of energy delivery modules includes a string communication path accessible to each of the energy delivery modules, wherein the module monitor of each energy delivery module is operable to communicate information associated with its energy delivery module through the string communication path. Each string also includes a string manager device for communicating with each module monitor in the string, through the string communication path. The energy delivery system also includes a system controller for communicating with each string manager device through a system communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Michael Hoff, Benjamin Craig Shaffer, Greg Tremelling, Jonah S. Myerberg, Ricardo Fulop, Andrew C. Chu