Abstract: The current invention is an intelligent distributed energy storage system for demand side power management. It provides a system that can store electric energy close to the point of use or close to the distributed production for use when demanded by the users. These storage nodes can communicate with a central clearing entity to negotiate if the nodes should buy energy for storage, provide energy to the user above a given power level, or sell power back to the grid. The function will depend on the amount of energy stored in the node, the cost of the electric energy, the cost of the electric peak power, the price of resold electrical energy and power, plus the local usage.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell package made of a metallic material to allow the cell package to be sealed by welding, even when contaminated. The electrochemical cell further includes an electrode cell stack and a metallic cell package having a base portion and a lid portion which are welded to each other (peripheral seam) to define an enclosure. The cell package includes a first section for receiving the cell stack and a second section having an inlet port and a degassing port which communicate with the first section. The lid portion is welded to the base portion to form a weld seam located between the first and second sections to seal off the first section from the second section. The weld seam extends from the peripheral seam on a first side of the cell package to the peripheral seam on a second side of the cell package.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell package made of a metallic material to allow the cell package to be sealed by welding, even when contaminated, and a method of manufacturing the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell package made of a metallic material to allow the cell package to be sealed by welding, even when contaminated. The electrochemical cell further includes an electrode cell stack and a metallic cell package having a base portion and a lid portion which are welded to each other (peripheral seam) to define an enclosure. The cell package includes a first section for receiving the cell stack and a second section having an inlet port and a degassing port which communicate with the first section. The lid portion is welded to the base portion to form a weld seam located between the first and second sections to seal off the first section from the second section. The weld seam extends from the peripheral seam on a first side of the cell package to the peripheral seam on a second side of the cell package.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention is a new anode material comprised of a carbon obtained by pyrolyzing a polymer of a conjugated vinyl monomer. The carbon is suitable for a lithium intercalated anode as it offers potential advantages of high capacity. The economics of manufacturing such anodes are also beneficial.

Abstract: A new technique for securing into place a plurality of layers which make a battery body, and for preventing electrical short-circuits within the battery by retarding the formation of dendritic growths is disclosed. A radiation curable layer of material is coated onto a portion of at least one outwardly exposed face of a battery body, whereupon the layer of material is then cured. The cured layer of material is positioned relative to the body such that the cured layer provides support to the body in a manner to secure in place a plurality of layers which make up the battery body, thereby ensuring proper electrical contact between the plurality of layers. In addition, the cured layer of material is also positioned such that the cured layer inhibits formation of short circuiting electrical paths between the anode and cathode layers of the battery, the paths being caused by formation of dendritic growths extending out from the anode layer towards the cathode layer.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of alkali metal that is available during charge/discharge of an electrochemical cell that employs carbon based intercalation anodes is provided. The method comprises of prealkaliation of the carbon anode. By subjecting the anode carbon to the prealkaliation process prior to packaging the electrochemical cell, substantially all the alkali metal (e.g., lithium) which is originally present in the cathode will be available for migration between the anode and cathode during charge/discharge.

Abstract: A method for removing plasticizers such dibutyl phthalate from the anode, cathode, and polymeric matrix components of electrochemical cell precursors using carbon dioxide in the supercritical state is provided. The method forms porous polymeric structures that enhances the mass transport of ions in the cell which results in improved electrochemical performance.

Abstract: In a new process for making an electrode current collector assembly, an electrode composition is mixed with a volatile casting solvent and is coated onto a substrate. Then, the coated substrate is heated to drive off a major portion of the volatile casting solvent. Next, force is applied on an external surface of the coating and directed toward the substrate so as to compact the coating and reduce the volume of pore spaces in the coating. An electrolyte composition may be applied to the compacted electrode composition either before or after curing. The electrode and electrolyte compositions are each cured. In a final step, a counter-electrode layer is applied onto the electrolyte composition to form a cell assembly.

Abstract: A secondary, solid electrolytic battery includes a number of electrically connected electrolytic cells wherein for each cell the anode and cathode are separated from each other by a mask that is a layer of electrically insulative material that is coated along the perimeter of the anode and/or cathode. The mask reduces the rate of dendrite formation and prevents edge-effects, short circuits, and related problems caused by inadvertent contact of the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of alkali metal that is available during charge/discharge of an electrochemical cell that employs carbon based intercalation anodes is provided. The method comprises of prealkaliation of the carbon anode. By subjecting the anode carbon to the prealkaliation process prior to packaging the electrochemical cell, substantially all the alkali metal (e.g., lithium) which is originally present in the cathode will be available for migration between the anode and cathode during charge/discharge.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte that includes (1) a first catalyst that is capable of initiating the polymerization of solvent components at elevated temperatures in order to increase the resistance (or impedance) of the solid electrolyte and thereby prevent thermal runaway and/or (2) a second catalyst that is capable of initiating the polymerization of flammable substances (e.g., olefins) in the solvent and batteries make therefrom are provided. To assure that the catalysts do not prematurely initiate polymerization below a certain temperature, the catalysts may be microencapsulated within a heat sensitive material that disintegrates or dissolve at a predetermined elevated temperature to release the catalysts. Microencapsulation permits the controlled release of the catalysts into the electrolyte under the appropriate conditions.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical device comprising (i) an anode, (ii) a cathode, (iii) interposed between the anode and cathode, a polymeric electrolyte, and (iv) adjacent to either the anode or the cathode, on a side opposite to the polymeric electrolyte, a current collector comprising (a) an aluminum or copper foil and (b) on a side of the aluminum foil facing the cathode or the anode, a layer of a cured polymer, in an amount effective to prevent corrosion between the cathode or anode and the aluminum foil, which (1) is conductive, (2) is pin-hole free and (3) adheres to said aluminum foil. The layer of cured polymer provides corrosion resistance to the current collector.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte that includes a complexing agent that is incorporated into the solid matrix provides for more effective transfer of current in an electrochemical cell or battery. The complexing agent immobilizes anions in the solid electrolyte so that at least a substantial majority of the charge transport is due to the cations, e.g., lithium ions. Preferred complexing agents are derived from aza-ethers. With the inventive solid electrolyte, it is expected that the lithium transference number should approach unity.

Abstract: In an electrochemical lithium cell having a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte separator there is provided a positive electrode current collector which comprises a redox active conductive polymer.

Abstract: A fusible solid electrolyte for use in electrochemical cells contains dispersed particles of an inert fusible material.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical cell comprising:(i) an anode;(ii) a cathode;(iii) interposed between the anode and cathode, a polymeric electrolyte; and(iv) adjacent to either the anode or the cathode, on a side opposite to the polymeric electrolyte, a current collector comprising (a) etched aluminum foil and (b) on a side of the etched aluminum foil facing the cathode or the anode, a layer of a metal which is more resistant to corrosion from components in the electrochemical cell than aluminum in an amount effective to inhibit corrosion between the cathode or anode and the etched aluminum foil.

Abstract: A polymeric electrolyte comprising:(a) an alkane monomer having 2 to 100 carbon atoms which has been functionalized with a compound which (1) is reactive with said alkane and (2) which will enable the alkane to undergo cross-linking to form a polymeric network, the number of functional groups being selected such that the polymeric electrolyte does not react with an alkali metal anode;(b) one or more non-aqueous solvents;(c) one or more inorganic salts which render the polymeric electrolyte conductive. The polymeric electrolyte is employed in an electrolytic cell comprising;(i) an alkali metal anode;(ii) a cathode; and(iii) interposed between the anode and cathode, a polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical test cell for measuring conductivity and transport properties of a solid or liquid electrolyte comprises a longitudinal chamber, produced, e.g., from a syringe, a pair of electrodes and means for holding the electrodes which defines an adjustable volume for containing the electrolyte and which aids in maintaining contact between the electrolyte and the electrode.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, a viscosifying agent, and a flame retardant, as well as electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.