Abstract: An energy bank includes a plurality of integrated energy storage devices including a plurality of supercapacitors, a plurality of batteries and a plurality of metal shells. Each of the integrated energy storage devices includes a battery, a supercapacitor surrounding the battery, and a metal shell surrounding the supercapacitor. The supercapacitor forms a shell around an exterior surface of the battery. The battery includes a first anode, a first cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the first anode and the first cathode. The supercapacitor includes a second anode, a second cathode, and a separator disposed between the second anode and the second cathode.

Abstract: An energy storage device, especially a super capacitor, useful for high temperature applications has current collector elements supporting a carbonaceous matrix modified or doped with pseudo-capacitive materials, including one or more transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal oxides and mixtures thereof, in contact with a non-aqueous electrolyte composition whereby it is possible to exploit the faradic mechanism in addition to the electric double layer mechanism as an energy storage principle.

Abstract: A method for power management for applications having duty-cycled high peak supply currents includes charging a buffer capacitor with a first current supplied by a battery, wherein the first current is limited by a current limiter. A load is supplied with a second current supplied by the buffer capacitor, wherein the second current comprises a pulsed current. The current limiter is controlled with at least one of a plurality of sensor inputs to limit a capacity degradation of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly in which resistance is capable of being reduced. Also, an electrode assembly having a wound position and an unwound position includes an electrode having an electrode collector, the electrode collector having a coating portion coated with an active material and a non-coating portion on which the active material is not applied, when the electrode assembly is in the unwound position, the coating portion and the non-coating portion are adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction of the electrode collector, one or more tab members extending from the non-coating portion, and one or more foil tabs extending from the coating portion in a width direction of the electrode collector perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the active material not being applied to the foil tabs.

Abstract: A method and system for creating low corrosion passivation layer on an anode in a metal-air cell comprise asserting high negative potential and low drawn current density on the cell after its operational parameters have stabilized after the cell has been powered-on. As a result the H2 evolution rate momentarily raises and then drops sharply, thereby causing the creation of a passivation layer on the face of the anode.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, the method including forming semiconductor patterns on a substrate such that the semiconductor patterns are vertically spaced apart from each other; and forming a metal work function pattern to fill a space between the semiconductor patterns, wherein forming the metal work function pattern includes performing an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process to form an alloy layer, and the ALD process includes providing a first precursor containing an organoaluminum compound on the substrate, and providing a second precursor containing a vanadium-halogen compound on the substrate.

Abstract: A secondary battery having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte is provided. The cathode includes a cathode active material containing at least one kind selected from the group consisting of sulfur S and phosphorus P in a portion near the particle surface of a lithium composite oxide. A content of the kind in the portion is larger than that in the particle of the lithium composite oxide.

Abstract: An example electrolyte includes a solvent mixture, a lithium salt, a non-polymerizing solid electrolyte interface (SEI) precursor additive, and a solvent additive. The solvent mixture includes dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) present in a volume to volume ratio ranging from 20 to 1 to 1 to 20. The non-polymerizing SEI precursor additive is present in an amount ranging from greater than 0 wt % to about 10 wt % of a total wt % of the electrolyte, and the solvent additive is present in an amount ranging from greater than 0 wt % to about 10 wt % of the total wt % of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A tin-containing magnesium-aluminum-manganese (Mg—Al—Mn) based alloy that provides a desired combination of strength and ductility so as to be particularly suited for structural applications. The alloy includes magnesium, aluminum, and manganese in combination and about 0.5% to about 3.5% tin. The tin addition improves strength without substantial loss of ductility.

Abstract: Ultra-capacitor structures and electronic systems and assemblies are provided. In one aspect, the ultra-capacitor structure is configured to selectively power and at least partially house electronic component(s) therein. In one embodiment, the ultra-capacitor structure includes a thermally conductive material facilitating dissipation of heat generated. In another embodiment, the ultra-capacitor structure includes an electrically conductive sheet facilitating electromagnetic shielding. In another aspect, an electronic system includes: an electronic device including electronic component(s); and a support structure physically receiving and electrically coupling to the electronic device, and including an ultra-capacitor structure configured to selectively power the electronic component(s) of the electronic device when electrically coupled to the support structure.

Abstract: A process for producing electrode materials, which comprises treating a mixed oxide which comprises lithium and at least one transition metal as cations with at least one oxygen-containing organic compound of sulfur or phosphorus or a corresponding alkali metal or ammonium salt of an oxygen-containing organic compound of sulfur or phosphorus, or a fully alkylated derivative of an oxygen-containing compound of sulfur or phosphorus.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery having excellent heat resistance, pressure resistance, and airtightness is provided by using a crimping technique to connect a metal exterior body and an electrode terminal. The rechargeable battery comprises an electrode group which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode; an exterior container which includes an exterior canister for housing the electrode group, and a sealing plate for sealing an open part of the exterior canister; a pair of electrode terminals crimp-joined to the exterior container from inside the exterior container; and an electrolyte solution filled into the exterior container.

Abstract: Cathodes that include an active cathode material are described. The active cathode material can be coated.

Abstract: A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The cell can be in the configuration of a coin cell or the anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent mixture which may include an organic cyclic carbonate such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbon. The cell after assembly is subjected to a two step preconditioning (prediscahrge) protocol involving at least two distinct discharge steps having at lease one cycle of pulsed current drain in each step and at least one rest period (step rest) between said two steps, wherein said step rest period is carried out for a period of time at above ambient temperature. The preconditioning improves cell performance.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode has a high-capacity positive electrode portion with a plate area per capacity of smaller than 200 cm2/Ah, and a high-power positive electrode portion with a plate area per capacity of 200 cm2/Ah or larger. The non-aqueous electrolyte battery is advantageous in providing a battery, with use of a single kind of non-aqueous electrolyte battery, which simultaneously satisfies the requirements on high-capacity characteristics capable of performing a long-term continuous discharge, and on high-power characteristics capable of performing a pulse discharge at a large current, without using a hybrid power supply unit which has multiple kinds of batteries and requires a complex control system.

Abstract: A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The cell can be in the configuration of a coin cell or the anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent mixture which may include an organic cyclic carbonate such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbon. The cell after assembly is subjected to a two step preconditioning (predischarge) protocol involving at least two distinct discharge steps having at lease one cycle of pulsed current drain in each step and at least one rest period (step rest) between said two steps, wherein said step rest period is carried out for a period of time at above ambient temperature. The preconditioning improves cell performance.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply unit, comprises a high-capacity nonaqueous electrolyte battery group and a high-power nonaqueous electrolyte battery group different in discharge characteristics connected to each other in parallel. The high-capacity nonaqueous electrolyte battery group has a 0.2 C discharge capacity per cell greater than that of the high-power nonaqueous electrolyte battery group, and the high-power nonaqueous electrolyte battery group has a rate of 5 C discharge capacity per cell to 0.2 C discharge capacity per cell (5 C discharge capacity/0.2 C discharge capacity) greater than that of the high-capacity nonaqueous electrolyte battery group.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for purging residual water and hydrogen during shutdown of a fuel cell, which can reduce the time required for purging residual water and hydrogen during shutdown of a fuel cell by opening and closing outlet lines of an anode and a cathode in a short period of time using solenoid valves.

Abstract: Multi-directional currents are generated in a medium by cyclically reversing the direction of a conventional current applied to at least one of at least two electrodes so that an electromotive force (EMF) pulse travels from side of the electrode to the other, changing the direction of current in the medium. The multi-directional currents may be used to accelerate electrolytic processes such as generation of hydrogen by water electrolysis, to sterilize water for drinking, to supply charging current to a battery or capacitor, including a capacitive thrust module, in a way that extends the life and/or improves the performance of the battery or capacitor, to increase the range of an electromagnetic projectile launcher, and to increase the light output of a cold cathode light tube, to name just a few of the potential applications for the multi-directional currents.

Abstract: The variable-frequency battery revitalizing device contains a pulse generation circuit, a frequency generation circuit, a voltage detection circuit, and a frequency control circuit. A lead-acid battery to be revitalized is connected to the pulse generation circuit without being taken off duty and provides electricity to the battery revitalizing device. The voltage detection circuit senses the voltage of the battery being revitalized and produces an appropriate control signal to the frequency control circuit, which in turn determines the frequency of the clock signal produced by the frequency generation circuit. The clock signal drives the pulse generation circuit to produce pulses at the desired frequency and apply the pulses to the battery, thereby completing a feedback loop to automatically adjust the frequency of the pulses applied to the battery.

Abstract: Method for treatment, in the form of regeneration, of an accumulator (160) having at least one cell, preferably lead batteries, in which a varying direct current from a power source (130) is applied in intermittent current supply periods, which are interrupted by pauses of substantially less current, preferably current free, the direct current being sufficient to generate gas in the accumulator. During the treatment process, process data is registered, which process data is used in order to control the treatment process.

Abstract: A system for adding fluid to a valve regulated lead acid (“VRLA”) battery cell includes an injection head assembly coupled to a vent opening. The injection head assembly replenishes water or electrolyte depleted during operation of the VRLA cell. Fluid is dispersed evenly across one or more absorbent gas mats to promote even absorption by the mats. Fluid may be dispersed while the VRLA is in operation, and fluid dispersion may be accomplished using continuous streams or pulsed streams.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system suitable for use in a vehicle having an electrified drivetrain includes a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module that is different than the first energy storage module. The first energy storage module may have a cell configuration, a cell chemistry, a cell number, a controller or another characteristic different than a like characteristic of the second energy storage module.

Abstract: The prevention of lithium clusters from bridging between the negative and positive portions of a cell during discharge is described. This is done by limiting the amount of electrolyte in the cell, thereby eliminating excess electrolyte pooling above the cell stack. It is in this excess electrolyte that a relatively higher Li+ ion concentration can occur, creating an anodically polarized region resulting in the reduction of lithium ions on the negative and positive surfaces as the concentration gradient is relaxed. Typically, a lithium ion concentration gradient sufficient to cause lithium cluster formation is induced by the high rate, intermittent discharge of a lithium/silver vanadium oxide (Li/SVO) cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system in accordance with a present invention includes a fuel supply apparatus that supplies at least one reactant in a pulse.

Abstract: A portable computer including, a CPU operable in a maximum performance mode or in a low power consuming mode according to circumstances, supplied power from a fuel cell, the portable computer further including: a primary fuel valve enabling the fuel cell to be supplied fuel from an external source; a signal sensor sensing an external fuel supplying signal from the primary fuel valve; and a controller controlling the CPU to be operated in the maximum performance mode based on the sensed external fuel supplying signal. Thus, the CPU and the peripheral device is operated in the maximum performance mode when the portable computer receives the power from the external fuel tank, and operated in the low power consuming mode when receiving the power from the fuel cartridge in the fuel cell, thereby enabling maximum use time of the fuel cell.

Abstract: Improved batteries described herein generally comprise an electrolyte having lithium ions and a cathode comprising submicron metal vanadium oxide particles. In some embodiments, the battery demonstrate an accessible current capacity of at least about 220 mAh/g when pulsed in groups of four constant energy pulses at a current density of 30 mA/cm2 to deliver 50 Joules per pulse. The four pulses of a pulse train are separated by 15 seconds of rest between each pulse, and there are 6 days between pulse groups, upon discharge down to a pulse discharge voltage of 2 V. In further embodiments, the batteries have an average internal electrical resistance of no more than 0.2 Ohms at a current density of at least about 30 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the batteries can have a current capability of at least about 0.4 amps per cubic centimeter battery volume.

Abstract: Microscopic batteries, integratable or integrated with and integrated circuit, including a MEMS microcircuit, and methods of microfabrication of such microscopic batteries are disclosed.

Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell comprising a medium rate electrode region intended to be discharged under a substantially constant drain and a high rate electrode region intended to be pulse discharged, is described. Both electrode regions share a common anode and are activated with the same electrolyte.

Abstract: Improved high rate batteries based on silver vanadium oxide yield improved pulsed performance. In particular, batteries comprise an electrolyte having lithium ions and a cathode comprising silver vanadium oxide. Improved batteries have a pulsed specific energy of at least about 575 mWh/g when pulsed in groups of four-10 second pulses at a current density of 25 mA/cm2 spaced by 15 seconds between pulses and with 30 minutes between pulse groups down to a discharge voltage of 1.5 volts. In addition, improved batteries can achieve high maximum specific powers, high current densities and no voltage delay in pulsed operation. The batteries are particularly suitable for use in implantable medical devices, such as, defibrillators, pacemakers or combinations thereof. Improved processing approaches are described.

Abstract: A novel metal-air fuel cell battery system with multiple cells and integrated apparatus for producing power signals with stepped-up voltage levels by selectively discharging the multiple cells. The system includes a plurality of discharging cells preferably formed by a cathode structure having plurality cathode elements, and an anode structure having one or more anode-contacting elements on an anode-contacting element support plate. Each cell can be independently activated (i.e. enabled) using a transistor-based power switching element operated under the control of a switching controller. The power switching elements are used to produce high-frequency electrical currents for generating stepped-up voltages, which are subsequently rectified and low-pass filtered. The power switching device elements may also be controlled to produce selectable output characteristics (voltage level, current, etc).

Abstract: A battery power supply has a primary battery to provide long service life and a secondary battery to provide short instantaneous power pulses required by loads with variable duty cycles and puslatile load profiles such as digital cellular phones. The primary battery is linked to the power pulse battery in parallel and in series to the load. In the pulse battery, one of the electrodes has at least two electroactive materials as components of the same electrode. These different electroactive materials are selected to have different discharge potentials, charging potentials, and voltage outputs. One of the materials provides a voltage output of a predetermined level and the other of the materials lowers the overall charging voltage of the electrode below that of the first material. The mixed electrode in the pulse battery permits the pulse battery to be charged by the primary battery during the off-pulse periods throughout a substantial portion of the entire discharge voltage range of the primary battery.

Abstract: A battery power supply has a primary battery to provide long service life and a secondary battery to provide short instantaneous power pulses required by loads with variable duty cycles and puslatile load profiles such as digital cellular phones. The primary battery is linked to the power pulse battery in parallel and in series to the load. In the pulse battery, one of the electrodes has at least two electroactive materials as components of the same electrode. These different electroactive materials are selected to have different discharge potentials, charging potentials, and voltage outputs. One of the materials provides a voltage output of a predetermined level and the other of the materials lowers the overall charging voltage of the electrode below that of the first material. The mixed electrode in the pulse battery permits the pulse battery to be charged by the primary battery during the off-pulse periods throughout a substantial portion of the entire discharge voltage range of the primary battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a medium rate electrode region intended to be discharged under a substantially constant drain and a high rate electrode region intended to be pulse discharged, is described. Both electrode regions share a common anode and are activated with the same electrolyte.

Abstract: An alkali metal, solid cathode, nonaqueous electrochemical cell capable of delivering high current pulses, rapidly recovering its open circuit voltage and having high current capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphonate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a mixture of a low viscosity solvent and a high permittivity solvent. A preferred solvent mixture includes propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane and an alkyl phosphonate additive.

Abstract: An alkali metal, solid cathode, nonaqueous electrochemical cell capable of delivering high current pulses, rapidly recovering its open circuit voltage and having high current capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one nitrate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a mixture of a low viscosity solvent and a high permittivity solvent. A preferred solvent mixture includes propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane and an alkali metal nitrate, alkaline earth metal nitrate and/or an organic alkyl nitrate additive.

Abstract: An alkali metal, solid cathode, nonaqueous electrochemical cell capable of delivering high current pulses, rapidly recovering its open circuit voltage and having high current capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one nitrite additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a mixture of a low viscosity solvent and a high permittivity solvent. A preferred solvent mixture includes propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane and an alkyl nitrite additive.

Abstract: An energy storage system (10) including a first energy storage device (12), such as a secondary or rechargeable battery, and a second energy storage device (14), such as a capacitor, fuel cell, or flywheel. The second energy storage device provides intermittent energy bursts to satisfy the power requires of, for example, pulsed power communication devices. Such devices typically require power pulses in excess of those which conventional battery cells can easily provide for numerous cycles. The system (10) further includes circuitry (16) for coupling the second energy storage device (14) to a load in response to changes in the battery (12).

Abstract: A skin-contact type medical treatment apparatus has a first conductive member having a contact surface made of single metal or alloy and a second conductive member having a contact surface made of semiconductor. The standard single-electrode potential of the semiconductor constituting the contact surface of the second conductive member is lower than a standard single-electrode potential of the metal constituting the contact surface of the first conductive member. The apparatus further includes a parallel circuit of a diode and a capacitor electrically connected to the first and second conductive members. The apparatus is used by making both the contact surfaces of the first and second conductive members in contact with skin.

Abstract: A hybrid cell/capacitor assembly (300) includes a battery cell (100) and a capacitor (200) formed into a thin rectangular sheet and having two leads (205, 210) extending therefrom. The capacitor (200) is wrapped around the battery cell (100) to form the hybrid cell/capacitor assembly (300). The leads (205, 210) of the capacitor (200) can be attached to terminals (105, 100) of the battery cell (100) or to terminals of one or more other cells within a battery pack (600).

Abstract: A hybrid electrode for a high power, high energy, electrical storage device contains both a high-energy electrode material (42) and a high-rate electrode material (44). The two materials are deposited on a current collector (40), and the electrode is used to make an energy storage device that exhibits both the high-rate capability of a capacitor and the high energy capability of a battery. The two materials can be co-deposited on the current collector in a variety of ways, either in superimposed layers, adjacent layers, intermixed with each other or one material coating the other to form a mixture that is then deposited on the current collector.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system (10) including a first energy storage device (12), such as a secondary or rechargeable battery, and a second energy storage device (14), such as an electrochemical capacitor. The electrochemical capacitor provides intermittent energy bursts to satisfy the power requires of, for example, pulsed power communication devices. The first and second energy storage devices are coupled to a current controller to assure that pulse transients are not applied to the battery cell as a result of charging the capacitor.

Abstract: An energy storage system (10) including a first energy storage device (12), such as a secondary or rechargeable battery, and a second energy storage device (14), such as an electrochemical capacitor. The electrochemical capacitor provides intermittent energy bursts to satisfy the power requires of, for example, pulsed power communication devices. Such devices typically require power pulses in excess of those which conventional battery cells can easily provide for numerous cycles. The system (10) further includes circuitry (16) for coupling the capacitor (14) to a load in response to changes in the battery (12).

Abstract: An alkali metal electrochemical cell capable of delivering high current pulses without exhibiting voltage delay, rapidly recovering its open circuit voltage and having high current capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by conditioning the cell heated at an elevated temperature for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system 10 including a first energy storage device 12, such as a secondary or rechargeable battery, and a second energy storage device 14, such as an electrochemical capacitor. The electrochemical capacitor provides intermittent energy bursts to satisfy the power requires of, for example, pulsed power communication devices. Such devices typically require power pulses in excess of those which conventional battery cells can easily provide for numerous cycles. The first and second energy storage devices may be coupled to output electronics to condition the output of the devices prior to delivering it to the application device.

Abstract: A metal-air cell is disclosed that provides high currents on an intermittent basis to electrical loads connected thereto. In one embodiment of the present invention, a restrictive membrane is effectively supported by the bottom of the cathode can, and is separated from an air cathode assembly disposed within the cell by an air reservoir. The air reservoir provides sufficient oxygen to the air cathode assembly during periods of high current drain upon the cell. Upon returning to low drain conditions, the air reservoir is gradually replenished by air flowing through the restrictive membrane at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A method of operating a secondary battery including a stack of secondary cells operable, in the presence of electrolytes, in a charge mode charging electrical power from a source of electrical power and in a discharge mode discharging the charge electrical power from the secondary cell. A part of the electrical power from the electrical power source is used intermittently in the charge mode to provide intermittent circulation of the electrolytes through the secondary cell. The secondary cell continues to operate in the charge mode with the electrolytes residual in the secondary cell after each interruption of circulation of the electrolytes. A part of the electrical power charged in the secondary cell is used intermittently in the discharge mode to provide intermittent circulation of the electrolytes through the secondary cell. The secondary cell continues to operate in the discharge mode with the electrolyes residual in the secondary cell after each interruption of circulation of the electrolytes.

Abstract: In recharging a zinc-halogen secondary battery or battery, zinc dendrite is readily formed on the negative electrode and therefore it has been difficult to form a uniformly thick zinc layer on the negative electrode. This inevitably causes a short cyclic battery lifetime. To overcome this problem, electric pulse treatment is effected at the electrode before dc battery recharging process. In zinc oxide resolving treatment, an electrically positive pulse is applied to the negative electrode. In zinc fine crystal depositing treatment, an electrically negative pulse is applied to the negative electrode. Where the above pulse treatments are effected in combination in the electrolyte including a zinc dendrite inhibitor, a synergistic effect can be obtained.

Abstract: A lithium-organic electrolyte cell which is provided with an aluminum-magnesium alloy cladding on the lithium anode. The cladding provides a cell having improved pulse performance.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy contains the following additives: A1 1-9%, Zn 0-4%, Sn 0.1-5%, Mn 0-1%. It is useful as an anode in cells operating with a salt water electrolyte, especially in batteries powering equipment for deep-sea use in which a pulsed power source is required.