System and method of operating an electrical energy storage device or an electrochemical energy generation device using microchannels and high thermal conductivity materials

• US 20100304257A1
• Filed: 05/26/2009
• Published: 12/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Deep Science LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Wood, Lowell L. JR., Hyde, Roderick A., Kare, Jordin T., Chan, Alistair K.
• Application Number:
  US12/455,025
• Publication Number:
  US 20100304257A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/433
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 15/00 Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies F28D17/00, F28D19/00, F28D20/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 2015/0225 Microheat pipes
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 2021/0029 Heat sinks
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 2013/006 Heat conductive materials
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 21/02 of carbon, e.g. graphite
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 2260/02 having microchannels
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 3/048 in the form of ribs integral with the element or local variations in thickness of the element, e.g. grooves, microchannels
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 3/12 Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels F28D1/02, F28D1/03 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/18 against thermal overloads, e.g. heating, cooling or ventilating
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/78 Cases; Housings; Encapsulations; Mountings
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 2/08 Cooling arrangements; Heating arrangements; Ventilating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 9/0003 Protection against electric or thermal overload; cooling arrangements; means for avoiding the formation of cathode films H01G9/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 9/08 Housing; Encapsulation
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/613 Cooling or keeping cold
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/615 Heating or keeping warm
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/623 Portable devices, e.g. mobile telephones, cameras or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/625 Vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/63 Control systems charging or discharging in response to temperature H01M10/44 , H01M10/443; measurement of temperature H01M10/48 , H01M10/486
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/633 characterised by algorithms, flow charts, software details or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/647 : Prismatic or flat cells, e.g. pouch cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/654 : located inside the innermost case of the cells, e.g. mandrels, electrodes or electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6551 : Surfaces specially adapted for heat dissipation or radiation, e.g. fins or coatings
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/656 : characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6562 : with free flow by convection only
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6567 : Liquids
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 16/003 : of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 16/006 : of fuel cells with rechargeable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/02 : Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/86 : Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0258 : characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0267 : having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04007 : related to heat exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04029 : Heat exchange using liquids
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04074 : Heat exchange unit structures specially adapted for fuel cell
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0432 : Temperature; Ambient temperature
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04365 : of other components of a fuel cell or fuel cell stacks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04559 : of fuel cell stacks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04589 : of fuel cell stacks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04701 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04731 : of other components of a fuel cell or fuel cell stacks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/2475 : Enclosures, casings or containers of fuel cell stacks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00309 : Overheat or overtemperature protection
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20254 : Cold plates transferring heat from heat source to coolant
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/13 : Energy storage using capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 : Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 : Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries

Abstract

A method is generally described which includes operating an electrical electrochemical energy generation device or an electrochemical energy generation device. The method includes providing a housing having an external surface and an internal surface. The method also includes coupling at least one component within the housing. At least one component is configured to generate electrical energy in combination with other components, chemicals, or materials residing within the housing. The method includes forming a plurality of microchannels coupled to at least one of the internal surface of the housing or the at least one internal components. At least one microchannel is at least partially formed of a high thermal conductivity material. The high thermal conductivity material has a high k-value, the high k-value is greater than approximately 410 W/(m*K). The method further includes providing a thermal sink coupled to the microchannels. The thermal sink is configured to transfer heat energy to or from the microchannels. Further, the method includes flowing a fluid through the microchannels.

Claims

1. An electrical electrochemical energy generation device or an electrochemical energy generation device, comprising:

a housing having an external surface and an internal surface;

at least one component within the housing, at least one component being configured to generate electrical energy in combination with at least one of other components, chemicals, or materials residing within the housing;

a plurality of microchannels coupled to at least one of the internal surface of the housing or the at least one internal components, at least one microchannel at least partially formed of a high thermal conductivity material; and

a thermal sink coupled to the micro-channels, the thermal sink being configured to transfer heat energy to or from the microchannel surfaces via the fluid flowing through the microchannels.

2. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of a wall of the housing.

3. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component.

4. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a cathode.

5. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes an anode.

6. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in the material including a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a catalyst material.

7. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in the material including a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a solid electrolyte material.

8. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes an electrical contact.

9. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed at least partially in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a current carrying conductor.

10. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed at least partially in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a dielectric.

11. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed integrally on the internal surface of the housing.

12. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are formed integrally on a surface of at least one component.

13. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the microchannels are configured to induce laminar flow of the fluid through at least a portion of the microchannels.

14. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein at least one component includes a thermal control component, and the thermal control component is disposed within the housing.

15. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes air.

16. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes a gas.

17. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes water.

18. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes antifreeze.

19. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes molten salt.

20. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes molten metal.

21. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes micro-particles.

22. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes a phase change material.

23. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes liquid droplets.

24. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid includes solid particles.

25. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least partially circulated by a pump.

26. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least partially circulated by a mechanical pump.

27. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least partially circulated by an electromagnetic (MHD) pump.

28. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least partially circulated by an electro osmotic pump.

29. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least partially circulated by convection.

30. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least partially circulated by electroosmosis.

31. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the electrical electrochemical energy generation device includes one or more electrochemical cells.

32. The electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device of claim 1, wherein the electrical electrochemical energy generation device includes one or more capacitive storage device.

33-54. -54. (canceled)

55. A method of thermal control of an electrical electrochemical energy generation device or an electrochemical energy generation device, comprising:

providing a housing having an external surface and an internal surface;

coupling at least one component within the housing, at least one component being configured to generate electrical energy in combination with other components, chemicals, or materials residing within the housing;

forming a plurality of microchannels coupled to at least one of the internal surface of the housing or the at least one internal components, at least one microchannel at least partially formed of a high thermal conductivity material;

providing a thermal sink coupled to the microchannels, the thermal sink being configured to transfer heat energy to or from the microchannel; and

flowing a fluid through the microchannels.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of a wall of the housing.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component.

58. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a cathode.

59. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes an anode.

60. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in the material including a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a catalyst material.

61. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in the material including a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a solid electrolyte material.

62. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes an electrical contact.

63. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a current carrying conductor.

64. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a dielectric.

65. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed at least partially integrally on the internal surface of the housing.

66. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are formed at least partially integrally on a surface of at least one component.

67. The method of claim 55, wherein the microchannels are configured to induce laminar flow of the fluid through at least a portion of the microchannels.

68. The method of claim 55, wherein at least one component includes a thermal control component, and the thermal control component is disposed within the housing.

95. The method of claim 55, wherein the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device includes a fuel cell and the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes an electrode.

96. The method of claim 55, wherein the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device includes a fuel cell and the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a bipolar structure.

97. The method of claim 55, wherein the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device includes a fuel cell and the microchannels are formed in a portion of at least one component and at least one component includes a solid electrolyte.

98. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of a wall of a housing of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device.

99. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device.

100. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and the at least one internal component includes a cathode.

101. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and the at least one internal component includes an anode.

102. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent the material including a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and at least one component includes a catalyst material.

103. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent the material including a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and at least one component includes a solid electrolyte material.

104. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and the at least one internal component includes an electrical contact.

105. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and the at least one internal component includes a current carrying conductor.

106. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent a portion of at least one internal component of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device and the at least one internal component includes a dielectric.

107. The method of claim 55, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is disposed adjacent an internal surface of a housing of the electrical electrochemical energy generation device or the electrochemical energy generation device.

69-94. -94. (canceled)

108. (canceled)