Device, system and method for improving efficiency and preventing degradation of energy storage devices

• US 20060051659A1
• Filed: 01/30/2004
• Published: 03/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ultrasonic Energy Efficiency Solutions, LLC
• Original Assignee: Joseph R. Galgana, Shawn P. Kelly
• Inventors: Kelly, Shawn P, Galgana, Joseph R
• Granted Patent: US 7,592,094 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/56
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0525 Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/06 Lead-acid accumulators semi-lead accumulators H01M10/20
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/12 Construction or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/345 Gastight metal hydride accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/42 Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells H01M10/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4214 Arrangements for moving electrodes or electrolyte
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4235 Safety or regulating additives or arrangements in electrodes, separators or electrolyte H01M10/4242 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/12 of consumable metal or alloy electrodes use of alloy compositions as active materials H01M4/38
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/13 Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulators; Processes of manufacture thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/23 Drying or preserving electrodes after forming
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/24 Electrodes for alkaline accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/56 of lead
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/5825 Oxygenated metallic salts or polyanionic structures, e.g. borates, phosphates, silicates, olivines
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method and related device for improving energy performance and substantially preventing degradation of a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process of an energy storage device (10), comprising the steps of: mechanically exciting chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels proximate which covalent bonds with a matrix (51) of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation, thereby substantially maintaining ionic bonding between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially preventing the chemical reaction products from covalently bonding with the matrix (51); and introducing the mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals, in response to an electromagnetic signal.

Claims

1. A method for improving energy performance and substantially preventing degradation of a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process of an energy storage device (10), comprising the steps of:

mechanically exciting chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels proximate which chemical covalent bonds with a matrix (51), i.e., electrode material of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation, thereby substantially maintaining ionic bonding between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially preventing the chemical reaction products from covalently bonding with the matrix (51); and

introducing the mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals, in response to an electromagnetic signal;

whereby;

degradation is substantially prevented by substantially preventing the covalent bonds from forming and by exciting the energy storage device (10) mechanically rather than via degrading electrical excitation; and

energy performance is improved by requiring lower amounts of energy for exciting the chemical reaction products via said active material (31) than would be required to similarly excite the chemical reaction products without said active material (31), and by substantially preventing the covalent bonds from forming and causing degradation.

2. The method of claim 1, said step of mechanically exciting comprising:

mechanically vibrating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

3. The method of claim 1, said step of mechanically exciting comprising:

mechanically pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

4. The method of claim 1, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to an energy level proximate a lowest-energy level of said covalent bonds.

5. The method of claim 1, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to an energy level proximate a higher-energy level of said covalent bonds.

6. The method of claim 1, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to an energy level proximate a lowest-energy level of said covalent bonds; and

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to a higher energy level proximate a higher-energy level of said covalent bonds.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

powering said step of the introducing said mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10), using at least some electrical power from the energy storage device (10).

8. The method of claim 1:

the matrix (51) comprising lead (Pb);

the chemical reaction products comprising sulfate (SO₄); and

the covalent bonds comprising lead sulfate (PbSO₄) covalent bonds.

9. The method of claim 8, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at frequencies comprising approximately 3.26 MHz.

10. The method of claim 9, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

11. The method of claim 1:

the matrix (51) comprising NiO and MH;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

12. The method of claim 1:

the matrix (51) comprising Cd and NiO;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Cd(OH)₂ and Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

13. The method of claim 1:

the matrix (51) comprising Li and another alloy X;

the chemical reaction products comprising XO₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising LiXO₂ covalent bonds.

14. The method of claim 1, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

15. The method of claim 1, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

16. The method of claim 1, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

17. The method of claim 1, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged at said energy levels substantially maintaining the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51).

18. The method of claim 1, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is charged at energy levels substantially breaking the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and causing the chemical reaction products to return to an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10).

19. The method of claim 1, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged;

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged at said energy levels substantially maintaining the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51);

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is charged at energy levels substantially breaking the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and causing the chemical reaction products to return to an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10).

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

sweeping said mechanical excitations through a plurality of said energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, through a discharge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds;

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, through a charge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds; and

sweeping said charge cycle plurality of energy levels through at least one energy level higher than a highest energy level of said discharge cycle plurality of energy levels.

22. The method of claim 19:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said step of mechanically exciting further comprising mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at frequencies comprising approximately 3.26 MHz.

23. The method of claim 22, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, through a discharge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate resonant frequencies of said covalent bonds;

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, through a charge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate resonant frequencies of said covalent bonds; and

sweeping said charge cycle plurality of frequencies through at least one frequency higher than a highest frequency of said discharge cycle plurality of frequencies.

25. The method of claim 24:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said step of mechanically exciting further comprising mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at frequencies comprising approximately 3.26 MHz.

26. The method of claim 1:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

27. The method of claim 1:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate.

28. The method of claim 1:

said active material (31) comprising lead titanate.

29. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) substantially contained within at least one electrode comprising said matrix (51).

30. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

doping at least one electrode of said matrix (5 1) with a doping material comprising said active material (31).

31. The method of claim 30:

said doping material comprising zirconate.

32. The method of claim 30:

said doping material comprising titanate.

33. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) in mechanical connection with at least one electrode of said matrix (51).

34. The method of claim 33:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

35. The method of claim 33:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

36. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

37. The method of claim 36:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

38. The method of claim 36:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

39. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing a separator of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

40. The method of claim 39:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

41. The method of claim 39:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

42. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing a casting of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

43. The method of claim 42:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

44. The method of claim 42:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

45. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) external to and in mechanical connection with the energy storage device (10).

46. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) in mechanical connection with at least one terminal of the energy storage device (10).

47. The method of claim 1:

said active material (31) comprising magneto-responsive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising;

introducing said mechanical excitations via said magneto-responsive material, in response to said magnetic field.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising the step of:

providing an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10) comprising said magneto-responsive material.

49. The method of claim 1:

said active material (31) comprising electrostrictive material responsive to electrical signals; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical signal;

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising;

introducing said mechanical excitations via said electrostrictive material, in response to said electrical signal.

50. The method of claim 1:

said active material (31) comprising magnetostrictive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising;

introducing said mechanical excitations via said magnetostrictive material in response to said magnetic field.

51. The method of claim 1:

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical current comprising non-DC components.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising the step of:

applying said non-DC components across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising the step of:

inducing said non-DC components via magnetic induction.

54. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

electrically exciting, in addition to said mechanically exciting, the chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at said energy levels proximate which covalent bonds with the matrix (51) of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation, thereby further substantially maintaining ionic bonding between the chemical reaction products and further substantially preventing the chemical reaction products from forming covalent bonds with the matrix (51); and

introducing the electrical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal.

55. The method of claim 54, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

applying said non-DC components across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

56. The method of claim 54, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

inducing said non-DC components via magnetic induction.

57. The method of claim 54, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

58. The method of claim 54, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

59. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

electrically exciting, in addition to mechanically exciting, the chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels suitable for substantially breaking the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and causing the chemical reaction products to substantially return to an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10), thereby substantially breaking the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and causing the chemical reaction products to substantially return to an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10); and

introducing the electrical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal.

60. The method of claim 59, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

applying said non-DC components across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

61. The method of claim 59, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

inducing said non-DC components via magnetic induction.

62. The method of claim 59, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

63. The method of claim 59, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

64. The method of claim 54:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

65. The method of claim 55:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

66. The method of claim 59:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

67. The method of claim 60, further comprising:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

68. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

providing electrical power from said energy storage device (10) to a motor vehicle; and

receiving electrical power into said energy storage device (10) from said motor vehicle.

69. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

powering a load using hybridized energy from a supplemental source of energy in addition to energy from said energy storage device (10), in varying proportions responsive to varying operating conditions.

70. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving electrical power into said energy storage device (10) from a power generation and distribution system;

supplying electrical power from said energy storage device (10) into said power generation and distribution system; and

load balancing said receiving and supplying of electrical power from and into said power generation and distribution system, in response to varying operating conditions.

256. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

said active material (31) in mechanical connection with at least one terminal of the energy storage device (10).

71. A method for improving energy performance and substantially preventing degradation of a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process of an energy storage device (10), comprising the steps of:

mechanically exciting an energy storage device (10) at frequencies proximate resonant frequencies at which chemical covalent bonds between chemical reaction products and a matrix (51), i.e., electrode material of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation; and

introducing the mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals, in response to an electromagnetic signal.

72. The method of claim 71, said step of mechanically exciting comprising:

mechanically vibrating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

73. The method of claim 71, said step of mechanically exciting comprising:

mechanically pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

74. The method of claim 71, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a lowest resonant frequency of said covalent bonds.

75. The method of claim 71, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a resonant frequency of said covalent bonds higher than a lowest resonant frequency of said covalent bonds.

76. The method of claim 71, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a lowest resonant frequency of said covalent bonds; and

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a higher resonant frequency of said covalent bonds.

77. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

powering said step of the introducing said mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10), using at least some electrical power from the energy storage device (10).

78. The method of claim 71:

the matrix (51) comprising lead (Pb);

the chemical reaction products comprising sulfate (SO₄); and

the covalent bonds comprising lead sulfate (PbSO₄) covalent bonds.

79. The method of claim 78, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at frequencies comprising approximately 3.26 MHz.

80. The method of claim 79, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

81. The method of claim 71:

the matrix (51) comprising NiO and MH;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

82. The method of claim 71:

the matrix (51) comprising Cd and NiO;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Cd(OH)₂ and Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

83. The method of claim 71:

the matrix (51) comprising Li and another alloy X;

the chemical reaction products comprising XO₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising LiXO₂ covalent bonds.

84. The method of claim 71, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

85. The method of claim 71, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

86. The method of claim 71, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

87. The method of claim 71, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged at said frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies.

88. The method of claim 71, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is charged at at least one frequency higher than said resonant frequencies.

89. The method of claim 71, said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising:

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged;

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged at said frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies;

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of the time while the energy storage device (10) is charged at at least one frequency higher than said resonant frequencies.

90. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

sweeping said mechanical excitations through a plurality of said frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies.

91. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, through a discharge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies;

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, through a charge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies; and

sweeping said charge cycle plurality of energy levels through at least one frequency higher than a highest frequency of said discharge cycle plurality of frequencies.

92. The method of claim 89:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said step of mechanically exciting further comprising mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at frequencies comprising approximately 3.26 MHz.

93. The method of claim 92, said step of mechanically exciting further comprising:

mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

94. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, through a discharge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds;

sweeping said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, through a charge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds; and

sweeping said charge cycle plurality of energy levels through at least one energy level higher than a highest energy level of said discharge cycle plurality of energy levels.

95. The method of claim 91:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said step of mechanically exciting further comprising mechanically exciting the chemical reaction products at frequencies comprising approximately 3.26 MHz.

96. The method of claim 71:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

97. The method of claim 71:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate.

98. The method of claim 71:

said active material (31) comprising lead titanate.

99. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) substantially contained within at least one electrode comprising said matrix (51).

100. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

doping at least one electrode of said matrix (51) with a doping material comprising said active material (31).

101. The method of claim 100:

said doping material comprising zirconate.

102. The method of claim 100:

said doping material comprising titanate.

103. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) in mechanical connection with at least one electrode of said matrix (5 1).

104. The method of claim 103:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

105. The method of claim 103:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

106. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

107. The method of claim 106:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

108. The method of claim 106:

said active material (31) comprising titanate,

109. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing a separator of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

110. The method of claim 109:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

111. The method of claim 109:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

112. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing a casting of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

113. The method of claim 112:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

114. The method of claim 112:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

115. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) external to and in mechanical connection with the energy storage device (10).

116. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

providing said active material (31) in mechanical connection with at least one terminal of the energy storage device (10).

117. The method of claim 71:

said active material (31) comprising magneto-responsive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising;

introducing said mechanical excitations via said magneto-responsive material, in response to said magnetic field.

118. The method of claim 117, further comprising the step of:

providing an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10) comprising said magneto-responsive material.

119. The method of claim 71:

said active material (31) comprising electrostrictive material responsive to electrical signals; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical signal;

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising;

introducing said mechanical excitations via said electrostrictive material, in response to said electrical signal.

120. The method of claim 71:

said active material (31) comprising magnetostrictive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising;

introducing said mechanical excitations via said magnetostrictive material in response to said magnetic field.

121. The method of claim 71:

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical current comprising non-DC components.

122. The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of:

applying said non-DC components across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

123. The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of:

inducing said non-DC components via magnetic induction.

124. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

electrically exciting, in addition to said mechanically exciting, the energy storage device (10) at frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies; and

introducing the electrical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal.

125. The method of claim 124, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

applying said non-DC components across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

126. The method of claim 124, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

inducing said non-DC components via magnetic induction.

127. The method of claim 124, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

128. The method of claim 124, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

129. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

electrically exciting, in addition to said mechanically exciting, the energy storage device (10), at at least one frequency higher than said resonant frequencies; and

introducing the electrical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal.

130. The method of claim 129, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

applying said non-DC components across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

131. The method of claim 129, said step of introducing said electrical excitations further comprising:

inducing said non-DC components via magnetic induction.

132. The method of claim 129, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

133. The method of claim 129, said step of electrically exciting comprising:

electrically pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

134. The method of claim 124:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

135. The method of claim 125:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

136. The method of claim 129:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

137. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

said step of introducing said mechanical excitations further comprising introducing said mechanical excitations during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said step of introducing the electrical excitations further comprising introducing said non-DC components during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

138. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

providing electrical power from said energy storage device (10) to a motor vehicle; and

receiving electrical power into said energy storage device (10) from said motor vehicle.

139. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of:

powering a load using hybridized energy from a supplemental source of energy in addition to energy from said energy storage device (10), in varying proportions responsive to varying operating conditions.

140. The method of claim 71, further comprising the steps of:

receiving electrical power into said energy storage device (10) from a power generation and distribution system;

supplying electrical power from said energy storage device (10) into said power generation and distribution system; and

load balancing said receiving and supplying of electrical power from and into said power generation and distribution system, in response to varying operating conditions.

141. An energy storage device (10) which substantially improves energy performance and prevents degradation of its chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process, comprising:

an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals for introducing mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) in response to an electromagnetic signal and thereby exciting chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels proximate which chemical covalent bonds with a matrix (51) , i.e., electrode material of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation;

wherein;

said mechanical excitations substantially maintain ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially prevent the chemical reaction products from forming covalent bonds with the matrix (51);

whereby;

degradation is substantially prevented because the covalent bonds are substantially prevented from forming and because the energy storage device (10) is excited mechanically rather than via degrading electrical excitation; and

energy performance is improved because lower amounts of energy are required to excite the chemical reaction products via said active material (31) than would be required to achieve similar excitations without said active material (31), and because covalent bonds are substantially prevented from forming and causing degradation..

142. The device of claim 141, said mechanical excitations comprising:

mechanical vibrations vibrating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

143. The device of claim 141, said mechanical excitations comprising:

mechanical pulses pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

144. The device of claim 141, said mechanical excitations exciting the chemical reaction products to an energy level proximate a lowest-energy level of said covalent bonds.

145. The device of claim 141, said mechanical excitations exciting the chemical reaction products to an energy level proximate a higher-energy level of said covalent bonds.

146. The device of claim 141, said mechanical excitations:

exciting the chemical reaction products to an energy level proximate a lowest-energy level of said covalent bonds; and

exciting the chemical reaction products to a higher energy level proximate a higher-energy level of said covalent bonds.

147. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

at least some electrical power from the energy storage device (10), used to power the introduction of said mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10).

148. The device of claim 141:

the matrix (51) comprising lead (Pb);

the chemical reaction products comprising sulfate (SO₄); and

the covalent bonds comprising lead sulfate (PbSO₄) covalent bonds.

149. The device of claim 148, said mechanical excitations comprising a frequency of approximately 3.26 MHz.

150. The device of claim 149, said mechanical excitations further comprising at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

151. The device of claim 141:

the matrix (51) comprising NiO and MH;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

152. The device of claim 141:

the matrix (51) comprising Cd and NiO;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Cd(OH)₂ and Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

153. The device of claim 141:

the matrix (51) comprising Li and another alloy X;

the chemical reaction products comprising XO₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising LiXO₂ covalent bonds.

154. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

155. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

156. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged and during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

157. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to be introduced at said energy levels which substantially maintain the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51).

158. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to be introduced at energy levels which substantially break the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and cause the chemical reaction products to return to an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10).

159. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to be introduced at said energy levels which substantially maintain the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51); and

said control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to be introduced at energy levels which substantially break the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and cause the chemical reaction products to substantially return to an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10).

160. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to sweep through a plurality of said energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds.

161. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to sweep through a discharge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds;

said control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to sweep through a charge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds; and

said charge cycle plurality of energy levels comprising at least one energy level higher than a highest energy level of said discharge cycle plurality of energy levels.

162. The device of claim 159:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said mechanical excitations comprising a frequency of approximately 3.26 MHz.

163. The device of claim 162, said mechanical excitations further comprising at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

164. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to sweep through a discharge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate resonant frequencies of said covalent bonds; and

said control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to sweep through a charge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate resonant frequencies of said covalent bonds; and

said charge cycle plurality of frequencies comprising at least one frequency higher than a highest frequency of said discharge cycle plurality of frequencies.

165. The device of claim 164:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said mechanical excitations comprising a frequency of approximately 3.26 MHz.

166. The device of claim 141:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

167. The device of claim 141:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate.

168. The device of claim 141:

said active material (31) comprising lead titanate.

169. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

at least one electrode comprising said matrix (51) substantially containing said active material (31).

170. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

at least one electrode of said matrix (51) doped with a doping material comprising said active material (31).

171. The device of claim 170:

said doping material comprising zirconate.

172. The device of claim 170:

said doping material comprising titanate.

173. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

at least one electrode of said matrix (51) comprising said active material (31) in mechanical connection therewith.

174. The device of claim 173:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

175. The device of claim 173:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

176. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

177. The device of claim 176:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

178. The device of claim 176:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

179. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a separator of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

180. The device of claim 179:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

181. The device of claim 179:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

182. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a casting of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

183. The device of claim 182:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

184. The device of claim 182:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

185. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

said active material (31) external to and in mechanical connection with the energy storage device (10).

186. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

said active material (31) in mechanical connection with at least one terminal of the energy storage device (10).

187. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

said active material (31) comprising magneto-responsive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

wherein;

said magneto-responsive material introduces said mechanical excitations in response to said magnetic field.

188. The device of claim 187, further comprising:

an electrolyte of the energy storage device (10) comprising said magneto-responsive material.

189. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

said active material (31) comprising electrostrictive material responsive to electrical signals; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical signal;

wherein;

said electrostrictive material introduces said mechanical excitations in response to said electrical signal.

190. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

said active material (31) comprising magnetostrictive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

wherein;

said magnetostrictive material introduces said mechanical excitations in response to said magnetic field.

191. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical current comprising non-DC components.

192. The device of claim 191, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) by being applied across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

193. The device of claim 191, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) via magnetic induction.

194. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal, introducing electrical excitations into the energy storage device (10), in addition to said mechanical excitations, electrically exciting the chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at said energy levels proximate which covalent bonds with the matrix (51) of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation;

wherein;

said non-DC components further substantially maintain ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially prevent the chemical reaction products from forming covalent bonds with the matrix (51).

195. The device of claim 194, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) by being applied across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

196. The device of claim 194, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) via magnetic induction.

197. The device of claim 194, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical oscillations oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

198. The device of claim 194, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical pulses pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

199. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal, introducing electrical excitations into the energy storage device (10), in addition to said mechanical excitations, electrically exciting the chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels suitable for substantially breaking the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and causing the chemical reaction products to substantially return to an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10);

wherein;

said non-DC components substantially break the ionic bonds between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and cause the chemical reaction products to substantially return to an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10).

200. The device of claim 199, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) by being applied across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

201. The device of claim 199, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) via magnetic induction.

202. The device of claim 199, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical oscillations oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

203. The device of claim 199, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical pulses pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

204. The device of claim 194, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

205. The device of claim 195, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be applied across the electrical potential during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

206. The device of claim 199, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

207. The device of claim 200, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be applied across the electrical potential during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

208. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

electrical power from said energy storage device (10) provided to a motor vehicle; and

electrical power received into said energy storage device (10) from said motor vehicle.

209. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

a hybridizer causing energy from a supplemental source of energy in addition to energy from said energy storage device (10), in varying proportions responsive to varying operating conditions, to power a load.

210. The device of claim 141, further comprising:

an electrical connection between said energy storage device (10) and a power generation and distribution system enabling said energy storage device (10) to receive electrical power from said power generation and distribution system;

said electrical connection further enabling said energy storage device (10) to supply electrical power into said power generation and distribution system; and

a load balancer causing said energy storage device (10) to receive and supply said electrical power from and into said power generation and distribution system, in response to varying operating conditions.

211. An energy storage device (10) which substantially improves energy performance and prevents degradation of its chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process, comprising:

an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals for introducing mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) in response to an electromagnetic signal, at frequencies proximate resonant frequencies at which chemical covalent bonds between chemical reaction products and a matrix (51), i.e., electrode material of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation.

212. The device of claim 211, said mechanical excitations comprising:

mechanical vibrations vibrating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

213. The device of claim 211, said mechanical excitations comprising:

mechanical pulses pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

214. The device of claim 211, said mechanical excitations exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a lowest resonant frequency of said covalent bonds.

215. The device of claim 211, said mechanical excitations exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a resonant frequency of said covalent bonds higher than a lowest resonant frequency of said covalent bonds.

216. The device of claim 211, said mechanical excitations:

exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a lowest resonant frequency of said covalent bonds; and

exciting the chemical reaction products to a frequency proximate a higher resonant frequency of said covalent bonds.

217. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

at least some electrical power from the energy storage device (10), used to power the introduction of said mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10).

218. The device of claim 211:

the matrix (51) comprising lead (Pb);

the chemical reaction products comprising sulfate (SO₄); and

the covalent bonds comprising lead sulfate (PbSO₄) covalent bonds.

219. The device of claim 218, said mechanical excitations comprising a frequency of approximately 3.26 MHz.

220. The device of claim 219, said mechanical excitations further comprising at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

221. The device of claim 211:

the matrix (51) comprising NiO and MH;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

222. The device of claim 211:

the matrix (51) comprising Cd and NiO;

the chemical reaction products comprising (OH)₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising Cd(OH)₂ and Ni(OH)₂ covalent bonds.

223. The device of claim 211:

the matrix (51) comprising Li and another alloy X;

the chemical reaction products comprising XO₂; and

the covalent bonds comprising LiXO₂ covalent bonds.

224. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

225. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

226. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged and during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

227. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to be introduced at said frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies.

228. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to be introduced at to be introduced at at least one frequency higher than said resonant frequencies.

229. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to be introduced at said frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies; and

said control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to be introduced at to be introduced at at least one frequency higher than said resonant frequencies.

230. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to sweep through a plurality of said frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies.

231. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to sweep through a discharge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies;

said control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to sweep through a charge cycle plurality of frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies; and

said charge cycle plurality of frequencies comprising at least one frequency higher than a highest frequency of said discharge cycle plurality of frequencies.

232. The device of claim 229:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said mechanical excitations comprising a frequency of approximately 3.26 MHz.

233. The device of claim 232, said mechanical excitations further comprising at least one frequency higher than approximately 3.26 MHz.

234. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged, to sweep through a discharge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds;

said control module causing said mechanical excitations, during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged, to sweep through a charge cycle plurality of energy levels proximate energy levels of said covalent bonds; and

said charge cycle plurality of energy levels comprising at least one energy level higher than a highest energy level of said discharge cycle plurality of energy levels.

235. The device of claim 231:

the energy storage device (10) comprising a lead-acid battery; and

said mechanical excitations comprising a frequency of approximately 3.26 MHz.

236. The device of claim 211:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

237. The device of claim 211:

said active material (31) comprising lead zirconate.

238. The device of claim 211:

said active material (31) comprising lead titanate.

239. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

at least one electrode comprising said matrix (51) substantially containing said active material (31).

240. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

at least one electrode of said matrix (51) doped with a doping material comprising said active material (31).

241. The device of claim 240:

said doping material comprising zirconate.

242. The device of claim 240:

said doping material comprising titanate.

243. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

at least one electrode of said matrix (51) comprising said active material (31) in mechanical connection therewith.

244. The device of claim 243:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

245. The device of claim 243:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

246. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

247. The device of claim 246:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

248. The device of claim 246:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

249. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a separator ofthe energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

250. The device of claim 249:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

251. The device of claim 249:

said active material (31) comprising titanate.

252. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a casting of the energy storage device (10) comprising said active material (31).

253. The device of claim 252:

said active material (31) comprising zirconate.

254. The device of claim 252:

said active material (3 I) comprising titanate.

255. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

said active material (31) external to and in mechanical connection with the energy storage device (10).

257. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

said active material (31) comprising magneto-responsive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

wherein;

said magneto-responsive material introduces said mechanical excitations in response to said magnetic field.

258. The device of claim 257, further comprising:

an electrolyte ofthe energy storage device (10) comprising said magneto-responsive material.

259. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

said active material (31) comprising electrostrictive material responsive to electrical signals; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical signal;

wherein;

said electrostrictive material introduces said mechanical excitations in response to said electrical signal.

260. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

said active material (31) comprising magnetostrictive material responsive to magnetic fields; and

said electromagnetic signal comprising a magnetic field;

wherein;

said magnetostrictive material introduces said mechanical excitations in response to said magnetic field.

261. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

said electromagnetic signal comprising an electrical current comprising non-DC components.

262. The device of claim 261, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) by being applied across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

263. The device of claim 261, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) via magnetic induction.

264. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal, and;

electrical excitations, in addition to said mechanical excitations, introduced into the energy storage device (10) via said non-DC components, at frequencies proximate said resonant frequencies.

265. The device of claim 264, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) by being applied across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

266. The device of claim 264, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) via magnetic induction.

267. The device of claim 264, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical oscillations oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

268. The device of claim 264, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical pulses pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

269. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

an electric current comprising non-DC components, in addition to said electromagnetic signal; and

electrical excitations, in addition to said mechanical excitations, introduced into the energy storage device (10) via said non-DC components, at at least one frequency higher than said resonant frequencies.

270. The device of claim 269, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) by being applied across an electrical potential of the energy storage device (10).

271. The device of claim 269, wherein:

said non-DC components are introduced into the energy storage device (10) via magnetic induction.

272. The device of claim 269, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical oscillations oscillating the chemical reaction products at a predetermined periodic oscillation frequency.

273. The device of claim 269, said electrical excitations comprising:

electrical pulses pulsing the chemical reaction products with a pulse of a predetermined rise time.

274. The device of claim 264, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

275. The device of claim 265, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be applied across the electrical potential during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged.

276. The device of claim 269, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

277. The device of claim 270, further comprising:

a control module causing said mechanical excitations to be introduced during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is discharged; and

said control module causing said non-DC components to be applied across the electrical potential during at least part of a time while the energy storage device (10) is charged.

278. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

electrical power from said energy storage device (10) provided to a motor vehicle; and

electrical power received into said energy storage device (10) from said motor vehicle.

279. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

a hybridizer causing energy from a supplemental source of energy in addition to energy from said energy storage device (10), in varying proportions responsive to varying operating conditions, to power a load.

280. The device of claim 211, further comprising:

an electrical connection between said energy storage device (10) and a power generation and distribution system enabling said energy storage device (10) to receive electrical power from said power generation and distribution system;

said electrical connection further enabling said energy storage device (10) to supply electrical power into said power generation and distribution system; and

a load balancer causing said energy storage device (10) to receive and supply said electrical power from and into said power generation and distribution system, in response to varying operating conditions.