Patent Grant
12224447
An energy storage device (or battery) is a device that may be capable of converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The energy storage device may be used in various household and industrial applications. The energy storage device may be used to perform work. Chemical energy stored in the energy storage device may be released when the energy storage device is attached to an electrical load (e.g., power grid or an electrical appliance).
There are energy storage devices that may be operated at elevated temperatures, such temperatures in excess of 100° C. Such devices may be liquid metal batteries, which may include one or more components that are liquid at an operating temperature.
As recognized herein, there remain challenges in storing energy storage devices in a low-cost and efficient manner. Systems to store multiple liquid metal batteries may be expensive to manufacture. Moreover, thermal insulation materials are available either as panels or in rolls, and may not form effective thermal barriers around joints, seams and/or gaps in the system. In such a situation, the system may have thermal leak paths that reduce the overall thermal efficiency of the system.
Recognized herein is a need for low-cost and/or sufficiently low-weight systems for storing high temperature devices (e.g., liquid metal batteries). There is also a need for a system with safe and efficient insulation for the high temperature devices.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an energy storage system, comprising: a plurality of electrochemical cells, wherein an electrochemical cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode, wherein at least two of the negative electrode, the electrolyte and the positive electrode is in a liquid state at an operating temperature of the electrochemical cell, and wherein the plurality of electrochemical cells are connected in series or parallel; and a rack supporting the plurality of electrochemical cells, wherein the rack comprises a plurality of trays, and wherein a tray of the plurality of trays comprises support units that are not coupled to one another via fasteners.
In some embodiments, the energy storage device further comprises an enclosure and wherein the rack is disposed inside the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure comprises a plurality of racks, which plurality of racks comprises the rack. In some embodiments, the enclosure further comprises an enclosure external cover, and wherein the enclosure external cover is electrically isolated from the rack. In some embodiments, the rack is placed on one or more insulation boards in the enclosure. In some embodiments, the energy storage device further comprises insulation material disposed between the rack and the enclosure. In some embodiments, the insulation material is in powder form. In some embodiments, the rack further comprises a rack external cover, and wherein the rack external cover is electrically connected to the rack. In some embodiments, the rack external cover or the enclosure external cover comprises a removable front cover.
In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed on the tray. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support units are a plurality of cross-sectional support members configured to support the plurality of electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, an aspect ratio of the tray is less than or equal to about 0.5. In some embodiments, the rack comprises one or more heaters configure to supply thermal energy to the plurality of electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the one or more heaters are disposed on an inside of the rack or adjacent to a pass-through of the rack. In some embodiments, the one or more heaters comprise an insulator and a heating wire, and wherein the heating wire is disposed in a groove of the insulator.
In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more safety features selected from the group consisting of external ports configured to permit the flow of a fluid, venting ports configured to permit release of flow of gases from the rack, and failure tolerant safety indicators. In some embodiments, the rack or the tray is configured to flow a cooling fluid through one or more elements of the rack or the tray. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrochemical cells are connected via interconnects configured to maintain an electrical resistance of less than or equal to about 5×10−5 Ohm at the operating temperature. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrochemical cells are connected in series and parallel.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an energy storage system, comprising: an enclosure; a plurality of electrochemical cells, wherein an electrochemical cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode, wherein at least two of the negative electrode, the electrolyte and the positive electrode is in a liquid state at an operating temperature of the electrochemical cell, wherein the plurality of electrochemical cells are connected in series or parallel; a rack supporting the plurality of electrochemical cells, wherein the rack is disposed in the enclosure; one or more panels between the rack and the enclosure, wherein the one or more panels are configured to form one or more insulation sections; and insulation material disposed in the one or more insulation sections.
In some embodiments, the insulation material is in powder form. In some embodiments, the one or more panels are attached to the rack or the enclosure. In some embodiments, the rack comprises a plurality of racks, which plurality of racks comprises the rack. In some embodiments, the rack is sealed by one or more tube gaskets. In some embodiments, the one or more tube gaskets comprise a woven insulation fabric filled with the insulation material.
In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more safety features selected from the group consisting of external ports configured to permit the flow of a fluid, venting ports configured to permit release of flow of gases from the enclosure, and failure tolerant safety indicators. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a thermal ballast disposed in or adjacent to the rack, wherein the thermal ballast is configured to maintain or regulate a temperature of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the system further comprise a thermally insulated electronics compartment configured to house one or more members selected from the group consisting of a control system, battery management system, heater controller, circuit panels, fuses, alternating current (AC) distribution, AC and direct current (DC) disconnects, communication devices, and safety components.
In some embodiments, the rack is configured to flow a cooling fluid through one or more elements of the rack. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrochemical cells are connected via interconnects configured to maintain an electrical resistance of less than or equal to about 5×10−5 Ohm at the operating temperature.
In some embodiments, the interconnects comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a nickel alloy, a copper nickel-aluminum bronze alloy, an aluminum brass alloy, a copper alloy, and an aluminum alloy.
In some embodiments, the energy storage system further comprises a ventilation system configured to ventilate the enclosure upon the enclosure reaching a threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the ventilation system comprises a filter configured to remove hydrogen chloride or chlorine gas.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an energy storage system. The method can comprise (a) providing a plurality of electrochemical cells on a rack, wherein an electrochemical cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode, wherein at least two of the negative electrode, the electrolyte and the positive electrode is in a liquid state at an operating temperature of the electrochemical cell, and wherein the rack comprises a plurality of support elements that are joined together without fasteners; and (b) connecting the plurality of electrochemical in series or parallel using interconnect.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a plurality of insulating panels adjacent to the rack.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises, prior to (a), joining the plurality of support elements together to form the rack.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure,” “FIG.,” “Figures,” or “FIGs.” herein), of which:
While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.
The term “cell,” as used herein, generally refers to an electrochemical cell. A cell can include a negative electrode of material ‘A’ and a positive electrode of material ‘B’, denoted as A∥B. The positive and negative electrodes can be separated by an electrolyte. A cell can also include a housing, one or more current collectors, and a high temperature electrically insulating seal. In some cases, a cell can be at least about 4 inches wide, at least about 4 inches deep and at least about 2.5 inches tall. In some cases, a cell can be at least about 8 inches wide, at least about 4 inches deep and at least about 8 inches tall. In some examples, any given dimension (e.g., height, width or depth) of an electrochemical cell can be at least about 1 inch, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, 5.5 inches, 6 inches, 6.5 inches, 7 inches, 7.5 inches, 8 inches, 8.5 inches, 9 inches, 9.5 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches or greater. In an example, a cell (e.g., each cell) can have dimensions of at least about 4 inches×4 inches×2.5 inches. In another example, a cell (e.g., each cell) can have dimensions of at least about 8 inches×2.5 inches×8 inches. In some cases, the cell may be cylindrical and may have a diameter corresponding to any of the above-mentioned height, width, or depth dimensions. In some cases, a cell may have about at least about 70 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity. A cell may have about at least about 1 Watt-hour of energy storage capacity, 10 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 20 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 30 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 40 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 50 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 60 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 70 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 80 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 90 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 100 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 200 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 300 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 400 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 500 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 600 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 800 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 1,000 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, 1,200 Watt-hours of energy storage capacity, or greater.
A group of cells with a given energy capacity and power capacity may be configured to deliver at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% of a given (e.g., rated) power level. For example, a 1000 kW system may be capable of also operating at 500 kW, but a 500 kW system may not be able to operate at 1000 kW. In some cases, a system with a given energy capacity and power capacity may be configured to deliver less than about 100%, less than about 110%, less than about 125%, less than about 150%, less than about 175%, or less than about 200% of a given (e.g., rated) power level, and the like. For example, the system may be configured to provide more than its rated power capacity for a period of time that is less than the time it may take to consume its energy capacity at the rated power level (e.g., provide power that is greater than the rated power of the system for a period of time corresponding to less than about 1%, less than about 10%, or less than about 50% of the time it would take to provide the rated energy of the system when the power is provided at the rated power of the system).
The term “battery,” as used herein, generally refers to an energy storage device with one or more electrochemical cells connected in series and/or parallel. A battery can comprise any number of electrochemical cells. A battery may undergo at least one charge/discharge or discharge/charge cycle (“cycle”). The battery may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more cells.
An energy storage system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more batteries in parallel. As an alternative, the energy storage system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or more batteries in series. As another alternative, the energy storage system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more batteries in series and at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more batteries in parallel.
The term “vertical,” as used herein, generally refers to a direction that is parallel to the gravitational acceleration vector (g).
The term “voltage” or “cell voltage,” as used herein, generally refers to the voltage of a cell (e.g., at any state of charge or charging/discharging condition). In some cases, voltage or cell voltage may be the open circuit voltage. In some cases, the voltage or cell voltage can be the voltage during charging or during discharging.
Voltages of the present disclosure may be taken or represented with respect to reference voltages, such as ground (0 volt (V)), or the voltage of the opposite electrode in an electrochemical cell.
The term “slot,” as used herein, generally refers to a narrow aperture, notch, or slit in an element of the rack (e.g., structural elements and rails) or an element of the tray (e.g., runners or cross-structural support member). A tray may include one or more runners. The runners may have one or more slots. The slots may permit joining or mating with a tab. Joining of the slot and tab may permit assembly of the tray and permit structural support for the tray.
The term “tab,” as used herein, generally refers to a protrusion extending from a cross-structural support member on a tray. The tab may comprise a shape that permits the tab to join or couple with a slot (e.g., the tab may extend into the slot or fit within the slot). The slot and tab may be joined or coupled by welding or brazing. The slot and tab joint may not permit disassembly of the tray elements.
The term “fastener,” as used herein, generally refers to a hardware device that non-permanently mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together such that the two or more objects may be removed or dismantled without damaging the joining components. Fasteners may include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, clips, rivets, latches, anchors, or other types of fasteners. A fastener may not be a slot. A fastener may not be a tab.
The term “pass-through,” as used herein, generally refers to a port or opening through which wires, sensors and/or high current/voltage (e.g., cell current or voltage) connections may pass in order to connect electrochemical cells (e.g., inside the rack) to other components in the energy storage system (e.g., outside the rack). The rack, thermal insulation surrounding the rack, and/or the enclosure surrounding the rack may have one or more pass-through(s). A pass-through may be sealed or may not be sealed. In an example, a pass through may include a grommet (e.g., rubber grommet) or other insert for holding wires or connections and/or sealing the pass-through.
Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.
Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.
An energy storage system may comprise one or more electrochemical cells (“cells”). An electrochemical cell (“cell”) can be configured to deliver electrical energy (e.g., electrons under potential) to a load, such as, for example, an electronic device, another energy storage device or a power grid. The plurality of cells may be connected in series and/or parallel. The cells may be electrochemical cells.
An energy storage system may comprise one electrochemical cell or a plurality of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells may comprise a negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode. At least two of the negative electrode, the electrolyte and the positive electrode may be in a liquid state at an operating temperature of the electrochemical cell. For example, the electrolyte and the negative electrode may be in a liquid state while the positive electrode is in a solid or semi-solid state. The electrochemical cell of the disclosure can include a negative electrode, an electrolyte adjacent to the negative electrode, and a positive electrode adjacent to the electrolyte. The negative electrode can be separated from the positive electrode by the electrolyte. The negative electrode can be an anode during discharge. The positive electrode can be a cathode during discharge.
An electrochemical cell may be a liquid metal battery cell. The liquid metal battery cell can include a liquid electrolyte arranged between a negative liquid (e.g., molten) metal electrode and a positive liquid (e.g., molten) metal, metalloid and/or non-metal electrode. A liquid metal battery cell may have a negative electrode comprising a molten alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium, calcium) or alkali metal (e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium), an electrolyte, and a solid, semi-solid, or molten metal positive electrode. The electrolyte can include a salt (e.g., molten salt), such as an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt. The alkali or alkaline earth metal salt can be a halide, such as a fluoride, chloride, bromide, or iodide of the active alkali or alkaline earth metal, or combinations thereof.
The solid, semi-solid, or molten metal positive electrode can include, for example, one or more of tin, lead, bismuth, antimony, tellurium and selenium. For example, the positive electrode can include a lead (Pb) or a lead-antimony (Pb—Sb) alloy. The positive electrode may include an antimony (Sb), antimony-tin (Sb—Sn), antimony-lead (Sb—Pb), or antimony-tin-lead (Sb—Sn—Pb) alloy. The positive electrode can also include one or more transition metals or d-block elements (e.g., zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)) alone or in combination with other metals, metalloids or non-metals, such as, for example, a zinc-tin (Zn—Sn) alloy or cadmium-tin (Cd—Sn) alloy. The positive electrode can comprise a metal or metalloid that has one stable oxidation state (e.g., a metal with a single or singular oxidation state). Any description of a metal or molten metal positive electrode, or a positive electrode, herein may refer to an electrode including one or more of a metal, a metalloid and a non-metal. The positive electrode may contain one or more of the listed examples of materials. The molten metal positive electrode can include lead and antimony. The molten metal positive electrode may include an alkali or alkaline earth metal alloyed in the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have calcium as the negative electrode, and antimony as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have calcium alloy as the negative electrode, and antimony as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have lithium as the negative electrode, and antimony as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have lithium as the negative electrode, and bismuth as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have calcium as the negative electrode, and bismuth as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have calcium alloy as the negative electrode, and bismuth as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have calcium as the negative electrode, and lead as the positive electrode. The liquid metal battery cell may have a liquid calcium alloy as the negative electrode, a molten salt electrolyte, and a cathode comprising solid metal, metalloid, or intermetallic particles dispersed in molten salt. In an example, the intermetallic particles may comprise antimony (Sb).
In some cases, the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode of an electrochemical cell may be in the liquid state at an operating temperature of the energy storage device. Alternatively, or in addition to, the negative electrode or positive electrode may be solid or semi-solid at an operating temperature of the energy storage device. In an example, the negative electrode is in a liquid state and the positive electrode is in a solid state at the operating temperature of the energy storage device. To maintain the electrode(s) in the liquid state(s), the battery cell may be heated to any suitable temperature. The battery cell may be heated to and/or maintained at a temperature of about 100° C., about 150° C., about 200° C., about 250° C., about 300° C., about 350° C., about 400° C., about 450° C., about 500° C., about 550° C., about 600° C., about 650° C., or about 700° C. The battery cell may be heated to and/or maintained at a temperature of at least about 100° C., at least about 150° C., at least about 200° C., at least about 250° C., at least about 300° C., at least about 350° C., at least about 400° C., at least about 450° C., at least about 500° C., at least about 550° C., at least about 600° C., at least about 650° C., at least about 700° C., at least about 800° C., at least about 900° C., or greater. The negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode can be in a liquid (or molten) state. The battery cell may be heated to between about 200° C. and about 600° C., between about 500° C. and about 550° C., or between about 450° C. and about 575° C.
The electrochemical cell may be at least partially or fully self-heated. For example, a battery may be sufficiently insulated, charged, discharged and/or conditioned at sufficient rates, and/or cycled a sufficient percentage of the time to allow the system to generate sufficient heat through inefficiencies of the cycling operation that cells may be maintained at a given operating temperature (e.g., a cell operating temperature above the freezing point of at least one of the liquid components) without additional energy to be supplied to the system to maintain the operating temperature. A battery may not consume any energy after the battery is initiated.
Electrochemical cells of the disclosure may be adapted to cycle between charged (or energy storage) modes and discharged modes. An electrochemical cell can be fully charged, partially charged or partially discharged, or fully discharged.
The present disclosure provides energy storage systems for storing energy. Energy storage systems of the present disclosure may charge and/or discharge when electrically coupled to a load (e.g., a resistor, an electrical appliance, or a power grid).
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides energy storage systems comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a rack supporting the plurality of electrochemical cells. An electrochemical cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells may comprise a negative electrode, electrolyte and positive electrode. At least one, two or all of the negative electrode, the electrolyte and the positive electrode may be in a liquid state at an operating temperature of the electrochemical cell.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides energy storage systems comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a rack. The electrochemical cells may comprise a negative electrode, electrolyte, and positive electrode. The rack may comprise a plurality of trays comprising a slot and a tab. The electrochemical cells may be disposed on the tray. The rack may support (e.g., mechanically) the plurality of electrochemical cells.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides energy storage systems comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells and a rack. The electrochemical cells may comprise a negative electrode, electrolyte, and positive electrode. The rack may comprise a plurality of trays. A tray of the plurality of trays may comprise support units (e.g., runners and/or cross-structural support members) that are not coupled to one another via fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets, pins, etc.). The electrochemical cells may be disposed on the tray. The rack may support (e.g., mechanically) the plurality of electrochemical cells. The tray may support (e.g., mechanically) the plurality of electrochemical cells.
In another aspect, an energy storage system may comprise an enclosure, a plurality of electrochemical cells, and a rack supporting the plurality of electrochemical cells. The energy storage system may further comprise a rack external cover that may be separate from the rack, or may be part of the rack. The rack may be disposed in the enclosure. The energy storage system may further comprise one or more panels between the rack and the enclosure. The one or more panels may be configured to form one or more insulation sections. The energy storage system may further comprise insulation material disposed in the one or more insulation sections. The rack external cover may prevent the flow of insulation in the insulation sections onto a tray in the rack and/or electrochemical cells on a tray. Alternatively, the system may be designed without a rack external cover and insulation may flow onto and/or contact a tray in the rack and/or electrochemical cells on a tray. The number of the insulation sections may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater.
The operating temperature of the electrochemical cell may be about 100° C., 150° C., 200° C., 250° C., 300° C., 350° C., 400° C., 450° C., 500° C., 550° C., 600° C., 650° C., or 700° C. The operating temperature of the electrochemical cell may be at least about 100° C., 150° C., 200° C., 250° C., 300° C., 350° C., 400° C., 450° C., 500° C., 550° C., 600° C., 650° C., 700° C., 800° C., 900° C. or greater. At least one of the negative electrode, electrolyte, or positive electrode may be in a liquid state at an operating temperature (e.g., greater than 250° C.) of the electrochemical cells. At least two of the negative electrode, electrolyte, or positive electrode may be in a liquid state at an operating temperature (e.g., greater than 250° C.) of the electrochemical cells. All of the negative electrode, electrolyte, or positive electrode may be in a liquid state at an operating temperature (e.g., greater than 250° C.) of the electrochemical cells.
The plurality of electrochemical cells may be connected in series. The plurality of electrochemical cells may be connected in parallel. Some of the plurality of electrochemical cells may be connected in series, and some of the plurality of electrochemical cells may be connected in parallel.
The energy storage system may comprise a rack. The rack may be part of a plurality of racks in the energy storage system. The number of racks of the energy storage system may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater. The rack may comprise a plurality of trays. The number of trays of one of the racks may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. 19, 20, or greater.
The tray may comprise one or more tray elements that are assembled together to form the tray. The tray and/or tray element may comprise a slot and a tab. The slot and tab may be configured to couple together, such as by mating with each other. The tray may comprise a plurality of slots and/or a plurality of tabs. The number of the slots of the tray may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater. The number of the tabs of the tray may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater. The number of the slots of the tray may be the same as the number of the tabs of the tray. Alternatively, or in addition to, the number of the slots of the tray may be different from the number of the tabs of the tray. The slot may comprise an opening. The opening may have various designs, shapes, and/or sizes. The trays may support the one or more electrochemical cells. For example, a tray may support at least 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, or more electrochemical cells.
The energy storage system may further comprise a rack external cover that partially or fully covers one or more racks in the energy storage system. The rack external cover may be part of a rack or may be separate from the rack. In an example, the rack external cover is separate and separable from the rack (e.g., may be removed). In another example, the rack external cover is integrated with the rack and not removable. In another example, a portion of the rack external cover is integrated with the rack and another portion is not integrated (e.g., is removable). The rack external cover may be used to prevent powdered thermal insulation from contacting or covering electrochemical cells on trays that are being held by the rack and/or used to electrically isolate the rack from other elements of the energy storage system. The rack external cover may fully cover one rack. The rack external cover may partially cover one rack. The rack external cover may fully or partially cover two or more adjacent racks. The rack external cover may comprise a front cover. The front cover of the rack external cover may be designed to allow for the loading of trays into the rack when the front cover is removed and allow for the internal volume of the rack to be sealed from insulation outside the rack and rack external cover to prevent the insulation from contacting and covering some of the electrochemical cells on the trays. The rack external cover may be electrically connected to the rack. The rack external cover may be physically separated from the rack and comprise its own structural rack and/or may be electrically isolated from the rack. The rack external cover may be thermally connected to the rack. Alternatively, or in addition to, the rack external cover may be thermally isolated from the rack. One or more of the plurality of electrochemical cells may be disposed on the tray. The number of the plurality of electrochemical cells disposed on one tray may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater. The number of the plurality of electrochemical cells disposed on one tray of the rack may be the same as the number of the plurality of electrochemical cells disposed on another tray of the rack. The number of the plurality of electrochemical cells disposed on one tray of the rack may be different from the number of the plurality of electrochemical cells disposed on another tray of the rack.
The rack or a set of adjacent racks may comprise one or more heaters for supplying thermal energy to the plurality of electrochemical cells. The number of the heaters of the rack may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater. The heater may be placed between the rack and the rack external cover. The heater may be placed inside the rack. The heater may be placed next to a tray. The heater may be placed on a tray. The heater may be placed on portions of the rack that are adjacent to or in contact with the rack external cover or adjacent racks. The heater may be placed outside the rack external cover. The heater may be placed near to locations along the inner or external surface of the rack or rack external cover that have higher thermal heat leak paths are therefore require more heating to reduce thermal gradients within the volume enclosed by the rack. Alternatively, or in addition to, the heater may be disposed near an inlet and/or an outlet to the rack. The inlet or outlet of the rack may be configured to pass electrical connections and other electrical components from the inside the rack to outside the rack.
The rack and/or rack external cover may be in an enclosure. The enclosure may have various designs, shapes, and/or sizes. Examples of possible shapes or designs include but are not limited to: mathematical shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal), two-dimensional geometric shapes, multi-dimensional geometric shapes, curves, polygons, polyhedral, other geometric shapes, or partial shapes or combination of shapes thereof.
At least two of the enclosure, rack external cover, rack and tray may be formed of the same material. The enclosure, rack external cover, rack, and tray may be formed of different materials. The enclosure, rack external cover, rack and/or tray may be formed of a metallic (or metal-containing) material, polymeric material, and/or composite material. The metallic material may include one or more elemental metals. Examples of metallic materials include aluminum, stainless steel alloys (e.g., 200-series, 300-series, 400-series, etc.), commercially pure titanium, titanium alloys, silver alloys, copper alloys, Grade 5 titanium, super-elastic titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, and superelastic metallic alloys (e.g., Nitinol or super elasto-plastic metals).
The rack may be placed on one or more insulation boards in the enclosure. The number of insulation boards may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or greater. The insulation boards may have various designs, shapes, and/or sizes. Examples of possible shapes or designs include but are not limited to: mathematical shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal), two-dimensional geometric shapes, multi-dimensional geometric shapes, curves, polygons, polyhedral, other geometric shapes, or partial shapes or combination of shapes thereof. Different insulation boards may have different shapes, designs, and/or sizes. Different insulation boards may be in the same shape, design, and/or size.
The energy storage system may comprise insulation material between the rack and/or rack external cover and the enclosure. The insulation material may be in powder form. If the insulation materials are in the form of powders, the particle size (e.g., cross-section) of an individual particle in the powder may be at most about 1 centimeter (cm), 1000 micrometers (μm), 500 μm, 400 μm, 300 μm, 200 μm, 100 μm, 50 μm, 10 μm, 1 μm, 0.5 μm, 0.1 μm or smaller. The insulation materials may comprise or be, but not limited to, silica, microporous silica, alumina silica, alumina silicate, magnesia, vacuum insulated panel, silica aerogel, cementitious foam, perlite loose-fill, vermiculite loose-fill, aerated concrete, cellular concrete, brick, glass, poured concrete, fiberglass, and mineral wool or any other thermally insulating materials.
Reference will now be made to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. It will be appreciated that the figures and features therein are not necessarily drawn to scale.
An energy storage system may comprise a rack supporting the plurality of cells. The rack may be in an enclosure. The rack may provide structural support, participate and/or aid in forming the interconnections. The rack may have one or more fluid flow paths for bringing a thermal management fluid in thermal communication with at least a subset of the plurality of electrochemical cells. The thermal management fluid may be any suitable fluid, including but not limited to air, purified/cleaned air, a gas (e.g., helium, argon, supercritical CO2), oil, water, molten salt, or steam. Examples of gases are argon or nitrogen (N2). Ambient air may be used. The thermal management fluid may have a high heat capacity. The fluid flow paths may be an integral part of the rack (e.g., the thermal management fluid may flow through the rack). Alternatively, or in addition to, the fluid flow paths may be separate from the rack. The fluid flow paths may separate the thermal management fluid such that the thermal management fluid does not come in contact with the cells.
The rack may have one or more functions. Examples of such function(s) may include, but are not limited to: (i) providing mechanical support to the cells and/or groups of cells within the device/system, and/or (ii) providing a path for thermal management fluid to flow to aid in thermal management of the battery (or battery system). The energy storage system may comprise a rack external cover. The rack external cover may also be considered to be part of the rack. The rack may comprise additional components. The additional components may be, for example, tubes, pipes, or enclosed trusses. The additional elements may be welded with the rack or be operatively coupled with the rack. Thermal management fluid flow pathways may be welded or otherwise connected or joined to one or more portions of the rack structure.
The rack may further comprise a rack external cover. The rack external cover may be electrically connected to the rack. The rack external cover may be electrically isolated from the rack. The rack external cover may be removable. The rack external cover may be partially removable. The rack external cover may not be removable. The rack external cover may be thin sheet metal skin. The rack external cover may comprise a rack front cover. The rack front cover may be removable. The rack front cover may not be removable.
The rack may be of any suitable size or shape. The rack may be a rectangular box, e.g., comprising any number of vertical and horizontal rack elements as shown in
The rack may comprise one or a plurality of fluid flow paths. In some implementations, the fluid flow paths may be parallel. For example, a plurality of parallel fluid flow paths may be provided. At least a portion of the fluid flow paths may be separately controllable (e.g., by a control system of the disclosure). Such control may include opening/closing of one or more flow paths, control or maintenance of flow rate(s), control or maintenance of fluid temperature, etc. For example, a fluid flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate) through at least two of the parallel fluid flow paths can be separately controllable. The thermal management fluid can enter fluid flow paths through one or more openings. The fluid can then flow through the rack through any number of (e.g., orthogonal, parallel) fluid flow paths. An individual fluid flow path may have a cross-sectional geometry that is circular, square, rectangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. The fluid flow path may have a cross sectional area of less than about 0.1 cm2, less than about 0.5 cm2, less than about 1 cm2, less than about 2 cm2, less than about 5 cm2, less than about 10 cm2, less than about 20 cm2, less than about 50 cm2, or less than about 100 cm2. The fluid can enter or exit the fluid flow paths through one or more openings. The fluid may alternatively or additionally enter and/or exit the rack on any face or boundary of the rack (e.g., on a face perpendicular or adjacent to the faces/boundaries comprising the inlet/outlet). The thermal management fluid may enter the rack through a first opening, be divided into a plurality of fluid flow paths, and exit through a second opening. The thermal management fluid may enter the rack through two or more distinct openings. The thermal management fluid may flow through distinct thermal flow paths (e.g., each in fluid communication with one or more distinct openings, such as, for example, a distinct inlet and/or a distinct outlet) that separate the fluid in each path, thus enabling the system to separately control fluid flow rate through each path (e.g., each controlled by their own fluid flow control actuator, such as, for example, a life-gate or valve). One or more structural elements of the rack (e.g., support members or trays) may be configured such that the thermal management fluid flow path goes through the structural element. In an example, one or more of the structural elements make up the fluid flow path for the thermal management fluid.
The thermal management fluid may not contact the electrochemical cells (e.g., the thermal management fluid can be retained within the rack elements). The rack can be made from any suitable material including plastic, aluminum, steel or stainless steel. The rack can be resistant to corrosion. The rack may contact the thermal management fluid and may be chemically resistant to the thermal management fluid. The thermal management fluid may not come in contact with cells (e.g., thereby increasing cell life and reducing system complexity). The rack can be chemically resistant to reactive materials (e.g., reactive metals), such as, for example, reactive metals used in the electrochemical cells.
The rack can have a feature or characteristic (e.g., geometric feature) that selectively accelerates heat transfer (e.g., the thickness or composition of the rack elements and/or the cross-sectional area or diameter of fluid flow path(s) can be different to allow more or less heat to pass between the electrochemical cells and the thermal management fluid). For example, a dimension of the rack (e.g., thickness, cross-sectional area or diameter of a fluid flow path in the rack, or thermal mass of the rack as a whole), or a portion thereof, can be configured to selectively accelerate heat transfer (e.g., in accordance with location of the rack or rack portion within the system). Various geometric features may enable various configurations of thermal management fluid routing. The fluid flow path may be routed between cells or groups of cells to permit selective removal of heat from the system.
The tray and rack may be designed to minimize weight and maximize tray loading density (e.g., to increase the amount of energy storage capacity in an energy storage system enclosure). The tray may be designed to be liftable by a fork lift to load into the rack. To minimize the space between vertically stacked racks, the rack may be designed with runners (e.g., structural elements that run horizontally from the front of the rack to the rear of the rack along the walls of the rack) and the runners may be less than or equal to about 10 inches (in), 8 in, 6 in, 5 in, 4 in, 3 in, 2 in, 1 in, or less wide. The tray may be designed such that the runners on the tray match the rails on the rack to allow for easy loading. For example, when the tray is brought up to the front edge of the rack, the tray runners can be used to slide the tray into the rack along the rails in the rack. To minimize the vertical space required during assembly, the tray may be pushed and/or pulled along the rail (e.g., using a winch system).
The rack may comprise a plurality of trays. The rack and/or tray may use a self-fixturing weldment scheme coupled with a dollars per strength metric that may achieve a low-cost system. The self-fixturing may reduce assembly labor per unit. A dollars per assembled strength metric may be utilized to ensure the manufacturing process to be cost efficient. A self-fixturing weldment scheme may include use of a slot and tab, interlocking, features to allow temporary fasteners to hold the components in place for the joining process (e.g., welding or brazing) and may be removed after the joining process is complete, or other self-aligning and self-locating features. For example, the components may be aligned in a visual manner according to markings on the components. The aligned features may be spot welded or seam welded to form a mechanically robust structure.
The trays may have a long dimension and a short dimension. The tray may include runners with a long dimension that is parallel to a long dimension of the tray. The tray may have cross-structural support members with a long dimension that is parallel to the short dimension. The tray may have at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or more runners. The tray may have at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, or more cross-structural support members. The tray may include more cross-structural support members than runners. The cross-structural support members may provide mechanical support for the electrochemical cells within the rack. The tray may have an aspect ratio of width to length (e.g., short dimension to long dimension) that is less than or equal to about 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or less. The tray may have an aspect ratio that is from about 0.1 to 0.2, 0.1 to 0.3, 0.1 to 0.4, 0.1 to 0.5, 0.1 to 0.6, 0.1 to 0.7, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.9, or 0.1 to 1. In an example, the tray has an aspect ratio that is less than or equal to about 0.5.
The cells on a tray may be configured such that the individual electrochemical cells (e.g., the housing or other component of the cell) are not in contact with one another (e.g., do not form a parallel electrical connection). Avoiding a direct connection between the cells may be permitted or accomplished by positioning cells at least a small distance apart such that there is a gap between the electrochemical cells. For example, a gap between the electrochemical cells may be greater than or equal to about 0.0625 inches (in), 0.125 in, 0.25 in, 0.5 in, 0.75 in, 1 in, or more. The gap between the electrochemical cells may be from about 0.0625 in to 0.125 in, 0.0625 in to 0.25 in, 0.0625 in to 0.5 in, 0.0625 in to 0.75 in, or 0.0625 in to 1 in. Alternatively, or in addition to, one or more electrically insulating materials may be disposed between the housing of adjacent electrochemical cells (e.g., in a gap between the cells) to electrically isolated one cell from one another (e.g., such that the cells are not in a parallel electrical configuration). The electrically insulating material may be resistant to and stable in high temperatures (e.g., 550° C. and greater), such as firebrick, alumina silicate, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, or other electrically insulating material. The electrochemical cells disposed on the tray may be electrically insulated from the tray using one or more cell-to-tray insulating elements. A cell-to-tray insulating element may be a ceramic material or other heat resistant, electrically insulating material. For example, the cell-to-tray insulating ceramic may comprise firebrick, alumina silicate, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, or any other high temperature and electrically insulating material. The cell-to-tray insulating element may be a flat insulation panel. The flat insulation panel may be positioned between an individual cell on a tray and the tray, between a portion of the cells on a tray and the tray, and/or between all other cells on the tray and the tray. In an example, the cell-to-tray insulation element is a layer disposed between a plurality of cells on the tray and the tray. The cell-to-tray insulating element may be joined to or attached to one or more cells and/or the tray. For example, the cell-to-tray insulating component may comprise a coating or other thin layer of adhesion material to join or attach the cell-to-tray insulating element to the cell(s) and/or tray.
The slot and tab may be used in any high temperature metal weldment application including, but not limited to, the cell level tray assembly, the rack, the external structure and any other system component. The tray may be made of cost-efficient materials. The trays may be configured to use a double support at the ends so that the tray may be removed without the removal device entering the rack. The tray may be easy to assemble. The slot and the tab may be manufactured by using cutting devices. The cutting devices may include, but are not limited to, a scissor, annular cutter, blade, broaching, diagonal pliers, diamond tool, die, edger, saw, laser, nipper, pincer, and razor. The tray elements may be cut on an overhead cutting table. The tray elements may then be bent to form tabs. The cutting devices may not be automated devices. The cutting devices may be automated devices. Cutting devices may permit the slot and tab to be manufactured at low cost relative to other manufacturing methods.
Electrochemical cells may be joined together in series or in parallel on a tray and between trays. Cells connected in series may require the use of a high current and high temperature rated cell-to-cell electrical connections or interconnect(s). The interconnect may be made from material that is stable in air up to or above the operating temperature of the electrochemical cells and may be electrically joined to positive and/or negative terminals of the cells. Cells connected in series may have an interconnect that connects the positive terminal from one cell to a negative terminal of another cell. The interconnect may comprise a material that is rated to operate for long periods of time (e.g., years) at the operating temperature of the cell chemistry (e.g., up to or greater than about 550° C.), and must have a sufficiently high electrical conductivity at the cell operating temperature. The interconnect may comprise a nickel alloy (e.g., Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys (USN) #N02201NS), a copper nickel-aluminum bronze alloy (e.g., UNS #C63000), an aluminum brass alloy (e.g., UNS #68700), a copper alloy (UNS #C95400), an aluminum alloy (e.g., UNS #A91100 and UNS #A93003). The interconnect may also comprise material that has high electrical conductivity but is not stable in air at the cell operating temperature, for example, Ni-plated mild steel. The electrical resistance of the interconnect at an operating temperature of the electrochemical cells (e.g., approximately or greater than about 550° C.) may be less than or equal to about 1×10−3 Ohm, 1×10−4 Ohm, 5×10−5 Ohm, 1.5×10−5 Ohm, 1×10−5 Ohm, 5×10−6 Ohm, 1×10−6 Ohm, 1×10−7 Ohm, 1×10−8 Ohm, or less. In an example, the electrical resistance of the interconnect at the operating temperature is less than or equal to about 5×10−5 Ohm. In another example, the electrical resistance of the interconnect at the operating temperature is less than or equal to about 1.5×10−5 Ohm.
Interconnects may also comprise elements to facilitate forming an electrically conductive connection with a positive or negative terminal on a cell. In some examples, the interconnect is directly brazed or welded to a cell terminal. In another example, the interconnect material may not be compatible with brazing or welding directly to the cell (e.g., due to the formation of mechanically weak braze joints based on using a different material for the interconnect and for the cell terminal). The interconnect may comprise an intermediate element that can be bonded (e.g., welded or brazed) to the primary interconnect material (e.g., the material making up the majority of the interconnect component) and to the cell terminal with sufficient mechanical strength and electrical conductivity required to operate the system at the rated power, current, and operating temperature
In order to maintain safe and efficient operation, the energy storage system may comprise insulation material between the rack and the enclosure. The insulation material may be thermal insulation material. The insulation material may be in powder form. The insulation material may fill the empty volume between the rack and the enclosure. The insulation material may form a homogenous layer without gaps, seams or joints. As the insulation material settles over time or during, it can be topped off. For example, the rack may comprise a rack external cover and the insulation may be disposed between the rack external cover and the enclosure.
The insulation materials may comprise or may be, but are not limited to, silica, microporous silica, alumina silica, alumina silicate, magnesia, vacuum insulated panel, silica aerogel, cementitious foam, perlite loose-fill vermiculite loose-fill, aerated concrete, cellular concrete, brick, glass, poured concrete, fiberglass, and mineral wool or any other thermally insulating materials. The insulation materials may be in powder form. If the insulation materials are in the form of powders, the particle size (e.g., cross-section) of an individual particle in the powder may be at most about 1 centimeter (cm), 1000 micrometers (μm), 500 μm, 400 μm, 300 μm, 200 μm, 100 μm, 50 μm, 10 μm, 1 μm, 0.5 μm, 0.1 μm or smaller. The powder insulation may be made from alumina silicate, silica, or other inorganic materials designed to high temperature use. The powdered insulation materials may be used to fill the air gaps inside the energy storage system. The air gaps may exist when one or more panels are connected to form the one or more insulation sections (e.g., seams where two panels meet, or external layers required by other types of insulation materials). The air gaps may exist because many other insulation materials may comprise of rigid elements that may leave openings at seams or joints between adjacent rigid elements of insulation
The energy storage system may further comprise one or more panels between the rack and the enclosure. The one or more panels may be configured to form one or more insulation sections and may be designed to hold powder insulation in certain zones adjacent to a portion of the system that contains the electrochemical cells.
The insulation materials may be disposed in the one or more insulation sections. The one or more insulation sections may be filled with insulation materials. Some insulation sections may be filled with insulation materials prior to system deployment. Some insulation sections through which access is required for installation of cells or wires can be filled with insulation materials after the system is installed at a deployment location. The insulation materials may be filled through a plurality of ports 604 on the top of the enclosure 601. The insulation materials may completely fill any voids and/or displace air spaces. Induced vibration or agitation may be used to allow the insulation materials to settle properly. The insulation materials can be easily removed from the system through vacuum suction and replaced with new insulation materials if thermal properties degrade over time without having to re-install the entire system.
The insulation materials can be disposed in the one or more insulation sections through a plurality of methods. The methods may include pouring the insulation materials into the insulation sections. The insulation materials can be disposed in the one or more insulation sections through one or more pieces of equipment. The one or more pieces of equipment may be gravimetric feeders, storage vessels, mixers, blenders, screeners, crushers, grinders, packaging machines, or any other processing equipment. To remove the insulation materials from the energy storage system, a standard ‘shop vacuum,’ industrial vacuums, or similar equipment may be used. To assist cooling, additional insulation sections may be introduced. Selected insulation sections may be emptied to assist cooling by reducing the total insulation thickness to increase rate of cooling.
The energy storage system may be designed to include a controls room that is thermally insulated from the hot zone of the container (e.g., where the cells are located). The controls room may be a thermally insulated electronics compartment. The thermally insulated electronics compartment may be disposed internal or external to the enclosure and/or rack. The controls room may comprise one or more control systems, electronics (e.g., battery management system, heater controllers), electrical components (e.g., hot-to-cold sensing/balancing wire and busbar transition, AC distribution, circuit panels, AC and DC disconnects, fuses), communication devices, and other devices (e.g., visual indicators, safety components). The controls room may be thermally controlled using fans to exchange air with the external environment and/or air conditioning.
The rack and/or rack external cover (or any portion thereof) may be configured to interface with one or more panels. The rack and/or rack external cover may comprise one or more specific areas or portions that may act as tethering or harnessing locations for one or more panels mounting. One or more panels may be attached to the rack and/or rack external cover through rigid metallic connections that may be permanently connected (e.g., welded or bonded) to the rack (or any portion thereof). One or more panels may be connected to the rack and/or rack external cover such that the connection points may be removable or replaceable (e.g., to facilitate service access or periodic replacement). One or more panels may be assembled to the rack and/or rack external cover such that the insulation region of the assembly may not create a direct thermal pathway between thermally insulated regions (e.g., a thermally maintained zone of the system) of the assembly, and non-insulated regions of the assembly and/or the surrounding environment.
The rack may be placed on one or more insulation boards in the enclosure. The insulation boards may have various designs, shapes, and/or sizes. Examples of possible shapes or designs include but are not limited to: mathematical shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal), two-dimensional geometric shapes, multi-dimensional geometric shapes, curves, polygons, polyhedral, other geometric shapes, or partial shapes or combination of shapes thereof. The number of insulation boards may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or greater. The insulation boards may be dimensioned to fit in the enclosure. The materials of the insulation board may be, but not limited to, vacuum insulated panel, calcium silicate, cement bonded calcium silicate, cement bonded inorganic silicate, silica aerogel, high density fiberglass batts, rock, rock and slag wool loose-fill, cementitious foam, perlite loose-fill, fiberglass rigid panel, vermiculite loose-fill, aerated concrete, cellular concrete, brick, glass, poured concrete, fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, or any combination thereof.
Insulation materials may surround the rack and/or rack external cover and/or may be provided on the inside of fluid flow channel(s). Insulation materials may surround the electrochemical cells. Insulation materials inside of a fluid flow channel can provide insulation materials between the thermal transfer fluid and one or more structural portions of the fluid flow channel. The insulation can be distributed in a manner that facilitates thermal management of the system. An amount (e.g., volume, mass, thickness, total insulating capability, etc.) of insulation materials at or in proximity to (e.g., facing) the center of the system/device and/or rack (e.g., at or in proximity to a heated zone) may be less than an amount of insulation materials at or in proximity to the periphery of the system/device and/or rack (e.g., not at or not in proximity to a heated zone, or facing away from the center). For example, the system may comprise insulation along at least a portion of a fluid flow path to aid in removal of heat from a predetermined location within the system. The amount of insulation along any given portion may vary in accordance with location. For example, least amount of insulation may be provided in a location that is in proximity or adjacent to a heated zone.
Insulation materials may be used to prevent heat loss from the cells (e.g., to keep the metal electrodes molten when heat is not being generated from charging or discharging of the cell). The insulation materials may be designed such that it maintains the cells at or above operating temperature for a given period of time (e.g., a finite period of time, such as, for example, at least about 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, 1 month, or more) when the cells are inactive and/or when no supplemental heating power is provided through heaters.
The insulation materials may allow the system to be (e.g., fully) self-heated when operated normally/regularly (e.g., when cycled at least once every 2 days, or with at least 50% of its energy capacity discharged at least every two days). For example, insulation materials may enable the system to operate continuously in the self-heated configuration when charged and discharged (or cycled) at least once every 2 days. In some examples, the normal/regular operation may include cycling (an example of a charge/discharge metric associated with such operation) at least once every 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months or more.
At least a portion of components of an energy storage device or system (e.g., electrochemical cells, groups of cells, and one or more racks) may be thermally isolated from other room-temperature components of the energy storage device or system through insulation materials boundaries. Insulation materials can aid in defining thermal barrier(s) that allow one side of a thermal boundary (e.g., thermal boundary comprising the thermal barrier(s)) to be maintained at or above a temperature suitable (e.g., required) for cell operation (e.g., hot zone), while the other side of the thermal boundary can be maintained closer to room temperature or ambient temperature conditions (e.g., cool zone).
Insulation materials may comprise materials with high impedance for heat transfer (also “thermal impedance” herein). Such materials may be packaged in sheets, tiles, wraps, tapes or other (e.g., similar) form factors such that they may be packaged around the high temperature zone (also “hot zone” herein). Different insulation materials may be used in the same energy storage system. For example, one insulation section may utilize a thermal insulator with a first thermal impedance and other insulation sections may comprise materials with one or more different thermal impedances (e.g., a second thermal impedance, a third thermal impedance, and so on). The insulation materials may comprise a set or package of components. In some examples, removable and/or replaceable components (e.g., tiles) may be incorporated into the insulation materials layers. Insulation materials may have dedicated areas, portions, or inlets and outlets (e.g., pass-throughs) through which wires, sensors and/or high current/voltage (e.g., cell current or voltage) connections, collectively referred to as “connections” herein, can pass in order to connect electrochemical cells (e.g., inside the thermal insulation) to other components in the energy storage system (e.g., outside the thermal insulation). For example, pass-throughs may carry wires and/or sensors that are in communication with a management/control system. Such sensors may include, for example, one or more temperature sensors placed in or in thermal communication with the hot zone of the system. In some examples, pass-throughs carry voltage (e.g., low current) sense wires. The voltage sense wires may be designed to handle (e.g., withstand) small amounts of current (e.g., less than about 10 milli-amperes (mA) or less than about 1 mA). Pass-throughs carry voltage sense wires and/or wires for distributing current to/from cells. Pass-throughs carry high current and/or high voltage wires to busbars. Pass-throughs may have a cross-section that is, for example, circular, rectangular, square, oval, or polygonal. Such pass-throughs may have a cross-section area of greater than about 0.0001 square centimeters (cm2), greater than about 0.001 cm2, greater than about 0.01 cm2, greater than about 0.1 cm2, greater than about 1 cm2 or greater than about 10 cm2).
A pass-through may be thermally efficient to limit or prevent excessive heat loss through it. In some cases, the pass-through can be filled with material(s) with high thermal impedance to limit or decrease heat transfer from the hot zone of the system to other lower temperature areas (e.g., to one or more cool zones). The filling material may be homogenous (e.g., one material fills the entire pass-through) or heterogeneous (e.g., two or more different materials are used as fillers in one pass-through). The pass-through can comprise one or more plugs and/or one or more end-caps that may limit or decrease heat transfer through the pass-through. Plug(s) and/or end cap(s) may encapsulate material with high thermal impedance within the pass-through structure. The entire pass-through structure can be mounted on a tile (or sheet, wrap, tape, etc.) of insulation materials such that the tile (or sheet, wrap, tape, etc.) may be removed along with the pass-through as part of service or repair.
The wires that transit the pass-through may comprise special materials (e.g., materials that are stable at or above the operating temperature of the system, oxidation-resistant materials, materials that have suitable (e.g., sufficient and/or high) electrical conductivity at the operating temperature of the system), such as, for example, nickel, aluminum, bronze, brass, stainless steel, or any combination thereof. Such materials may limit or decrease heat-induced corrosion on the wires. The wires in the pass-through may transition (e.g., sequentially) from materials that are stable at higher temperatures, to more electrically conducting but less thermally stable materials (e.g., copper). The wire in the pass-through may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30 or more different sections. The sections may comprise different materials. The sections may be integrally formed, or joined (e.g., welded) together to form a composite wire. In some cases, the materials may be sequentially arranged in order from materials with highest thermal stability (and, in some cases, lower conductivity) in a region of the pass-through adjacent the hot side to materials with highest electrical conductivity (and, in some cases, lower thermal stability) in a region adjacent the cool side.
The pass-through may comprise wires that are built into (e.g., integrally formed with) the pass-through structure. In some cases, different pass-throughs in the system may be designed such that the wire lengths, location of the wires within the pass-through and/or spacing between the wires are the same for the different pass-throughs. In some cases, the pass-through may comprise wires that are floating within the pass-through. In some cases, wires may be cast or set in high thermal impedance material such that wires do not form a straight-line connection between high temperature (e.g., hot) and low temperature (e.g., cold/cool, room temperature) zones of the system. Wires routed in this manner may have excess length incorporated within the pass-through to allow thermal energy conducted by the wires to be released as the wires travel through heterogeneous layers of thermal impedance material within the pass-through. The (actual) length of the wire may be, for example, at least about 1.5 times, at least about 2 times, at least about 5 times, at least about 10 times, at least about 50 times, or at least about 100 times greater than a distance from the hot zone to the cold zone (e.g. length of the pass-through). This may aid with easily and/or safely interconnecting the wires with electronics components, and/or making areas of the system service access/touch safe.
The energy storage system may comprise one or more insulation components. If the insulation materials are in powdered form, the insulation components may be configured to pack powdered insulation materials so that the powder may not flow through small crevices and/or surround electrochemical cells which can make it difficult to remove and replace cells. The insulation components may be tube gaskets. The rack of the energy storage system may be sealed by one or more tube gaskets.
The energy storage system disclosure herein may achieve better thermal efficiency, possible reduction in system or operational costs, ease of install, ease of removal, ease of servicing, selective filling certain areas, and/or dynamically varying thermal property of the system to accelerate cooling by selectively removing powder from areas.
The rack may comprise one or more heaters for supplying thermal energy to the plurality of electrochemical cells. Heating may be achieved using any form of heaters, such as, for example, electrical resistance heaters that convert electrical energy from a power source (e.g., power generators via the electric power grid, back-up battery system, an on-site power generator such as a diesel generator, renewable power generators such as a wind turbine or a solar power system). Heating can also be provided to the system after it has been heated up in order to manage the temperature of the system during charging, discharging, and/or rest operating modes, or during periods of extended resting or during periods where the battery is charged and/or discharged at power rates below its regular (or normal) or intended operating power rates. When the battery is at, near or above its operating temperature, the battery may maintain an operating temperature by providing power from energy stored within the battery (e.g., the battery may discharge its energy to the heaters). Battery insulation can be designed such that, once heated, the battery retains heat (e.g., in a thermal chamber of the battery) when idle (e.g., when the battery is not charging or discharging). However, during operation, the thermal chamber may in some cases overheat. To regulate the temperature of the device (e.g., the temperature in the device chamber or container) during the cycling period (e.g., when the battery is charging and/or discharging), a thermal management system can be used. As cell components may require heat for operation, the system may be configured such that the cells and/or groups of cells are thermally insulated in excess to trap and retain as much heat as possible, while providing mechanism(s) for natural or forced movement of one or more thermal management fluids to help maintain given (e.g., optimal) thermal boundaries. The mechanism(s) may be activated and enable improved system reliability, performance robustness, and high efficiency operation. The cooling mechanism(s) may comprise activated passive cooling (e.g., opening vents/convection flow channels, opening a vent/valve to allow natural convection to cool the system). The cooling mechanism(s) may comprise active cooling (e.g., starting or increasing a flow of a thermal management fluid). The cooling mechanism may comprise a combination of activated passive cooling and active cooling.
The energy storage system may comprise one or multiple heaters. A heater may be a resistive heater, such as a heating element or heating coil. A heater may be located on the rack, on the rack and adjacent to the insulation, at a location on rack that is near to a location where heat loss is highest (e.g., near a section with a pass through), near to trays in the rack, joined to structural elements of the rack, or joined to the rack external cover. The energy storage system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, or 100 heaters. Heaters may be integrated into the rack, rack external cover, tray, or other parts of the energy storage system. Heaters may be distributed throughout the heating zone, including adjacent to the electrochemical cells, rack, trays, and/or rack external cover. Heater may be individually addressable (e.g., may be operated independently) or may be addressed as a group (e.g., operated as a group). In an example, blocks of heaters are independently addressable (e.g., sections of heaters are controlled as a group). The heaters may be associated with one or more thermocouples. The heaters may be in communication with the thermal couples such that the heaters turn on or off as a temperature measured by the thermocouples changes. An individual heater may be associated with an individual thermocouple. Alternatively, or in addition to, an individual heater may be associated with multiple thermocouples or an individual thermocouple may be associated with multiple heaters. The thermocouples may be distributed throughout the heating zone and may be disposed adjacent to the rack, trays, and/or electrochemical cells.
The energy storage system may be designed to allow for simple removal, servicing, and/or replacement of the heaters and/or thermocouples. Removal, servicing and/or replacement of the heaters and/or thermocouples may occur while the system is near the operating temperature. Removal, servicing and/or replacement of the heaters and/or thermocouples may occur without cooling the system to near ambient temperature. Removal, servicing and/or replacement of the heaters and/or thermocouples may occur without removing trays and/or electrochemical cells from the system. In an example, the one or more sections of insulation may be removed and the heaters and thermocouples may be serviced from the section without insulation.
The thermal characteristics of the electrochemical cells and/or energy storage system and the operating conditions (e.g., the frequency and duration of operation, the power use profile) may make it challenging to maintain the cells within an operating temperature window. In some examples, the system may be designed to include elements that serve to retain or absorb large amounts of thermal energy, such as thermal ballasts. A thermal ballast may retain or absorb large amounts of thermal energy at or near the operating temperature of the system, thereby allowing the system to remain in a narrower operating temperature window without actively cooling or heating the system. Such thermal ballasts may involve the use of materials that undergo a phase change (e.g., freezing or melting) at or near the lower end of the operating temperature window of the cells. Thus, if the cells begin to cool to a temperature at or below a phase change temperature (e.g., the freezing point of the liquid), the thermal ballasts may release heat to aid in maintaining the temperature at or near the phase change temperature of the material, thus, maintaining the cells at or above a minimum operating temperature. Similarly, the thermal ballast may have a phase change temperature (e.g., a melting point) near or just slightly below a maximum operating temperature of the cells, and if the cells heat (e.g., due to the manner in which they are being operated) the thermal ballast may undergo a phase change (e.g., melting) and absorb heat, thereby maintaining the temperature of the cells to within an acceptable operating temperature range. Thermal ballasts may have a range over which phase change may occur, such as an off-eutectic salt mixture, which would cause the thermal ballast to continuously release or absorb heat over a range of temperatures. In an example, the range of temperature may completely or partially overlap with operating range of the cells. The thermal ballast (e.g., off-eutectic salt mixture) may be a liquid near an upper operating temperature of the cells. The thermal ballast may at least partially freeze to form a two phase mixture as the operating temperature is decreased to below the upper operating temperature. The thermal ballast may be a solid near a lower operating temperature of the cells. The lower operating temperature of the electrochemical cells may align with the eutectic melting point of the thermal ballast.
Thermal ballasts may comprise a material that undergoes a phase transition upon application of a large amount of energy per unit mass. The energy per unit mass to produce a phase transition of the material of the thermal ballast may be greater than or equal to about 10 joules/gram (J/g), 20 J/g, 50 J/g, 100 J/g, 200 J/g, 500 J/g, 1000 J/g, or more. The phase change material may be a combination of one or more salts, including chlorides, bromides, hydroxides, carbonates, such as magnesium chloride (MgCl2), calcium chloride (CaCl2), lithium chloride (LiCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), or calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Thermal ballasts may be held within sealed elements within the system. The sealed element may also serve other functions in the system. In some examples, the structural elements of the tray or rack may also serve as a sealed element in which the thermal ballast material is held and sealed within. Alternatively, or in addition to, the sealed element comprising the thermal ballasts may be disposed adjacent to the rack in one or more locations. For example, the sealed elements may be disposed adjacent to one or more structural elements (e.g., runners, rails, and/or cross-structural members) of the rack or tray.
The energy storage system may comprise safety features to reduce the risk of potential harm, injury, or damage to equipment in the event of a failure of one or more components within the energy storage system. Safety features may include one or more of manual or remotely accessible AC and/or DC disconnect switches, external port(s) that provide a fluid flow path from outside the container to inside the hot zone (e.g., where the cells are located), a venting port at the top of the container to allow for the escape of smoke or other hazardous gases (including hydrogen), and/or a control system that is designed to detect an electrical, thermal, or other hazard and take actions to reduce the electrical, thermal, and/or chemical hazards of the energy storage system. The manual or remotely accessible disconnect switches may permit the energy storage device to be disconnected from an electrical grid or any other source of electrical energy to prevent the energy storage device from charging or discharging electrical energy. The external port(s) may provide a fluid flow path to permit water or other fluid to enter the enclosure. The water or other fluid may reduce, prevent, or stop a reaction from occurring within the enclosure, for example, in the event of rupture or one or more electrochemical cells. The fluid may include water or fire suppression liquids, foams, or gels. The energy storage system may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 1, 15, 20, or more external port(s). The ports may be connectable to a firehose or other source of water or fluid in the event of fire, heat, smoke generation, or another hazardous event. The energy storage system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 1, 15, 20, or more venting port(s). The venting ports may include a rupture disc and/or a plug of thermal insulation. The rupture disc may seal the vent when the pressure of the system is below a pressure threshold and may rupture when the pressure of the system is above a pressure threshold. The pressure threshold (e.g., relative pressure inside the system versus ambient air pressure) may be less than or equal to about 5 atmospheres (atm), 4 atm, 3 atm, 2 atm, 1.5 atm, 1 atm, 0.5 atm, 0.25 atm, 0.1 atm, 0.05 atm, 0.01 atm, or less. In an example, the rupture disc may rupture when the pressure of the system is above about 0.1 atmospheres. The venting port(s) may further comprise thermal insulation to minimize and/or prevent heat loss during normal operation. The control system may automatically disconnect electrical connections within the system, automatically turn on an air blower connected to thermal fluid flow paths to cool the system down, and/or stop or limit the rate of charging or discharging of the system.
The energy storage system may also comprise failure tolerant safety indicators, such as temperature sensors or indicators that provide an indication of the internal temperature of the system or show if the system has live electrical hazards (e.g., AC or DC electrical hazards). The failure tolerant safety indicators may not use electrical power provided by the grid or the battery (e.g., the indicators may be self-contained and comprise an independent energy source). The system may include a single type of safety indicator (e.g., temperature sensor) or may include multiple types of safety indicators. The system may include redundant safety indicators.
The energy storage system may also comprise a ventilation and filtration system. The ventilation and filtration system may be configured to ventilate (e.g., release air from or recycle air through) the energy storage system when certain conditions are met. For example, the ventilation and filtration system may ventilate the energy storage system when the temperature of the energy storage system exceeds a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be at least about 200° C., 250° C., 300° C., 350° C., 400° C., 450° C., 500° C., 550° C., 600° C., or more. Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation and filtration system may ventilate the energy storage system upon the breach of a cell. In the case of a cell breach, salt vapors (e.g., MgCl2, CaCl2, LiCl, NaCl, KCl) released from the cell may react with atmospheric water vapor and oxygen to form hazardous hydrogen chloride or chlorine gas. The ventilation and filtration system may remove or reduce the concentration of such gases, thereby reducing the risk that any operator is exposed to such gases. The ventilation and filtration system may be disposed between the cells and venting ports of the energy storage system so that any air released from the energy storage system is filtered. The energy storage system may comprise a backup battery that is configured to provide power to the ventilation system during a power outage.
The filtration system may comprise one or more blower fans. The blower fans may force air in the vicinity of the cells into the filtration system. The blower fans may also force air out of the filtration system to the venting ports of the energy storage system, where the air may then be expelled from the energy storage system. In some cases, the blower fans may be configured to circulate hot, filtered air out of the energy storage system and fresh air from the environment into the energy storage system.
The filtration portion of the filtration system may comprise an activated carbon filter. The activated carbon filter may be impregnated with acid and chlorine neutralizing compounds such as potassium hydroxide and potassium iodide, for example. The filtration system may also comprise a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. The HEPA filter may be made of a mat of randomly arranged fibers (e.g., fiberglass fibers) that filter solid particles in any vapors released from the cell during a breach.
The energy storage system may include design features that facilitate simple on-site installation. The energy storage system may be designed to weigh less than about 30 metric tons to allow it to be more easily transported via road, rail, or sea. The energy storage system may be designed with permanent or removable features to allow it to be transported without causing mechanical/vibrational damage to any of its components. The system may be designed to have certain sensitive components, such as the electronics, rack(s), insulation, and/or trays, to be installed on-site after the enclosure has been delivered and installed.
The energy storage system may also be designed to be placed on a pre-prepared surface, such as a concrete slab, leveled layer of gravel, etc. The pre-prepared surface may include electrical wiring or other aspects to facilitate simple installation and commissioning of the systems at a customer site.
The enclosure may be designed to have features that permit it to be lifted off of a transportation vessel (e.g., transport truck, transport ship, or train), such as mechanical connections at the top, sides, and/or near the bottom of the enclosure to allow the enclosure to be lifted off the transportation vessel using a crane or a fork lift.
The present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed to implement methods of the disclosure.
The computer system 1101 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 1105, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 1101 also includes memory or memory location 1110 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 1115 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 1120 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1125, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 1110, storage unit 1115, interface 1120 and peripheral devices 1125 are in communication with the CPU 1105 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 1115 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 1101 can be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 1130 with the aid of the communication interface 1120. The network 1130 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 1130 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 1130 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 1130, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 1101, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 1101 to behave as a client or a server.
The CPU 1105 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1110. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 1105, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 1105 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1105 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.
The CPU 1105 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 1101 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
The storage unit 1115 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 1115 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 1101 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 1101, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 1101 through an intranet or the Internet.
The computer system 1101 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 1130. For instance, the computer system 1101 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 1101 via the network 1130.
Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 1101, such as, for example, on the memory 1110 or electronic storage unit 1115. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 1105. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 1115 and stored on the memory 1110 for ready access by the processor 1105. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 1115 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 1110.
The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.
Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 1101, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. “Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.
Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.
The computer system 1101 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 1135 that comprises a user interface (UI) 1140 for providing, for example, control of the energy storage system. Examples of UI's include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.
Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 1105. The algorithm can, for example, change the temperature of the system, change the running time of the system, and change the power supplied by the system.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2019/066231, filed Dec. 13, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/780,857, filed on Dec. 17, 2018, which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11374 | Leue | Jul 1854 | A |
| 2587443 | Crabtree | Feb 1952 | A |
| 3057946 | Eidensohn | Oct 1962 | A |
| 3238437 | Foster et al. | Mar 1966 | A |
| 3245836 | Agruss | Apr 1966 | A |
| 3404035 | Kummer et al. | Oct 1968 | A |
| 3419432 | Hesson | Dec 1968 | A |
| 3488221 | Hiroshi et al. | Jan 1970 | A |
| 3507703 | Laszlo | Apr 1970 | A |
| 3535214 | Rene | Oct 1970 | A |
| 3588573 | Chen et al. | Jun 1971 | A |
| 3607405 | Christopher | Sep 1971 | A |
| 3607407 | Adams | Sep 1971 | A |
| 3635765 | Greenberg | Jan 1972 | A |
| 3663295 | Baker | May 1972 | A |
| 3666560 | Cairns et al. | May 1972 | A |
| 3716409 | Cairns et al. | Feb 1973 | A |
| 3770506 | Rightmire et al. | Nov 1973 | A |
| 3775181 | Ryerson | Nov 1973 | A |
| 3833420 | Will | Sep 1974 | A |
| 3833421 | Rubischko et al. | Sep 1974 | A |
| 3833422 | Will et al. | Sep 1974 | A |
| 3837918 | Nakabayashi | Sep 1974 | A |
| 3839779 | Walker | Oct 1974 | A |
| 3870561 | Charbonnier et al. | Mar 1975 | A |
| 3877984 | Werth | Apr 1975 | A |
| 3878296 | Vine et al. | Apr 1975 | A |
| 3884715 | Gay et al. | May 1975 | A |
| 3887396 | Walsh et al. | Jun 1975 | A |
| 3898096 | Heredy et al. | Aug 1975 | A |
| 3907589 | Gay et al. | Sep 1975 | A |
| 3915742 | Battles et al. | Oct 1975 | A |
| 3926673 | Saridakis | Dec 1975 | A |
| 3930888 | Bowser et al. | Jan 1976 | A |
| 3933521 | Vissers et al. | Jan 1976 | A |
| 3941612 | Steunenberg et al. | Mar 1976 | A |
| 3947291 | Yao et al. | Mar 1976 | A |
| 3954504 | Zellhoefer | May 1976 | A |
| 3959012 | Liang et al. | May 1976 | A |
| 3960594 | Fritz et al. | Jun 1976 | A |
| 3969139 | Lai | Jul 1976 | A |
| 3980495 | Roche et al. | Sep 1976 | A |
| 3988164 | Liang et al. | Oct 1976 | A |
| 4002807 | Ludwig | Jan 1977 | A |
| 4011374 | Kaun | Mar 1977 | A |
| 4015054 | Cleaver et al. | Mar 1977 | A |
| 4018969 | Fischer et al. | Apr 1977 | A |
| 4029860 | Vissers et al. | Jun 1977 | A |
| 4032614 | Lewis | Jun 1977 | A |
| 4044194 | Evans et al. | Aug 1977 | A |
| 4060667 | Askew et al. | Nov 1977 | A |
| 4061841 | Sharma et al. | Dec 1977 | A |
| 4065602 | Roche et al. | Dec 1977 | A |
| 4069372 | Voinov | Jan 1978 | A |
| 4107401 | Goodson et al. | Aug 1978 | A |
| 4125683 | Beckford et al. | Nov 1978 | A |
| 4130500 | Melendres et al. | Dec 1978 | A |
| 4164608 | Coetzer | Aug 1979 | A |
| 4169120 | Miller | Sep 1979 | A |
| 4189529 | Birt et al. | Feb 1980 | A |
| 4195123 | Jumel | Mar 1980 | A |
| RE30353 | Voinov | Jul 1980 | E |
| 4216273 | Cadart et al. | Aug 1980 | A |
| 4238553 | Gerlach et al. | Dec 1980 | A |
| 4265984 | Kaye | May 1981 | A |
| 4287268 | Coetzer | Sep 1981 | A |
| 4287269 | Coetzer et al. | Sep 1981 | A |
| 4299890 | Rea et al. | Nov 1981 | A |
| 4315974 | Athearn et al. | Feb 1982 | A |
| 4338380 | Erickson et al. | Jul 1982 | A |
| 4360574 | Park | Nov 1982 | A |
| 4367159 | Mrazek et al. | Jan 1983 | A |
| 4405433 | Payne | Sep 1983 | A |
| 4407912 | Virkar et al. | Oct 1983 | A |
| 4457989 | Coetzer | Jul 1984 | A |
| 4510210 | Hunt | Apr 1985 | A |
| 4565751 | Faust et al. | Jan 1986 | A |
| 4582553 | Buchta | Apr 1986 | A |
| 4588663 | Mason et al. | May 1986 | A |
| 4596637 | Kozarek et al. | Jun 1986 | A |
| 4622111 | Brown et al. | Nov 1986 | A |
| 4657830 | Kagawa | Apr 1987 | A |
| 4692390 | Roy | Sep 1987 | A |
| 4764437 | Kaun | Aug 1988 | A |
| 4800143 | Harbach et al. | Jan 1989 | A |
| 4818638 | Roy | Apr 1989 | A |
| 4833046 | Roy | May 1989 | A |
| 4849682 | Bauer et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
| 4877695 | Cipriano et al. | Oct 1989 | A |
| 4886715 | McCullough, Jr. et al. | Dec 1989 | A |
| 4929521 | Cipriano et al. | May 1990 | A |
| 4945012 | Bugga et al. | Jul 1990 | A |
| 4945257 | Marrocco, III | Jul 1990 | A |
| H816 | Carder et al. | Sep 1990 | H |
| 4954403 | Plichta et al. | Sep 1990 | A |
| 4965146 | McCullough et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
| 4975344 | Wedlake et al. | Dec 1990 | A |
| 4999097 | Sadoway | Mar 1991 | A |
| 5011748 | Shacklette et al. | Apr 1991 | A |
| 5024737 | Claus et al. | Jun 1991 | A |
| 5034290 | Sands et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
| 5039351 | Cooper et al. | Aug 1991 | A |
| 5044551 | Tanaka et al. | Sep 1991 | A |
| 5139895 | Roy et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
| 5185068 | Sadoway | Feb 1993 | A |
| 5198638 | Massacesi | Mar 1993 | A |
| 5254232 | Sadoway | Oct 1993 | A |
| 5284562 | Beck et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
| 5286359 | Richards et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
| 5369547 | Evans | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5380406 | Horton et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
| 5392191 | Thomas et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
| 5407119 | Churchill et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
| 5429895 | Lian et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
| 5469325 | Evans | Nov 1995 | A |
| 5476733 | Coetzer et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
| 5491037 | Kawakami | Feb 1996 | A |
| 5529858 | Wicker et al. | Jun 1996 | A |
| 5532078 | Redey et al. | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5536600 | Kaun | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5538813 | Li | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5549989 | Anani | Aug 1996 | A |
| 5559667 | Evans | Sep 1996 | A |
| 5563765 | Lian et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
| 5578389 | Tsuchimoto et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
| 5587872 | Lian et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5597331 | Gable et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
| 5604053 | Coetzer et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
| 5658447 | Watson et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
| 5661403 | MacKenzie | Aug 1997 | A |
| 5687056 | Harshe et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
| 5688613 | Li et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
| 5688614 | Li et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
| 5693434 | Li et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5714283 | Briscoe et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
| 5716731 | Coetzer et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
| 5735933 | Yokoyama et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5737181 | Evans | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5763117 | Wright et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
| 5798308 | Chatterjee et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
| 5807412 | Li et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5834131 | Lutz et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5856041 | Inoue et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
| 5874183 | Uematsu | Feb 1999 | A |
| 5939221 | Tsuchimoto et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5972533 | Coetzer et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
| 5982609 | Evans | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6007943 | Coetzer | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6083296 | Innes et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6143054 | Dry | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6180284 | Shah et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6218055 | Shah et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6221513 | Lasater | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6267799 | Innes et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6270553 | Innes | Aug 2001 | B1 |
| 6289034 | Bates | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6322745 | Leigh et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
| 6328783 | Bates | Dec 2001 | B1 |
| 6368486 | Thompson et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6379422 | Dry | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6379424 | Dry | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6379840 | Kitoh et al. | Apr 2002 | B2 |
| 6387153 | Burke | May 2002 | B1 |
| 6396380 | Girke et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
| 6402808 | Dry | Jun 2002 | B1 |
| 6419812 | Beck et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6419813 | Brown et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6423114 | Burke | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6423115 | McCarthy et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
| 6428603 | Batterham | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6440195 | Dry | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6475264 | Dry | Nov 2002 | B1 |
| 6478848 | McCarthy et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
| 6498406 | Hoeriuchi et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
| 6517605 | Bates et al. | Feb 2003 | B1 |
| 6531846 | Smith et al. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
| 6548212 | Heider et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
| 6549423 | Brodnick | Apr 2003 | B1 |
| 6558525 | Bradford et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
| 6579817 | Harada et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
| 6585929 | Bates et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
| 6602321 | Dry et al. | Aug 2003 | B2 |
| 6692620 | Duruz et al. | Feb 2004 | B2 |
| 6692631 | Bergsma | Feb 2004 | B2 |
| 6692870 | Miyake et al. | Feb 2004 | B2 |
| 6706239 | Haack et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
| 6719889 | Brown | Apr 2004 | B2 |
| 6723222 | Bergsma et al. | Apr 2004 | B2 |
| 6730210 | Thompson et al. | May 2004 | B2 |
| 6733924 | Skotheim et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
| 6906436 | Jenson et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
| 6924164 | Jenson | Aug 2005 | B2 |
| 6962613 | Jenson | Nov 2005 | B2 |
| 6963186 | Hobbs | Nov 2005 | B2 |
| 6986965 | Jenson et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
| 7055733 | Weil et al. | Jun 2006 | B2 |
| 7077945 | Bergsma et al. | Jul 2006 | B2 |
| 7131189 | Jenson | Nov 2006 | B2 |
| 7144655 | Jenson et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
| 7157187 | Jenson | Jan 2007 | B2 |
| 7184903 | Williams et al. | Feb 2007 | B1 |
| 7194801 | Jenson et al. | Mar 2007 | B2 |
| 7211351 | Klaassen | May 2007 | B2 |
| 7250233 | Choi et al. | Jul 2007 | B2 |
| 7255937 | Park | Aug 2007 | B2 |
| 7274118 | Jenson et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
| 7294209 | Shakespeare | Nov 2007 | B2 |
| 7328831 | Topolski | Feb 2008 | B1 |
| 7344804 | Klaassen | Mar 2008 | B2 |
| 7373222 | Wright et al. | May 2008 | B1 |
| 7389189 | Williams et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
| 7389580 | Jenson et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
| 7433655 | Jacobs et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
| 7504017 | Cardarelli | Mar 2009 | B2 |
| 7513219 | Louden | Apr 2009 | B2 |
| 7554220 | Sugawara | Jun 2009 | B2 |
| 7568537 | King et al. | Aug 2009 | B2 |
| 7578702 | Tom et al. | Aug 2009 | B1 |
| 7603144 | Jenson et al. | Oct 2009 | B2 |
| 7612537 | Wynne et al. | Nov 2009 | B2 |
| 7632604 | Iacovangelo et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
| 7678484 | Tao et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
| 7776190 | Hiltmann et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
| 7776191 | Hiltmann et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
| 7776478 | Klaassen | Aug 2010 | B2 |
| 7808131 | Hurst et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
| 7858228 | Yoon | Dec 2010 | B2 |
| 7877120 | Jacobs et al. | Jan 2011 | B2 |
| 7883796 | Kida et al. | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 7931989 | Klaassen | Apr 2011 | B2 |
| 7939205 | Klaassen | May 2011 | B2 |
| 7943270 | Blake et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
| 8034484 | Inatomi et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
| 8044508 | Jenson et al. | Oct 2011 | B2 |
| 8080326 | Chan et al. | Dec 2011 | B2 |
| 8101293 | Chan et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
| 8110301 | Iacovangelo et al. | Feb 2012 | B2 |
| 8142569 | Kalynushkin et al. | Mar 2012 | B2 |
| 8178231 | Soloveichik et al. | May 2012 | B2 |
| 8202641 | Winter et al. | Jun 2012 | B2 |
| 8219140 | Jacobs et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
| 8221912 | Fujiwara | Jul 2012 | B2 |
| 8236440 | Bendert | Aug 2012 | B2 |
| 8237407 | Hurst et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
| 8257868 | Hagiwara et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
| 8268471 | Sadoway et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
| 8281877 | Shahin et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
| 8298701 | Whitacre et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
| 8306671 | Marcus | Nov 2012 | B1 |
| 8311681 | Marcus | Nov 2012 | B1 |
| 8313719 | Barker et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
| 8323816 | Bradwell et al. | Dec 2012 | B2 |
| 8329336 | Soloveichik et al. | Dec 2012 | B2 |
| 8334053 | Shapiro et al. | Dec 2012 | B2 |
| 8343646 | Wilkins et al. | Jan 2013 | B1 |
| 8409744 | Ijaz et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
| 8436489 | Stahlkopf et al. | May 2013 | B2 |
| 8457800 | Marcus | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8459314 | Frazier et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8460814 | Deane et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8471520 | Coe et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 8475954 | Ijaz et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
| 8504214 | Genc et al. | Aug 2013 | B2 |
| 8537581 | Wagoner et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
| 8539763 | McBride et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
| 8568915 | Fuhr et al. | Oct 2013 | B2 |
| 8642201 | Cheng et al. | Feb 2014 | B2 |
| 8643500 | Lee et al. | Feb 2014 | B2 |
| 8652672 | Whitacre et al. | Feb 2014 | B2 |
| 8722226 | Carter et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
| 8764962 | Allanore et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
| 8766642 | Bogdan, Jr. et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
| 8806866 | McBride et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
| 8815445 | Sugiura et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
| 9000713 | Boysen et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
| 9035617 | Parakulam et al. | May 2015 | B2 |
| 9076996 | Bradwell et al. | Jul 2015 | B2 |
| 9106980 | Parakulam et al. | Aug 2015 | B2 |
| 9153803 | Chung et al. | Oct 2015 | B2 |
| 9312522 | Bradwell et al. | Apr 2016 | B2 |
| 9437864 | Tan et al. | Sep 2016 | B2 |
| 9502737 | Bradwell et al. | Nov 2016 | B2 |
| 9520618 | Bradwell et al. | Dec 2016 | B2 |
| 9559386 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2017 | B2 |
| 9728814 | Bradwell et al. | Aug 2017 | B2 |
| 9735450 | Bradwell et al. | Aug 2017 | B2 |
| 9787119 | Yamauchi et al. | Oct 2017 | B2 |
| 9825265 | Bradwell et al. | Nov 2017 | B2 |
| 9876258 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2018 | B2 |
| 9893385 | Nayar et al. | Feb 2018 | B1 |
| 9925881 | Manotas et al. | Mar 2018 | B2 |
| 10270139 | Deak et al. | Apr 2019 | B1 |
| 10297870 | Bradwell | May 2019 | B2 |
| 10541451 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2020 | B2 |
| 10566662 | Nayar et al. | Feb 2020 | B1 |
| 10608212 | Bradwell et al. | Mar 2020 | B2 |
| 10637015 | Thompson et al. | Apr 2020 | B2 |
| 10903528 | Ouchi et al. | Jan 2021 | B2 |
| 11611112 | Bradwell et al. | Mar 2023 | B2 |
| 11677100 | Bradwell et al. | Jun 2023 | B2 |
| 11840487 | Bradwell et al. | Dec 2023 | B2 |
| 11909004 | Bradwell et al. | Feb 2024 | B2 |
| 11929466 | Bradwell et al. | Mar 2024 | B2 |
| 20020009649 | Sato et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
| 20020012833 | Gow et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
| 20020051912 | Fitter et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
| 20020064704 | Thackeray et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
| 20030008212 | Akashi et al. | Jan 2003 | A1 |
| 20030044686 | Bushong et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
| 20030052646 | Minamiura et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
| 20030182791 | Janmey | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030186111 | Tamakoshi | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030196908 | Brown | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030203279 | Tsukamoto et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030207161 | Rusta-Sallehy et al. | Nov 2003 | A1 |
| 20030228520 | Kaun | Dec 2003 | A1 |
| 20040061841 | Black et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20040076885 | Sato et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20040229116 | Malinski et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
| 20040258953 | Kido et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
| 20050079411 | Kairawicz et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
| 20050237029 | Takezawa et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20050238954 | Kawada | Oct 2005 | A1 |
| 20060127735 | Sabin et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
| 20060151333 | Banek | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20060187614 | Ushio et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
| 20070067119 | Loewen et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070087266 | Bourke et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
| 20070184711 | Thrap et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| 20070215483 | Johansen et al. | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20070252556 | West et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
| 20080023321 | Sadoway | Jan 2008 | A1 |
| 20080044725 | Sadoway et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
| 20080050295 | Uchida et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
| 20080053838 | Yamaguchi et al. | Mar 2008 | A1 |
| 20080118428 | Awano et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080145755 | Iacovangelo et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
| 20080241689 | Takami et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
| 20080264565 | Sun et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
| 20080308415 | Hiltmann et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20090011331 | Stringer et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
| 20090014320 | Chiang et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
| 20090029236 | Mailley et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
| 20090162736 | Vallance et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20090208836 | Fuhr et al. | Aug 2009 | A1 |
| 20090212743 | Hagiwara et al. | Aug 2009 | A1 |
| 20090253017 | Larsen et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20090297892 | Ijaz et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
| 20100028723 | Haba | Feb 2010 | A1 |
| 20100047671 | Chiang et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
| 20100058578 | Vallance et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
| 20100068610 | Sudworth | Mar 2010 | A1 |
| 20100089547 | King et al. | Apr 2010 | A1 |
| 20100119847 | Wu et al. | May 2010 | A1 |
| 20100154205 | Nakagawa et al. | Jun 2010 | A1 |
| 20100178532 | Shapiro et al. | Jul 2010 | A1 |
| 20100233518 | Kwon et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
| 20100240517 | Ashkin et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
| 20100243017 | Normann et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
| 20100291443 | Farmer | Nov 2010 | A1 |
| 20110014503 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110014505 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110020694 | Khakhalev et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110027624 | Deane et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110027627 | Deane et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110027633 | Deane et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110027637 | Deane et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110027638 | Deane et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110027639 | Deane et al. | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110048066 | Gielda et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
| 20110050235 | Bogdan, Jr. et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
| 20110052968 | Venkataramani et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
| 20110086258 | Yaginuma et al. | Apr 2011 | A1 |
| 20110104570 | Galloway et al. | May 2011 | A1 |
| 20110111296 | Berdichevsky et al. | May 2011 | A1 |
| 20110135975 | Fuhr et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
| 20110144861 | Lakirovich et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
| 20110177413 | Tao et al. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
| 20110189520 | Carter et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20110200848 | Chiang et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20110262794 | Yoon | Oct 2011 | A1 |
| 20120003508 | Narbonne et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
| 20120003513 | Fuhr | Jan 2012 | A1 |
| 20120015235 | Fuhr et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
| 20120077095 | Roumi et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
| 20120086128 | Ponoth et al. | Apr 2012 | A1 |
| 20120091806 | Tsutsumi et al. | Apr 2012 | A1 |
| 20120094194 | Visco et al. | Apr 2012 | A1 |
| 20120104990 | Boysen et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120107675 | Kim et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120125784 | Berlin et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120129056 | Majima et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120146585 | Darcy | Jun 2012 | A1 |
| 20120161083 | Jha et al. | Jun 2012 | A1 |
| 20120171524 | Hiraiwa et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
| 20120183838 | An et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
| 20120190252 | Pavlinsky et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
| 20120191262 | Marcus | Jul 2012 | A1 |
| 20120194140 | Rijssenbeek et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
| 20120196170 | Ijaz et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
| 20120217032 | Beaupre et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
| 20120244404 | Obasih et al. | Sep 2012 | A1 |
| 20120244418 | Cheng et al. | Sep 2012 | A1 |
| 20120263988 | Obasih et al. | Oct 2012 | A1 |
| 20120264021 | Sugiura et al. | Oct 2012 | A1 |
| 20120265397 | Aliberti et al. | Oct 2012 | A1 |
| 20120282501 | Haynes et al. | Nov 2012 | A1 |
| 20120282508 | Bendert | Nov 2012 | A1 |
| 20120297772 | McBride et al. | Nov 2012 | A1 |
| 20120319653 | Kumar et al. | Dec 2012 | A1 |
| 20120328910 | La et al. | Dec 2012 | A1 |
| 20120328930 | Inagaki et al. | Dec 2012 | A1 |
| 20120328935 | Matsui et al. | Dec 2012 | A1 |
| 20130009602 | Hoff et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130017417 | Whitacre et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130022845 | Davis et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130022852 | Chang et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130029195 | Peace | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130045408 | Sadoway et al. | Feb 2013 | A1 |
| 20130049466 | Adams et al. | Feb 2013 | A1 |
| 20130049478 | Wagoner et al. | Feb 2013 | A1 |
| 20130055559 | Slocum et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130057220 | Whitacre | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130059176 | Stefani et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130059185 | Whitacre et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130065122 | Chiang et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130069001 | Luo et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130071306 | Camp et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130073234 | Leport et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130074485 | McBride et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130074488 | McBride et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130074940 | Mcbride et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130074941 | McBride et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130074949 | McBride et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| 20130084474 | Mills | Apr 2013 | A1 |
| 20130119937 | Arseneault et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130130085 | Choi | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130134928 | Uchihashi et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130136980 | Bartling | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130143139 | Tao et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20130145764 | McBride et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20130149567 | Schaefer | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20130166085 | Cherian et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20130183544 | Yoshioka et al. | Jul 2013 | A1 |
| 20130248437 | Frazier | Sep 2013 | A1 |
| 20130295435 | Vu | Nov 2013 | A1 |
| 20130315659 | Kumar et al. | Nov 2013 | A1 |
| 20140000251 | McBride et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
| 20140038011 | Fukunaga et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
| 20140038012 | Alimario et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
| 20140038038 | Vallance et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
| 20140099522 | Spatocco et al. | Apr 2014 | A1 |
| 20140113181 | Bradwell et al. | Apr 2014 | A1 |
| 20140162090 | Whitacre et al. | Jun 2014 | A1 |
| 20140176147 | Wiegman et al. | Jun 2014 | A1 |
| 20140220428 | Zinck et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
| 20140242466 | Murashi et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
| 20140248521 | Chiang et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
| 20140272481 | Chung et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
| 20140272508 | Musetti | Sep 2014 | A1 |
| 20140277791 | Lenard et al. | Sep 2014 | A1 |
| 20140315097 | Tan et al. | Oct 2014 | A1 |
| 20140349159 | Bartling et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
| 20140365027 | Namba et al. | Dec 2014 | A1 |
| 20150004455 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
| 20150010792 | Amendola et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
| 20150015210 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
| 20150037670 | Tanaka et al. | Feb 2015 | A1 |
| 20150093614 | Fukuhara et al. | Apr 2015 | A1 |
| 20150132627 | Bradwell et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
| 20150132628 | Bradwell et al. | May 2015 | A1 |
| 20150214579 | Boysen et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
| 20150249273 | Bradwell et al. | Sep 2015 | A1 |
| 20150249274 | Bradwell et al. | Sep 2015 | A1 |
| 20150280480 | Mitri et al. | Oct 2015 | A1 |
| 20150303525 | Bradwell et al. | Oct 2015 | A1 |
| 20150318586 | Rahmane et al. | Nov 2015 | A1 |
| 20150325821 | Bradwell et al. | Nov 2015 | A1 |
| 20150380713 | Kimura et al. | Dec 2015 | A1 |
| 20160006090 | Licht | Jan 2016 | A1 |
| 20160156068 | Burke et al. | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20160172714 | Ouchi et al. | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20160186235 | Joseph et al. | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20160190607 | Wyser et al. | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| 20160211555 | Bradwell et al. | Jul 2016 | A9 |
| 20160254512 | Yin et al. | Sep 2016 | A1 |
| 20160301038 | Modest et al. | Oct 2016 | A1 |
| 20160336623 | Nayar et al. | Nov 2016 | A1 |
| 20160344066 | Sudworth et al. | Nov 2016 | A1 |
| 20160365612 | Bradwell | Dec 2016 | A1 |
| 20160372763 | Lu et al. | Dec 2016 | A1 |
| 20170018811 | Bradwell et al. | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| 20170104244 | Bull et al. | Apr 2017 | A1 |
| 20170149095 | Amendola et al. | May 2017 | A1 |
| 20170222273 | Bradwell et al. | Aug 2017 | A1 |
| 20170248041 | Lenk et al. | Aug 2017 | A1 |
| 20170259648 | Putcha et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
| 20170263951 | Kanno et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
| 20170309979 | Lee | Oct 2017 | A1 |
| 20170338451 | Bradwell et al. | Nov 2017 | A9 |
| 20170358941 | Mitri et al. | Dec 2017 | A1 |
| 20180034110 | Sudworth et al. | Feb 2018 | A1 |
| 20180083274 | Martin | Mar 2018 | A1 |
| 20180090726 | Thompson et al. | Mar 2018 | A1 |
| 20180097259 | Bradwell et al. | Apr 2018 | A1 |
| 20180159179 | Bradwell et al. | Jun 2018 | A1 |
| 20180191162 | Hanada et al. | Jul 2018 | A1 |
| 20180315976 | Lee et al. | Nov 2018 | A1 |
| 20190089013 | Ouchi et al. | Mar 2019 | A1 |
| 20190115632 | Beuning et al. | Apr 2019 | A1 |
| 20190123369 | Ma et al. | Apr 2019 | A1 |
| 20190296276 | Bradwell et al. | Sep 2019 | A1 |
| 20200076006 | Bradwell et al. | Mar 2020 | A1 |
| 20200176824 | Bradwell et al. | Jun 2020 | A1 |
| 20200280040 | Lee et al. | Sep 2020 | A1 |
| 20200287247 | Bradwell et al. | Sep 2020 | A1 |
| 20210036273 | Thompson et al. | Feb 2021 | A1 |
| 20210043982 | Bradwell et al. | Feb 2021 | A1 |
| 20220077508 | Nayar et al. | Mar 2022 | A1 |
| 20220255138 | Bradwell et al. | Aug 2022 | A1 |
| 20220359917 | Bradwell et al. | Nov 2022 | A1 |
| 20230282891 | Bradwell et al. | Sep 2023 | A1 |
| 20230282892 | Bradwell et al. | Sep 2023 | A1 |
| 20230344015 | Bradwell et al. | Oct 2023 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2014229643 | Sep 2015 | AU |
| 2016225020 | Sep 2017 | AU |
| 2767920 | Jan 2011 | CA |
| 2811218 | Mar 2012 | CA |
| 2887201 | Apr 2014 | CA |
| 703320 | Dec 2011 | CH |
| 1429417 | Jul 2003 | CN |
| 1578553 | Feb 2005 | CN |
| 1743056 | Mar 2006 | CN |
| 1750309 | Mar 2006 | CN |
| 101436780 | May 2009 | CN |
| 101506117 | Aug 2009 | CN |
| 101519313 | Sep 2009 | CN |
| 101640256 | Feb 2010 | CN |
| 201518329 | Jun 2010 | CN |
| 101828285 | Sep 2010 | CN |
| 101942676 | Jan 2011 | CN |
| 102024922 | Apr 2011 | CN |
| 201809448 | Apr 2011 | CN |
| 201908137 | Jul 2011 | CN |
| 102181883 | Sep 2011 | CN |
| 202076339 | Dec 2011 | CN |
| 102498589 | Jun 2012 | CN |
| 202268405 | Jun 2012 | CN |
| 102646808 | Aug 2012 | CN |
| 103001239 | Mar 2013 | CN |
| 202797170 | Mar 2013 | CN |
| 103137916 | Jun 2013 | CN |
| 103342556 | Oct 2013 | CN |
| 103367663 | Oct 2013 | CN |
| 103943794 | Jul 2014 | CN |
| 203707210 | Jul 2014 | CN |
| 104364930 | Feb 2015 | CN |
| 105190984 | Dec 2015 | CN |
| 105659415 | Jun 2016 | CN |
| 105830247 | Aug 2016 | CN |
| 206210892 | May 2017 | CN |
| 107204410 | Sep 2017 | CN |
| 206774598 | Dec 2017 | CN |
| 3239964 | May 1984 | DE |
| 19618609 | Nov 1997 | DE |
| 102012103386 | Oct 2013 | DE |
| 0078404 | May 1983 | EP |
| 0078404 | Oct 1985 | EP |
| 0327959 | Aug 1989 | EP |
| 0343333 | Nov 1989 | EP |
| 1096593 | May 2001 | EP |
| 1469536 | Oct 2004 | EP |
| 1548912 | Jun 2005 | EP |
| 2408083 | Jan 2012 | EP |
| 2416464 | Feb 2012 | EP |
| 2499507 | Sep 2012 | EP |
| 2665120 | Nov 2013 | EP |
| 2709188 | Mar 2014 | EP |
| 2909887 | Aug 2015 | EP |
| 3607603 | Feb 2020 | EP |
| 3898421 | Oct 2021 | EP |
| 2062939 | May 1981 | GB |
| S4933815 | Sep 1974 | JP |
| S5268929 | Jun 1977 | JP |
| S55053877 | Apr 1980 | JP |
| S61114664 | Jun 1986 | JP |
| H06223872 | Aug 1994 | JP |
| H06310171 | Nov 1994 | JP |
| H09167631 | Jun 1997 | JP |
| H1012270 | Jan 1998 | JP |
| H10208771 | Aug 1998 | JP |
| H117923 | Jan 1999 | JP |
| H11185800 | Jul 1999 | JP |
| 2001115369 | Apr 2001 | JP |
| 2001243994 | Sep 2001 | JP |
| 2001345098 | Dec 2001 | JP |
| 3355377 | Dec 2002 | JP |
| 2003068356 | Mar 2003 | JP |
| 2003146771 | May 2003 | JP |
| 2003187860 | Jul 2003 | JP |
| 2007157373 | Jun 2007 | JP |
| 2010206101 | Sep 2010 | JP |
| 2010214396 | Sep 2010 | JP |
| 2010535942 | Nov 2010 | JP |
| 2011508379 | Mar 2011 | JP |
| 2012119220 | Jun 2012 | JP |
| 2012124009 | Jun 2012 | JP |
| 2012226866 | Nov 2012 | JP |
| 2012533865 | Dec 2012 | JP |
| 2013055193 | Mar 2013 | JP |
| 2013537361 | Sep 2013 | JP |
| 2014154337 | Aug 2014 | JP |
| 2014526114 | Oct 2014 | JP |
| 2016510936 | Apr 2016 | JP |
| 2016522557 | Jul 2016 | JP |
| 2016535392 | Nov 2016 | JP |
| 2016539461 | Dec 2016 | JP |
| 2017073270 | Apr 2017 | JP |
| 20120059106 | Jun 2012 | KR |
| 20200056715 | May 2020 | KR |
| 2031491 | Mar 1995 | RU |
| 2013111960 | Oct 2014 | RU |
| 188400 | Apr 2013 | SG |
| WO-9965642 | Dec 1999 | WO |
| WO-0005774 | Feb 2000 | WO |
| WO-2008045996 | Apr 2008 | WO |
| WO-2008105807 | Sep 2008 | WO |
| WO-2008105811 | Sep 2008 | WO |
| WO-2008045996 | Oct 2008 | WO |
| WO-2008105811 | Dec 2008 | WO |
| WO-2009046533 | Apr 2009 | WO |
| WO-2009151639 | Dec 2009 | WO |
| WO-2010130583 | Nov 2010 | WO |
| WO-2011011056 | Jan 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011014242 | Feb 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011014243 | Feb 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011022390 | Feb 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011025574 | Mar 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011047067 | Apr 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011022390 | May 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011050924 | May 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011079548 | Jul 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011082659 | Jul 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011047067 | Aug 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011100686 | Aug 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011116236 | Sep 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011148347 | Dec 2011 | WO |
| WO-2011153312 | Dec 2011 | WO |
| WO-2012003649 | Jan 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012009145 | Jan 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012033692 | Mar 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012040176 | Mar 2012 | WO |
| WO-2011153312 | Apr 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012009145 | Apr 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012051790 | Apr 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012033692 | Jun 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012129827 | Oct 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012138576 | Oct 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012144344 | Oct 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012145314 | Oct 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012158751 | Nov 2012 | WO |
| WO-2012158781 | Nov 2012 | WO |
| WO-2013025608 | Feb 2013 | WO |
| WO-2013032667 | Mar 2013 | WO |
| WO-2013048704 | Apr 2013 | WO |
| WO-2013052494 | Apr 2013 | WO |
| WO-2014055873 | Apr 2014 | WO |
| WO-2014062702 | Apr 2014 | WO |
| WO-2014062706 | Apr 2014 | WO |
| WO-2014140792 | Sep 2014 | WO |
| WO-2014190318 | Nov 2014 | WO |
| WO-2015042295 | Mar 2015 | WO |
| WO-2015058010 | Apr 2015 | WO |
| WO-2015058165 | Apr 2015 | WO |
| WO-2015063588 | May 2015 | WO |
| WO-2015066359 | May 2015 | WO |
| WO-2016050329 | Apr 2016 | WO |
| WO-2016138499 | Sep 2016 | WO |
| WO-2016141354 | Sep 2016 | WO |
| WO-2018052797 | Mar 2018 | WO |
| WO-2018187777 | Nov 2018 | WO |
| WO-2020131617 | Jun 2020 | WO |
| WO-2021050987 | Mar 2021 | WO |
| WO-2021098761 | May 2021 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Advisory Action Before Filing of Appeal Brief dated May 10, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Advisory Action Before Filing of Appeal Brief dated Jun. 8, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Agruss. The Thermally Regenarative Liquid-Metal Cell, J. Electrochem. Soc. Nov. 1963; 110(11):1097-1103. |
| Allanore, A. Features and Challenges of Molten Oxide Electrolytes for Metal Extraction. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 162 (1): E13-E22 (2015). Published Nov. 25, 2014. |
| Allanore, et al. A new anode material for oxygen evolution in molten oxide electrolysis. Nature, vol. 497, May 16, 2013, pp. 353-356 and Online Methods Section. Published online May 8, 2013. |
| ATI Technical Data Sheet, ATI 18CrCb Stainless Steel, Feb. 17, 2014. |
| Atthey. A Mathematical Model for Fluid Flow in a Weld Pool at High Currents. J. Fluid Mech. 1980; 98(4):787-801. |
| Biswas, et al. Towards Implementation of Smart Grid: An Updated Review on Electrical Energy Storage Systems. Smart Grid and Renewable Energy. 2013; 4:122-132. Published online Feb. 2013. |
| Bradwell, et al. Magnesium-antimony liquid metal battery for stationary energy storage. J Am Chem Soc. Feb. 1, 2012;134(4):1895-7. doi: 10.1021/ja209759s. Published on web Jan. 6, 2012. |
| Bradwell, et al. Recycling ZnTe, CdTe, and Other Compound Semiconductors by Ambipolar Electrolysis. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, 19971-19975. Published Oct. 28, 2011. |
| Bradwell, et al. Supporting Information: Recycling ZnTe, CdTe, and other compound semiconductors by ambipolar electrolysis. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, S1-S8. Published Oct. 28, 2011. |
| Bradwell, et al. Supporting Material: Magnesium-antimony liquid metal battery for stationary energy storage. J Am Chem Soc. Feb. 1, 2012;134(4):S1-S11. doi: 10.1021/ja209759s. Published on web Jan. 6, 2012. |
| Bradwell. Liquid metal batteries: ambipolar electrolysis and alkaline earth electroalloying cells. Thesis. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering. 2011. |
| Bradwell. Technical and economic feasibility of a high-temperature self-assembling battery. Thesis. Department of Material Science and Engineering. MIT. 2006. |
| Cairns, et al. Galvanic Cells with Fused-Salt Electrolytes. AEC Research and Development. 220 pages, Nov. 1967. |
| Cairns, et al. High Temperature Batteries Research in high-temperature electrochemistry reveals compact, powerful energy-storage cells. Science. Jun. 20, 1969; 164(3886):1347-1355. |
| Cerablak™ technology. Atfi Surface Science Solutions. http://www.atfinet.com/index.php/technology. Accessed Feb. 24, 2016. |
| Chuang. Floating capacitor active charge balancing for PHEV application. Thesis. Ohio State University. 2010. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 13/999,704, inventors David; S. Deak et al., filed Mar. 14, 2014. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 16/740,178, inventors Nayarhari et al., filed Jan. 10, 2020. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/136,432, inventors Nayarhari et al., filed Dec. 29, 2020. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/399,724, inventors Nayarhari et al., filed Aug. 11, 2021. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/404,341, inventors Bradwelldavid; J. et al., filed Aug. 17, 2021. |
| Crowley, B. New battery could be solar power's BFF video. http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/08/16/bsg-liquid-metal-battery-energy.cnnmoney. CNN Money, 2012. Accessed Jun. 29, 2015. |
| Cubicciotti, et al. Metal-Salt Interactions at High Temperatures: The Solubilities of Some alkaline Earth Metals in their Halides. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1949; 71(6):2149-2153. |
| Davis, J.R., Effect of temperature on properties. ASM specialty handbook—Copper and copper alloys. ASM international. 2001: pp. 430-439. |
| Donald Sadoway: The Colbert Report video. http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/8uddyg/donald-sadoway. The Colbert Report, Oct. 22, 2012. Accessed Jun. 29, 2015. |
| Donald Sadoway: The missing link to renewable energy Youtube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sddb0Khx0yA. TED, Mar. 2012. Accessed Jun. 29, 2015. |
| Dworkin, et al. The Electrical Conductivity of Solutions of Metals in their Molten Halides. VIII. alkaline Earth Metal Systems. J. Phys. Chem. Jul. 1966; 70(7):2384. |
| Electroville: Grid-Scale Batteries. MIT Electroville: High Amperage Energy Storage Device—Energy for the Neighborhood. http://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=slick-sheet-project/electroville-grid-scale-batteries. Accessed Jul. 2, 2015. |
| Electroville: High-Amperage Energy Storage Device—Energy Storage for the Neighborhood Project. U.S. Department of Energy Categorical Exclusion Determination Form. http://arpa-e.energy.gov/sites/default/files/25A1089%20MIT%20-%20Electroville.pdf. Accessed Jul. 2, 2015. |
| Energy 2064 with Professor Donald R. Sadoway Youtube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iwG32R2R5o. Alger, Oct. 7, 2014. Accessed Jun. 29, 2015. |
| EP17851347.9 Extended European Search Report Dated Mar. 16, 2020. |
| EP18194103.0 Extended European Search Report dated Mar. 19, 2019. |
| EP18781400.9 Extended European Search Report dated Dec. 11, 2020. |
| “European Extended Search Report and opinion dated May 29, 2017 for EP Application No. 14857245.”. |
| European search report and search opinion dated Feb. 12, 2014 for EP Application No. 13196841.4. |
| European search report and search opinion dated May 6, 2016 for EP Application No. 13847926. |
| European search report and search opinion dated May 13, 2016 for EP Application No. 13846301. |
| European supplemental search report and opinion dated Mar. 16, 2017 for EP Application No. 14853610. |
| Fujiwara, et al. New molten salt systems for high temperature molten salt batteries: Ternary and quaternary molten salt systems based on LiF—LiCl, LiF—LiBr, and LiCl—LiBr. Journal of Power Sources. Apr. 15, 2011; 196(8):4012-4018. |
| Gay, et al. Lithium/Chalcogen Secondary Cells for Components in Electric Vehicular-Propulsion Generating Systems. Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, ANL-7863, 62 pages, Jan. 1972. |
| GE Energy Storage Durathon Battery Durathon E620 Battery Module Technical Specifications. Avallable at http://www.geenergystorage.com/images/ge/PDF/DurathonGridE620ModuleSpecSheet. pdf. 2012, Accessed on Oct. 18, 2012. |
| GE Energy Storage Durathon DC System Technical Specifications—MWh Series, 2014. Accessed Apr. 7, 2015. https://renewables.gepower.com/content/dam/gepower-renewables/global/en_US/documents/Durathon_DCMWh_Spec_Sheet_GEA-988123002A.pdf. |
| Hall-heroult cell. Wikimedia Commons. Accessed Nov. 10, 2014. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hall-heroult-kk-2008-12-31.png. Dec. 30, 2008. |
| Intermetallic—Wikipedia Website. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermetallic. Accessed Jul. 2, 2015. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Jan. 24, 2012 for PCT Application No. US2010/002035. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Feb. 17, 2009 for PCT Application No. US2007/018168. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Mar. 26, 2013 for PCT Application No. US2011/052316. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Apr. 7, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2013/063472. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Apr. 21, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2013/065086. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Apr. 21, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2013/065092. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Sep. 15, 2015 for PCT Application No. IB2014/000617. |
| International preliminary report on patentability and written opinion dated Nov. 24, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2014/039439. |
| International preliminary report on patentability dated Mar. 31, 2016 for PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/056367. |
| International preliminary report on patentability dated Apr. 28, 2016 for PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/060979. |
| International preliminary report on patentability dated Apr. 28, 2016 for PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/061266. |
| International preliminary report on patentability dated May 12, 2016 for PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/0063222. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jan. 22, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2014/061266. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jan. 23, 2015 for PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/056367. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jan. 24, 2014 for PCT/US2013/065086. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jan. 27, 2014 for PCT Application No. US2013/063472. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jan. 29, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2014/060979. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Feb. 7, 2011 for PCT/US2010/002035. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jun. 1, 2016 for PCT/US2016/019970. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Jun. 11, 2015 for PCT Application No. IB2014/002608. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Sep. 7, 2016 for PCT/US2016/021048. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Sep. 18, 2008 for PCT/US2007/018168. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Oct. 20, 2014 for PCT Application No. US2014/039439. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Dec. 26, 2013 for PCT Application No. US2013/065092. |
| International search report and written opinion dated Dec. 29, 2011 for PCT/US2011/052316. |
| International search report and written opnion dated Feb. 13, 2015 for PCT Application No. US2014/063222. |
| International search report dated Oct. 15, 2014 for PCT Application No. IB2014/000617. |
| Jarret, et al. Advances in the Smelting of aluminum. Metallurgical Treatises, pp. 137-157, 1981. |
| Javadekar, et al. Energy Storage in Electrochemical Cells with Molten Sb Electrodes. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 159 (4) A386-A389 (2012); Jan. 24, 2012 http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1170&context=cbe_papers. |
| Jungblut, et al. Diffusion of lithium in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at low concentrations and high temperatures. Phys Rev B Condens Matter. Dec. 1, 1989;40(16):10810-10815. |
| Kane, et al. Electrochemical Determination of the Thermodynamic Properties of Lithium-Antimony Alloys. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 162 (3) A421-A425 (2015). Published Dec. 31, 2014. |
| Kaufman, J.G., Application of aluminum alloys and tempers. Introduction to aluminum alloys and tempers—Preface. ASM International. 2000; pp. 87-118. |
| Kaufman, J.G., Properties and Characteristics of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys. Fire Resistance of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys and Measuring the Effects of Fire Exposure on the Properties of Aluminum Alloys. 2016. 9 Pages. |
| Kelley, et al. Mixing in a liquid metal electrode. Physics of Fluids 26, 2014, 057102, pp. 1-12. Published online May 20, 2014. |
| Kim, et al. Calcium-bismuth electrodes for large-scale energy storage (liquid metal batteries). Journal of Power Sources, vol. 241, 2013, pp. 239-248. Available online Apr. 19, 2013. |
| Kim, et al. Electrolysis of Molten Iron Oxide with an Iridium Anode: The Role of Electrolyte Basicity. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 158 (10) E101-E105 (2011). Published Aug. 5, 2011. |
| Kim, et al. Liquid Metal Batteries: Past, Present, and Future. Chemical Reviews, vol. 113, No. 3, Mar. 13, 2013, pp. 2075-2099. Published on web Nov. 27, 2012. |
| Kipouros, et al. Toward new technologies for the production of Lithium. JOM, May 1998, pp. 24-26. |
| Lalau, et al. Sodium-bismuth-lead low temperature liquid metal battery. Journal for Electrochemistry and Plating Technology, Jun. 2015, pp. 1-7. |
| Lee, et al., Oxidation Behavior of Copper at a Temperature below 300° C. and the Methodology for Passivation. Materials Research. 2016; 19(1): 51-56. |
| Li, et al. High Performance Liquid Metal Battery with Environmentally Friendly Antimony-Tin Positive Electrode. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. May 25, 2016;8(20):12830-5. doi: 10.1021/acsami.6b02576. Epub May 5, 2016.With supporting information. |
| Li, et al. Liquid Metal Electrodes for Energy Storage Batteries. Advanced Energy Materials (2016) 6:1600483-1-19. DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201600483. Published May 31, 2016. |
| Liquid Metal Battery Research Company website. http://www.lmbrc.com/. 2015. Accessed Jul. 7, 2015. |
| Liquid-metal batteries get boost from molten lead. Nature news website. Sep. 21, 2014. Accessed Dec. 9, 2014. http://www.nature.com/news/liquid-metal-batteries-get-boost-from-molten-lead-1.15967. |
| Magnuski, H. Innovations in Energy Storage—Professor Sadoway Video. https://vimeo.com/20906061. MIT Club of Northern California, Mar. 8, 2011. Accessed Jun. 29, 2015. |
| McAlister, A. J. The Al—Li (Aluminum-Lithium) System. Bulletin of Alloy Phase Diagrams, vol. 3, No. 2, 1982, pp. 177-178. doi: 10.1007/BF02892377. |
| Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary Website. http://merriam-webster.com/medical/room%20temperature. Apr. 2009. |
| MIT Electroville—Liquid Metal Battery wesite. http://www.ct-si.org/events/EnergyInnovation/showcase/popt.html?id=198. 2011. Accessed Jul. 2, 2015. |
| Molten metal batteries aimed at the grid. BBC News website. Sep. 21, 2014. Accessed Dec. 9, 2014. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29284934. |
| NAS Sodium Sulfur Battery Energy Storage System website, accessed Jul. 13, 2015. https://www.ngk.co.jp/nas/specs/#topto_specs. |
| Ning, et al. Self-healing Li—Bi liquid metal battery for grid-scale energy storage. Journal of Power Sourches 275 (2015) 370-376. Available online Oct. 29, 2014. |
| Norbert Weber et al., Sloshing instability and electrolyte layer rupture in liquid metal batteries. arxiv.org, Cornell university library, 201 Olin library cornell university ithaca, NY 14853, Dec. 12, 2016, XP081362128. |
| Notice of allowance dated Jan. 6, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/237,215. |
| Notice of allowance dated Jan. 11, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/136,337. |
| Notice of allowance dated Mar. 8, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| Notice of allowance dated Mar. 12, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Notice of allowance dated Apr. 6, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| Notice of allowance dated Apr. 11, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214. |
| Notice of allowance dated Apr. 13, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,179. |
| Notice of allowance dated Apr. 20, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/505,937. |
| Notice of allowance dated Apr. 22, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Notice of allowance dated Apr. 30, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| “Notice of allowance dated May 11, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214”. |
| Notice of allowance dated Jul. 5, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/178,806. |
| Notice of allowance dated Jul. 13, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/839,413. |
| “Notice of allowance dated Jul. 17, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214”. |
| Notice of allowance dated Jul. 25, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/286,369. |
| “Notice of allowance dated Jul. 28, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214”. |
| Notice of allowance dated Jul. 31, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| Notice of allowance dated Aug. 2, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/505,937. |
| Notice of allowance dated Aug. 22, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/536,549. |
| “Notice of allowance dated Sep. 11, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/289,857”. |
| Notice of allowance dated Sep. 18, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| “Notice of allowance dated Sep. 28, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214”. |
| Notice of allowance dated Oct. 4, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/136,337. |
| Notice of allowance dated Oct. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/178,806. |
| Notice of allowance dated Oct. 19, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214. |
| Notice of allowance dated Nov. 17, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/136,337. |
| Notice of allowance dated Dec. 11, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| Notice of allowance dated Dec. 20, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/136,337. |
| Notice of allowance dated Mar. 22, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/536,563. |
| “Notice of allowance dated Aug. 31, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/057,732”. |
| Nuvation BMS—Grid Energy Storage. Battery Management System for Grid Energy Storage. Accessed Nov. 11, 2015. http://www.nuvation.com/battery-management-system/bms-for-grid-energy-storage-platforms. |
| Nuvation BMS A Scalable and highly configurable battery management system for grid energy storage systems, 2014. http://nuvation.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/img/nuvation-bms-web/downloads/NuvationBMS_Grid-Energy_20140922.pdf. Accessed Feb. 4, 2015. |
| Nuvation BMS Battery Management Systems. http://www.nuvation.com/battery-management-system. Accessed Feb. 4, 2015. |
| Nuvation BMS. Grid Battery Controller Battery Management Solution for Multi-Stack Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems. 2015. |
| Nuvation Engineering Electronic Product Design Newsletter dated Jul. 9, 2014. http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d41c6a8dd772177f8c2976a94&id=d288872315&e=724575b634. Accessed Feb. 4, 2015. |
| Nuvation Engineering Electronic Product Design Newsletter dated Sep. 9, 2014. http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d41c6a8dd772177f8c2976a94&id=610713e05f&e=e9700170fc. Accessed Feb. 4, 2015. |
| Office action—Requirement for Restriction Election dated Aug. 13, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/045,967. |
| Office action dated Jan. 5, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Office action dated Jan. 10, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| “Office action dated Feb. 5, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/536,549.”. |
| Office action dated Mar. 14, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/237,215. |
| Office action dated Mar. 16, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| “Office action dated Mar. 27, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/140,434.”. |
| “Office action dated Apr. 18, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/975,587.”. |
| “Office action dated Apr. 20, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/057,732.”. |
| “Office action dated May 1, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,602.”. |
| Office action dated May 13, 2011 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/839,413. |
| Office action dated Jun. 7, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/045,967. |
| “Office action dated Jun. 7, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/687,838.”. |
| “Office action dated Jun. 15, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/687,838”. |
| “Office action dated Jun. 25, 2018 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/063,842.”. |
| Office action dated Jun. 30, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/536,563. |
| Office action dated Jul. 31, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/210,051. |
| Office action dated Aug. 21, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| “Office action dated Aug. 30, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/975,587”. |
| Office action dated Sep. 3, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/801,333. |
| “Office action dated Sep. 5, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 15/140,434”. |
| Office action dated Oct. 4, 2011 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/839,413. |
| Office action dated Nov. 5, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/178,806. |
| Office action dated Nov. 9, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/286,369. |
| Office action dated Nov. 13, 2017 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/678,602. |
| Office action dated Nov. 18, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,179. |
| Office action dated Nov. 22, 2016 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/688,214. |
| Office action dated Nov. 24, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/045,967. |
| Office action dated Dec. 1, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/210,051. |
| Office action dated Dec. 5, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Office action dated Dec. 11, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/588,741. |
| Ouchi, et al. Calcium-Antimony Alloys as Electrodes for Liquid Metal Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society. 2014; 161(12):A1898-A1904. Published Sep. 9, 2014. |
| Ouchi, et al. Calcium-based multi-element chemistry for grid-scale electrochemical energy storage. Nat Commun. Mar. 22, 2016;7:10999. doi: 10.1038/ncomms10999.With supplementary materials. |
| “Spatocco, et al. Low-Temperature Molten Salt Electrolytes for Membrane-Free Sodium Metal Batteries. Published Oct. 20, 2015, available at http://jes.ecsdl.org/content/162/14/A2729.full.pdf+html”. |
| PCT/US2017/050544 International Search Report dated Apr. 24, 2018. |
| PCT/US2018/026601 International Search Report dated Jul. 30, 2018. |
| PCT/US2019/066231 International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Mar. 2, 2020. |
| Pflanz, K. A Liquid Layer Solution for the Grid. http://energy.gov/articles/liquid-layer-solution-grid. Sep. 15, 2011. Accessed Jul. 2, 2015. |
| Pongsaksawad, et al. Phase-Field Modeling of Transport-Limited Electrolysis in Solid and Liquid States. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 154 (6) pp. F122-F133, 2007. Available electronically Apr. 18, 2007. |
| Powell, et al. Modeling electrochemistry in metallurgical processes. Chemistry and Materials Science; JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society vol. 59, No. 5 (2007), 35-43, DOI: 10.1007/s11837-007-0063-y http://lyre.mit.edu/˜powell/papers/jom-0705-35-43.pdf. |
| Qingsong; Wang et al, “Thermal Runaway Caused Fire and Explosion of Lithium Ion Battery”, Journal of Power Sources, 2012, 208, 210-224. |
| Response After Final Rejection dated Apr. 27, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| Sadoway, D. The Electrochemical Processing of Refractory Metals. JOM, Jul. 1991, pp. 15-19. |
| Sadoway, Donald R. A Technical Feasibility Study of Steelmaking by Molten Oxide Electrolysis Presentation. Presented at 9th AISI/DOE TRP Industry Briefing Session, Oct. 10, 2007, Salt Lake City. http://steeltrp.com/Briefing07slides/09-TRP9956_MIT-07IBS.pdf. |
| Sadoway, Donald R. Electrochemical Pathways Towards Carbon-Free Metals Production Presentation. Presented at GCEP Carbon Management in Manufacturing Industries workshop, Apr. 15-16, 2008, Stanford University. http://gcep.stanford.edu/pdfs/2RK4ZjKBF2f71uM4uriP9g/SadowayGCEP_reduced.pdf. |
| Sadoway, Donald R. New opportunities for metals extraction and waste treatment by electrochemical processing in molten salts. J. Mater. Res., vol. 10, No. 3, Mar. 1995, pp. 487-492. |
| Sadoway, Donald R. New opportunities for waste treatment by electrochemical processing in molten salts. Metals and Materials Waste Reduction, Recovery and Remediation, Edited by K.C. Liddell, R.G. Bautista and R.J. Orth, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, 1994, pp. 73-76. |
| Sadoway, et al. Block and graft copolymer electrolytes for high-performance, solid-state, lithium batteries. Journal of Power Sources, Elsevier SA, CH, vol. 129, No. 1, Apr. 15, 2004, pp. 1-3. Available online Jan. 14, 2004. |
| Sadoway, et al. Innovation in Energy Storage: What I Learned in 3.091 was All I Needed to Know video. http://video.mit.edu/watch/innovation-in-energy-storage-what-i-learned-in-3091-was-all-i-needed-to-know-9601/. MIT Technology Day 2010, Jun. 5, 2010. (Originally posted at http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/800. Archived at http://archive.is/http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/800.) Accessed Jun. 29, 2015. |
| Salois, Gretchen. Pursuing Metal Purity. Aug. 26, 2013, Modern Metals Website. Accessed Sep. 18, 2015. http://www.modernmetals.com/item/11618-pursuing-metal-purity.html. |
| Shannon. Revised effective ionic radii and systematic studies of interatomic distances in halides and chalcogenides. Acta Crystallographica Section A: Crystal Physics, Diffraction, Theoretical and General Crystallography. Mar. 9, 1976; A32:751-767. |
| Shimotake, et al. Bimetallic Galvanic Cells With Fused-Salt Electrolytes. Advances in Energy Conversion Engineering. pp. 951-962. 1967 Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1967. |
| Shimotake, et al. Secondary Cells with Lithium Anodes and Immobilized Fused-Salt Electrolytes. I & EC ProcessDesign and Development, vol. 8, No. 1, Jan. 1969, pp. 51-56. |
| Sodium Sulfur-Battery Definition; Wikipedia website. Accessed Sep. 3, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium%E2%80%93sulfur_battery. |
| Spatocco, et al. Cost-based discovery for engineering solutions. pp. 1-43. Adv. In Electrochemical Science and Technology (vol. XV), Feb. 9, 2015. |
| Staller, A. The Real Science of an Alkali Metal Explosion. The Electrochemical Society, Jan. 28, 2015. Accessed Apr. 20, 2015. http://www.ecsblog.org/uncategorized/the-real-science-behind-an-alkali-metal-explosion/. |
| Supplemental Amendment After Final Rejection dated May 15, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 12/839,130. |
| The Colbert Report. Donald Sadoway interview. Oct. 22, 2012. http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/mon-october-22-2012-donald-sadoway. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/647,468 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 2, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 14/687,838 Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 26, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 14/975,587 Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 9, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 14/975,587 Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 15, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 14/975,587 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 9, 2018. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/057,732 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 10, 2018. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/063,842 Office Action dated Feb. 17, 2021. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/063,842 Office Action dated Feb. 26, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/063,842 Office Action dated May 27, 2020. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/063,842 Office Action dated Sep. 20, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/130,129 Office Action dated Dec. 6, 2018. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/130,129 Office Action dated Jul. 3, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/130,129 Office Action dated Jul. 9, 2020. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/130,292 Office Action dated Jan. 24, 2020. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/130,292 Office Action dated Mar. 20, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/130,292 Office Action dated Nov. 19, 2018. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/140,434 Office Action dated Jun. 12, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/140,434 Office Action dated Sep. 19, 2018. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/647,468 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 24, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/647,468 Office Action dated Jun. 5, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/690,863 Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 22, 2020. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/690,863 Office Action dated May 17, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 15/836,038 Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 9, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/202,758 Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 8, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/202,758 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 7, 2019. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/293,288 Office Action dated Sep. 28, 2021. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/592,621 Office Action dated Jul. 6, 2021. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/718,020 Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 28, 2021. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/858,189 Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 18, 2021. |
| Vassiliev, et al. A new proposal for the binary (Sn,Sb) phase diagram and its thermodynamic properties based on a new e.m.f study Journal of Alloys and Compounds 247 (1997) 223-233. |
| Villar, et al. Assessment of high-temperature self-assembling battery implementation based on the aluminum smelting process. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/62677. |
| Wang, et al. Lithium-antimony-lead liquid metal battery for grid-level energy storage. Nature. Oct. 16, 2014;514(7522):348-50. doi: 10.1038/nature13700. Epub Sep. 21, 2014. |
| Weaver, et al. The Sodium1Tin Liquid-Metal Cell. J. Electrochem. Soc., 109 (8), 653-657 (Aug. 1962). |
| Wesoff, E. Video: MIT's Don Sadoway and Energy Storage on the Colbert Report. http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Video-MITs-Don-Sadoway-and-Energy-Storage-on-the-Colbert-Report. Oct. 24, 2012. Accessed Jul. 2, 2015. |
| Written opinion of the International Search Authority dated Oct. 15, 2014 for PCT Application No. IB2014/000617. |
| Xue, et al. Ionic Liquid Redox Catholyte for high Energy Efficiency, Low-cost Energy Storage. Advanced Energy Materials 2015, vol. 5, Issue 12,1500271, Published online Apr. 17, 2015. |
| Yu, et al. Determination of the Lithium Ion Diffusion Coefficient in Graphite. J. Electrochem. Soc. 1999 vol. 146, issue 1, 8-14. |
| Zhang; et al. Pyrite FeS2 as an efficient adsorbent of lithium polysulfide for improved lithium-sulfur batteries. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 4, Feb. 23, 2016, pp. 4371-4374. doi: 10.1039/C6TA01214K. With supporting information. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/510,056, inventors Bradwelldavid; J. et al., filed Oct. 25, 2021. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/529,171, inventors Bradwelldavid; J. et al., filed Nov. 17, 2021. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/670,168, inventors Thompsongreg et al., filed Feb. 11, 2022. |
| RU2031491C1 English translation. Nikolaev et al., Russia. Mar. 20, 1995. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/592,621 Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 23, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/593,278 Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 24, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/829,965 Notice of Allowance Nov. 19, 2021. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 15/628,538, inventor Bradwell; David J., filed Jun. 20, 2017. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/141,041, inventors Bradwelldavid; J. et al., filed Apr. 28, 2023. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/203,822, inventors Bradwell; David J. et al., filed May 31, 2023. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/381,512, inventors Thompson; Greg et al., filed Oct. 18, 2023. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/410,790, inventors Bradwell; David J. et al., filed Jan. 11, 2024. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/417,936, inventors Bradwell; David J. et al., filed Jan. 19, 2024. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/436,940, inventors Bradwell; David J. et al., filed Feb. 8, 2024. |
| Co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 18/680,139, inventors Thompson; Greg et al., filed May 31, 2024. |
| English machine translation of Claus (DE 102012103386 A1) (Year: 2013). |
| English machine translation of Koji et al. (JP 2012226866 A) (Year: 2012). |
| English machine translation of Tinguely et al. (EP 2665120 A1) (Year: 2013). |
| Huang, Ling, et al., Electrodeposition and lithium storage performance of novel three-dimensional porous Fe—Sb—P amorphous alloy electrode. Electrochemistry Communications vol. 11, No. 3, 585-588 (2009). |
| JPH1012270 English translation. Udou et al. Japan. Jan. 16, 1998. |
| PCT/US2020/050547 International Search Report and Written Opinon dated Dec. 24, 2020. |
| PCT/US2023/011761 International Search Report and Written Opinion dated May 18, 2023. |
| Poizeau, Sophie, Thermodynamic properties and atomic structure of Ca-based liquid alloys, PhD Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pp. 1-164, Feb. 2013. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/670,168 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 25, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/218,412 Office Action dated Jan. 18, 2024. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/293,288 Office Action dated Feb. 13, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/293,288 Office Action dated May 13, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/293,288 Office Action dated Sep. 12, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 16/593,278 Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 7, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/404,341 Office Action dated Mar. 10, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/510,056 Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 22, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/510,056 Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 3, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/510,056 Office Action dated Sep. 23, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/529,171 Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 10, 2022. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/670,168 Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 19, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/670,168 Office Action dated Mar. 7, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 17/747,333 Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 1, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/141,041 Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 21, 2024. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/141,041 Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 1, 2024. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/141,041 Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 28, 2024. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/166,814 Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 12, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/196,225 Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 24, 2023. |
| U.S. Appl. No. 18/218,412 Office Action dated Aug. 24, 2023. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220013835 A1 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62780857 | Dec 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2019/066231 | Dec 2019 | WO |
| Child | 17344527 | US |
