TECHNICAL FIELD

Charge/discharge management of electrochemical cells, and related systems, are generally described.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, batteries have failed to compete successfully with established power sources such as combustion engines in various industries, such as vehicles. One reason for this failure has been that battery users have been dissatisfied with the longevity and performance that batteries have conventionally provided.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments related to charge/discharge management of electrochemical cells and related systems. The subject matter of the present invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.

Some embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell management system comprising: an electrochemical cell, and at least one controller configured to control the cell such that, for at least a portion of a charge cycle, the cell is charged at a charging rate or current that is lower than a discharging rate or current of at least a portion of a previous discharge cycle.

Some embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell management system comprising: an electrochemical cell, and at least one controller configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the cell, the at least one characteristic comprising at least one of: at least a portion of a discharge history of the cell, and at least one morphological characteristic of the cell, and based on the at least one characteristic of the cell, induce a discharge of the cell and/or control a charging rate or current of the cell.

Certain embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell management system comprising: an electrochemical cell, and at least one controller configured to induce a discharge of the cell before and/or after a charging step of the cell.

Further embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell management method. The method may comprise controlling an electrochemical cell such that, for at least a portion of a charge cycle, the cell is charged at a charging rate or current that is lower than a discharging rate or current of at least a portion of a previous discharge cycle.

Additional embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell management method. The method may comprise inducing a discharge of an electrochemical cell before and/or after a charging step of the cell.

Some embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell management method. The method may comprise monitoring at least one characteristic of the cell, the at least one characteristic comprising at least one of: at least a portion of a discharge history of the cell, and at least one morphological characteristic of the cell; and based on the at least one characteristic of the cell, inducing a discharge of the cell and/or controlling a charging rate or current of the cell.

Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control.

