Montana Patent of the Month – April 2024
ZAF Energy Systems Inc. (ZAF) is revolutionizing battery technology with their latest innovation: the electrochemical pouch cell with a mechanically stabilized headspace. This newly patented invention addresses the limitations of traditional pouch cells by introducing a porous member into the design, creating a crucial headspace within the battery.
Traditional pouch cells often struggle with pressure buildup due to the tight fit of the pouch around the electrodes, limiting the amount of gas that can be contained within. ZAFSYS has tackled this challenge head-on by introducing a porous and rigid structure into the battery assembly, allowing for the collection of gases such as hydrogen and oxygen.
One key aspect of ZAF’s invention is the inclusion of an electrode assembly with tabs that extend through or around the porous member and out of the pouch. This design ensures that gases can escape from the battery, preventing pressure buildup and potential safety hazards.
The versatility of ZAF’s invention is evident in the variety of materials that can be used for the porous member, including scaffold, felt, foam, or sponge. This flexibility allows for customization based on specific application requirements, ensuring optimal performance in various environments.
The battery cell’s recombination device further enhances its functionality, facilitating the recombination of gases during battery charging. This not only contributes to the safety of the battery but also prolongs its lifespan, making it a cost-effective solution for numerous applications.
In addition to its practical benefits, ZAF’s electrochemical pouch cell offers environmental advantages by promoting the efficient use of resources and reducing waste. By addressing the limitations of traditional pouch cells, this innovative technology paves the way for the development of more sustainable energy storage solutions.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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