# How to Fast-Charge Lithium Batteries Without Damaging Them > This patent describes a three-phase method for quickly charging lithium-ion batteries while carefully controlling voltages to prevent harmful lithium metal buildup and electrolyte damage. - **Patent:** US 10700376 - **Original title:** Methods for fast-charging and detecting lithium plating in lithium ion batteries - **Owner:** GM Global Technology Operations - **Granted:** 2020 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 8 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, automotive, telecommunications, energy, software ## What it does The patent outlines a method for fast-charging lithium batteries, like those in electric vehicles, by carefully managing the charging process in three phases to avoid damage. In a first phase, the battery is charged as fast as possible, limited only by the battery or charger's capabilities (Claim 1). Next, in a second phase, the charging current is gradually reduced to ensure the "anode potential" (the voltage of the negative battery terminal) stays above a specific safe level, preventing "lithium plating" (Claim 1). Lithium plating is when lithium metal forms on the anode, which can damage the battery. Finally, in a third phase, the charging continues while keeping the overall "cell potential" (the battery's total voltage) below a maximum limit to stop the electrolyte from breaking down (Claim 1). The patent also describes a way to detect lithium plating by looking for sudden changes in the charging current's rate of change (its derivative), which helps fine-tune the safe charging limits (Claim 8). For example, an electric car could use this method to quickly charge its battery without shortening its lifespan. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover fast-charging methods that do not specifically manage the anode potential to prevent lithium plating (Claim 1). - Does not cover fast-charging methods that do not control the cell potential to prevent electrolyte oxidation (Claim 1). - Does not cover lithium plating detection methods that do not involve analyzing the derivative of the charging current for discontinuities (Claim 8). - Does not cover charging methods that use only a single constant current or constant voltage phase without the specific three-phase approach (Claim 1). - Does not cover batteries that are not lithium-ion based, as the claims specifically refer to "lithium battery" and "lithium ion-containing electrolyte" (Claim 1). ## The clever bit The cleverness lies in the precise, multi-phase control of both anode and cell potentials during charging, specifically by decreasing current to maintain the anode potential above the lithium plating threshold. Additionally, the method for detecting lithium plating by analyzing the derivative of the charging current provides a way to dynamically optimize these thresholds. ## Real-world examples 1. Electric vehicle fast-charging stations 2. Smartphone fast chargers 3. Laptop fast charging capabilities 4. Battery management systems in grid-scale energy storage ## Why it matters Fast-charging is crucial for electric vehicles and other portable electronics, but it can degrade lithium-ion batteries by causing lithium plating or electrolyte breakdown. This patent provides a structured approach to achieve faster charging speeds while protecting the battery's health and lifespan. By preventing lithium plating, it helps maintain battery capacity and safety over many charge cycles. This is vital for consumer confidence and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, where charging time is a significant concern. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How to Fast-Charge Lithium Batteries Without Damaging Them cover? This patent describes a three-phase method for quickly charging lithium-ion batteries while carefully controlling voltages to prevent harmful lithium metal buildup and electrolyte damage. ### Who owns patent US 10700376? GM Global Technology Operations owns this patent, granted in 2020. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on July 31, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 10700376 cited by? This patent has been cited by 8 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? Fast-charging is crucial for electric vehicles and other portable electronics, but it can degrade lithium-ion batteries by causing lithium plating or electrolyte breakdown. This patent provides a structured approach to achieve faster charging speeds while protecting the battery's health and lifespan. By preventing lithium plating, it helps maintain battery capacity and safety over many charge cycles. This is vital for consumer confidence and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, where charging time is a significant concern. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover fast-charging methods that do not specifically manage the anode potential to prevent lithium plating (Claim 1). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10700376/methods-for-fast-charging-and-detecting-lithium-plating-in-lithium-ion-batteries **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10700376 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How a Hybrid Layer Stops Metal Growths in Lithium Batteries](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10566652/lithium-metal-battery-with-hybrid-electrolyte-system) — This patent describes a special multi-layered electrolyte system for lithium metal batteries that uses a stiff, hybrid material to block dangerous metal growths, aiming for safer, higher-energy batteries. - [Improving Lithium Battery Life with a Built-in Lithium Source](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10593988/electrochemical-cell-for-lithium-based-batteries) — This patent describes a method for building rechargeable lithium-based batteries with a special extra lithium source electrode inside that helps the main battery parts work better and last longer by giving them an initial charge of lithium ions. - [Device That Adjusts Power for Charging Multiple Devices](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9368994/dynamic-charging-device-and-method-thereof) — This 2016 patent describes a system that intelligently adjusts the power supplied to charge multiple devices, ensuring one device gets a steady charge while another can receive a variable amount. - [How Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes Are Made](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4357215/lithium-ion-cathode-goodenough) — A foundational 1982 method for creating the materials used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries by removing ions at low temperatures. - [How Lithium-Cobalt Battery Cathodes Were Invented](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4302518/lithium-ion-battery-cathode) — This 1981 patent details the chemistry behind the lithium-cobalt oxide cathodes that power almost every modern smartphone, laptop, and electric vehicle.