Tubular flow battery liquid storage tank

Abstract

The utility model provides a tubular flow battery liquid storage tank which comprises an electrolyte liquid storage tank body, a turbulent flow mixing part is arranged at the bottom of the electrolyte liquid storage tank body, the liquid outlet end of the turbulent flow mixing part is connected to a liquid outlet pipe, the electrolyte liquid storage tank body is filled with electrolyte, and the electrolyte flows to the liquid outlet pipe through the turbulent flow mixing part. And a plurality of inlet ends are arranged on the turbulent flow mixing part, and the multiple inlet ends are used for carrying out turbulent flow mixing on the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte storage tank body. According to the tubular liquid storage tank for the flow battery disclosed by the utility model, a plurality of inlet ends are arranged aiming at a square groove liquid storage tank which is most commonly used by a prefabricated cabin type flow battery, so that an electrolyte can form vortexes in a plurality of areas in a flowing process in the tank, and the electrolyte can be fully mixed to reduce flowing dead zones; the mixing degree and turbulence degree of liquid in the tank are improved, a flowing dead zone is avoided, and the utilization rate of electrolyte is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of new energy storage, and in particular relates to a tubular flow battery liquid storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] With the growth of wind and solar power installed capacity, the volatility of wind and solar power necessitates energy storage, making long-term energy storage a necessity. Vanadium redox flow batteries are inherently safe, have a long lifespan, are flexible in deployment, and have high technological maturity, making them the most promising long-term energy storage technology.

[0003] In flow batteries, the electrolyte circulates between the stack and the storage tank via piping. For reasons of compact design, airtightness, and efficient use of prefabricated compartment space, the storage tank is often a square tank with only one inlet and one outlet, and a relatively large volume of 15-30 cubic meters. This inevitably results in localized flow dead zones where the electrolyte cannot be utilized. Therefore, the storage tank structure needs to be designed to ensure thorough mixing of the electrolyte during circulation, reducing flow dead zones and improving electrolyte utilization, thereby reducing electrolyte consumption and battery cost.

[0004] The existing solution involves installing internal piping within the storage tank, connecting it to both the inlet at the top and the outlet at the bottom. This extends the inlet and outlet directly to the location of the flow dead zone, thereby reducing the flow dead zone within the tank. However, this piping design does not consider how to improve the mixing degree and turbulence of the liquid within the tank, and cannot prevent the emergence of new flow dead zones. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a tubular flow battery storage tank to solve the problem that the existing storage tanks, which only contain one inlet and one outlet, inevitably have local flow dead zones, and the electrolyte in the dead zones cannot be utilized.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A tubular flow battery storage tank includes an electrolyte storage tank body, a turbulence mixing section at the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank body, and an outlet end of the turbulence mixing section connected to an outlet pipe. The electrolyte storage tank body is filled with electrolyte, which flows through the turbulence mixing section to the outlet pipe. The turbulence mixing section is provided with multiple inlet ends, which are used to turbulently mix the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte storage tank body.

[0008] Furthermore, an inlet pipe is installed at the upper end of the electrolyte storage tank body, and an outlet pipe is installed at the lower end of the electrolyte storage tank body. The turbulence mixing section includes a first main pipe, one end of which is fixedly connected to one end of the outlet pipe, and the other end of the outlet pipe is connected to the downstream pipeline. Multiple main branch pipelines are provided on the first main pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple secondary branch pipes are provided above the first main pipe, and each secondary branch pipe is connected to the first main pipe through a branch main pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, each main branch pipe and each sub-branch pipe is equipped with a liquid inlet head at its end.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid inlet head has a conical structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner ring of the small-diameter end of the liquid inlet head is evenly distributed with flow-gathering grooves along the circumference, and the flow-gathering grooves are arranged in a spiral shape.

[0013] Furthermore, a three-stage liquid distribution pipe is provided inside the electrolyte storage tank body, and the inlet end of the three-stage liquid distribution pipe is connected to the outlet end of the inlet pipe, and the three-stage liquid distribution pipe is evenly distributed with first through holes.

[0014] Furthermore, the three-stage liquid distribution pipe is located at the top of the electrolyte storage tank body, and the branch main pipe is located between the three-stage liquid distribution pipe and the first main pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, second through holes are evenly distributed on the branch main pipe, the first main pipe, the main branch pipe and the secondary branch pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank body is provided with a step, and the cross-section of the step is a trapezoidal structure.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the tubular flow battery storage tank of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) The tubular flow battery storage tank of this utility model is designed for the square tank storage tank most commonly used in prefabricated tank flow batteries. By setting multiple inlet ends, the electrolyte can form vortices in multiple areas during the flow process in the tank, so that the electrolyte can be fully mixed, thereby reducing the flow dead zone, improving the degree of liquid mixing and turbulence in the tank, avoiding the occurrence of flow dead zones, and improving the utilization rate of electrolyte.

[0020] (2) The liquid inlet of the tubular flow battery described in this utility model is a conical structure, so as to create a pressure transformation structure for the suction liquid in the pipeline. Furthermore, the inner circle of the small diameter end of the liquid inlet is evenly distributed with flow-gathering grooves in the circumferential direction, and the flow-gathering grooves are arranged in a spiral shape to improve the vortex effect of liquid suction and improve the turbulence efficiency of the electrolyte storage tank body. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tubular flow battery storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a tubular flow battery storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first main pipe, the branch main pipe, and the secondary branch pipe as described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first main pipe and the main branch pipe as described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid inlet head described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first main pipe, main branch pipes, and stepped connection described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of the three-stage liquid distribution pipe described in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1-Electrolyte storage tank body; 2-Inlet pipe; 3-Outlet pipe; 4-First main pipe; 5-Main branch pipe; 6-Step; 7-Branch main pipe; 8-Secondary branch pipe; 9-Three-stage distribution pipe; 10-Inlet head; 101-Gathering tank; 11-First through hole; 12-Second through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] like Figures 1-7 As shown, a tubular flow battery storage tank includes an electrolyte storage tank body 1. The electrolyte storage tank body 1 can be made of PPH, PVC, PE, or PP, with PPH being preferred. A turbulence mixing section is provided at the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank body 1, and the outlet end of the turbulence mixing section is connected to an outlet pipe 3. The outlet pipe 3 is a flange, which is connected to the main inlet pipe 2 of the flow battery piping system via a flange. A flow battery circulation pump for providing pressure head is installed on the main inlet pipe 2. The electrolyte storage tank body 1 is filled with electrolyte, and the electrolyte flows through... The electrolyte flows through the turbulent mixing section to the outlet pipe 3. The turbulent mixing section is equipped with multiple inlet ends, which are used to turbulently mix the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte storage tank body 1. This tubular flow battery storage tank, which is the most commonly used square tank storage tank for prefabricated tank-type flow batteries, can form vortices in multiple areas during the flow of the electrolyte in the tank by setting multiple inlet ends. This allows the electrolyte to be fully mixed, reducing flow dead zones, improving the degree of liquid mixing and turbulence in the tank, avoiding the occurrence of flow dead zones, and improving the utilization rate of electrolyte.

[0036] An inlet pipe 2 is installed at the upper end of the electrolyte storage tank body 1. The inlet pipe 2 is a flange head, which is connected to the main return pipe of the flow battery pipeline system via a flange. An outlet pipe 3 is installed at the lower end of the electrolyte storage tank body 1. The turbulence mixing section includes a first main pipe 4. One end of the first main pipe 4 is fixedly connected to one end of the outlet pipe 3, and the other end of the outlet pipe 3 is connected to the downstream pipeline. Multiple main branch pipes 5 are provided on the first main pipe 4. The first main pipe 4 and the main branch pipes 5 constitute a primary liquid distribution pipeline system, located at the bottom of the storage tank. Figures 2-4 As shown,

[0037] Three four-way connectors and two three-way connectors are arranged along the first main pipe 4. The four-way connectors and the three-way connectors at the end of the first main pipe 4 are connected to the main branch pipe 5. A flow-around step 6 with a trapezoidal cross-section is provided at the bottom of the storage tank, located between the primary liquid distribution pipes. The three-way connector in the middle of the first main pipe 4 is connected to the secondary liquid distribution pipe.

[0038] Multiple secondary branch pipes 8 are installed above the first main pipe 4, and each secondary branch pipe 8 is connected to the first main pipe 4 through a branch main pipe 7. The secondary branch pipes 8 and the branch main pipe 7 constitute a secondary liquid distribution pipeline. The secondary liquid distribution pipeline is located in the middle of the storage tank. All branch pipes of the primary liquid distribution pipeline and the secondary liquid distribution pipeline are equipped with liquid inlet heads 10 at their ends.

[0039] The liquid inlet head 10 has a conical structure to create a pressure-changing structure for the suction liquid in the pipeline. Furthermore, the inner ring of the small diameter end of the liquid inlet head 10 is evenly distributed with flow-gathering grooves 101 in a spiral arrangement to improve the vortex effect of liquid suction and improve the turbulence efficiency of the electrolyte storage tank body 1.

[0040] The electrolyte storage tank body 1 is equipped with a three-stage liquid distribution pipe, and the inlet end of the three-stage liquid distribution pipe is connected to the outlet end of the inlet pipe 2. The three-stage liquid distribution pipe is evenly distributed with first through holes 11. The three-stage liquid distribution pipeline 9 is located at the top of the storage tank and surrounds the storage tank. The branch main pipe 7 is located between the three-stage liquid distribution pipe and the first main pipe 4. The branch main pipe 7, the first main pipe 4, the main branch pipeline 5 and the secondary branch pipeline 8 are evenly distributed with second through holes 12. The bottom of the electrolyte storage tank body 1 is provided with a step 6, and the cross-section of the step 6 is a trapezoidal structure.

[0041] In existing flow battery systems, the electrolyte is drawn from the bottom outlet of the storage tank by a circulation pump, flows through the fuel cell stack and heat exchange system, and then returns from the top inlet, circulating along this path. If no pipes are installed inside the storage tank, the liquid flows from the top inlet to the bottom outlet. Due to the boundary layer effect, dead zones exist in areas far from the inlet and outlet, near the edges and corners, and the electrolyte in different locations cannot be fully mixed. The aforementioned tubular flow battery storage tank, by setting up multi-stage liquid distribution pipelines in the outlet pipe 3 and inlet pipe 2 of the storage tank, guides the inlet and outlet positions of the liquid in the tank, thereby regulating the flow of electrolyte in the tank.

[0042] A method for controlling the flow of electrolyte within a tubular flow battery storage tank is as follows: On the primary distribution pipeline, the electrolyte inlet extends via the main branch pipeline 5 to the right-angled corners and edges of the square tank where flow dead zones are most likely to occur. At these locations, a pump generates negative pressure to drive fluid flow. The inlet is equipped with a reducer to increase the inlet flow velocity and enhance flow. Simultaneously, the second through-hole 12 on the first main pipe 4 enhances the flow at the center of the tank bottom. The electrolyte located at the bottom of the tank between the first main pipe 44 and the main branch pipeline can simultaneously flow towards both the end of the main branch pipeline and the second through-hole 12 of the first main pipe 4. During this flow, the streamlined step 6 obstructs the flow, creating a bypass flow and enhancing electrolyte mixing. For the electrolyte in the middle and upper parts of the tank, on the one hand, the electrolyte will settle and mix downwards under the influence of gravity, and then be drawn away by the primary distribution pipeline. On the other hand, the secondary distribution pipeline located in the middle of the tank, through the secondary branch pipeline 8, draws liquid at the edge of the middle of the tank, and then the electrolyte is fully mixed in the pipeline. At the same time, as the electrolyte at the top settles and flows downwards, it will be obstructed by the branch main pipe 7 and the secondary branch pipeline 8, forming a cylindrical flow around the electrolyte, which further enhances the mixing of the electrolyte. The tertiary distribution pipeline 9 at the top of the tank is responsible for redistributing the electrolyte entering the outlet tank. By encircling the tank with the pipeline and opening the first through hole 11 in the pipeline, the electrolyte that originally flowed in from only the first through hole 11 is dispersed to multiple points in various directions around the storage tank, making the distribution of electrolyte on the liquid surface in the tank more uniform.

[0043] A tubular flow battery storage tank is a type of square-groove storage tank commonly used in flow battery systems. In practical applications, cylindrical storage tanks are also widely used, mostly as external storage tanks, and their volume is usually larger than that of square-groove tanks. Because there are no right angles in cylindrical storage tanks, there are fewer potential flow dead zones compared to square-groove tanks. However, boundary layer effects still exist at the bottom edge of the tank, hindering flow. Furthermore, the larger volume of a cylindrical tank means that the design principles of a tubular flow battery storage tank are also applicable to cylindrical storage tanks.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A tubular flow battery storage tank, characterized in that: The device includes an electrolyte storage tank body (1), a turbulence mixing section is provided at the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank body (1), and the outlet end of the turbulence mixing section is connected to the outlet pipe (3). The electrolyte storage tank body (1) is filled with electrolyte, and the electrolyte flows to the outlet pipe (3) through the turbulence mixing section. The turbulence mixing section is provided with multiple inlet ends, and the multiple inlet ends are used to turbulently mix the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte storage tank body (1).

2. The tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inlet pipe (2) is installed at the upper end of the electrolyte storage tank body (1), and an outlet pipe (3) is installed at the lower end of the electrolyte storage tank body (1). The turbulence mixing section includes a first main pipe (4). One end of the first main pipe (4) is fixedly connected to one end of the outlet pipe (3), and the other end of the outlet pipe (3) is connected to the downstream pipeline. Multiple main branch pipelines (5) are provided on the first main pipe (4).

3. The tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple secondary branch pipes (8) are provided above the first main pipe (4), and each secondary branch pipe (8) is connected to the first main pipe (4) through a branch main pipe (7).

4. The tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each main branch pipe (5) and each secondary branch pipe (8) is equipped with an inlet head (10) at its end.

5. A tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid inlet head (10) has a conical structure.

6. A tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner ring of the small diameter end of the liquid inlet head (10) is evenly distributed with flow-gathering grooves (101) in the circumferential direction, and the flow-gathering grooves (101) are arranged in a spiral shape.

7. A tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte storage tank body (1) is equipped with a three-stage liquid distribution pipe, and the inlet end of the three-stage liquid distribution pipe is connected to the outlet end of the inlet pipe (2). The three-stage liquid distribution pipe is evenly distributed with first through holes (11).

8. A tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The three-stage liquid distribution pipe (9) is located at the top of the electrolyte storage tank body (1), and the branch main pipe (7) is located between the three-stage liquid distribution pipe and the first main pipe (4).

9. A tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 8, characterized in that: Second through holes (12) are evenly distributed on the branch main pipe (7), the first main pipe (4), the main branch pipe (5) and the secondary branch pipe (8).

10. A tubular flow battery storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the electrolyte storage tank body (1) is provided with a step (6), and the cross section of the step (6) is a trapezoidal structure.

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