Liquid film battery assembly

Abstract

A liquid film battery assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, a liquid film battery assembly includes an elongate base having opposing first and second end portions, and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion each include an elongate body, an electrolyte channel within the body, an electrolyte port fluidly connected to the electrolyte channel, a fuel channel within the body, and a fuel port fluidly connected to the fuel channel. The central portion includes first and second members spaced apart and opposed to each other, the first and second members connecting the bases of the first and second portions and horizontally defining the first and second members and an open region between the first and second portions. The liquid film battery assembly also includes an anode adjacent the first member and the second member, and a cathode adjacent the first member and the second member such that the base is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The anode and the cathode vertically define an open region between the anode and the cathode.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Fuel cells and flow batteries, hybrid chambers or membrane cells, typically involve two chemicals separated by a semipermeable membrane. The membrane must allow protons to pass through, but force electrons to move through the system to do work through an electrical load. However, semipermeable membranes are often the weak point of these fuel cells and flow batteries, resulting in high costs, short lifespans, and limited performance.

[0002] Membraneless systems (sometimes referred to as "liquid membrane systems") eliminate the semipermeable membrane and allow the fuel and electrolyte to flow side by side with each other at similar speeds to achieve minimal mixing, and then be separated to different outlet ports once they leave the mixing unit or area. However, previous membraneless systems have several problems. For example, the mixing of the electrolyte and fuel streams may exceed a minimum, resulting in reduced system efficiency and / or permanent damage to the catalyst. In addition, in bromine / hydrogen bromide membraneless cells, bromine is converted to hydrogen bromide along the cathode surface (where there are electrons), thereby creating a physical and electrical barrier to the remaining bromine in the fluid stream, which makes further conversion of the fuel more difficult. In addition, as the fluid moves through the liquid membrane cell, disturbances (whether intentionally caused or not) can begin to dominate the motion, resulting in reduced cell efficiency and / or mixing between the fuel and electrolyte fluids.

[0003] Furthermore, chemically measuring the transition state of fuel conversion (or reversal of state of charge) can be difficult, expensive, and inaccurate, especially for fully automated systems such as flow batteries. Without this information, the primary measurement of state of charge (SoC) is the current flowing into and out of the battery during use. However, this measurement combines several factors, each of which can be useful to know individually to more effectively and efficiently track system performance (e.g., degradation) and change system efficiency in real time. Furthermore, the materials used in membraneless systems are expensive.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a membraneless cell assembly that minimizes mixing of electrolyte and fuel flows, increases fuel conversion per unit length of the mixing chamber, increases the amount of electrical power delivered per unit length of the mixing chamber, reduces the amount of resistance across the mixing chamber, maintains laminar flow in the mixing cell or region, provides real-time measurement of state of charge, and uses reactant materials economically and efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a liquid membrane battery assembly according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the liquid membrane battery assembly, excluding Figure 1 Fasteners shown in .

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of an example of the base of a liquid membrane battery assembly.

[0008] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 The line 4-4 in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the base.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A partial isometric view of the base of a hybrid wing showing an example of a hybrid wing.

[0010] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial isometric view of the base of a wing showing another example of a hybrid wing.

[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A partial isometric view of the base of a , showing an example of a central bridge member with blended wings.

[0012] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A partial isometric view of the base of a , showing an alternative example of a central bridge member with blended wings.

[0013] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial isometric view of the base of a , showing an alternative example of a central bridge member with blended wings.

[0014] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A partial isometric view of the base of , showing another example of a central bridge member with a cutout.

[0015] Fig.11 yes Figure 3 A partial isometric view of a base of FIG. 1 , showing an example of a proximal bridge member and a distal bridge member connecting the inlet body and the outlet body of the base.

[0016] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A partial isometric view of the base of an anode showing an example of an anode having a cavity to provide a larger mixing area.

[0017] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A partial isometric view of a base of , showing another example of a first bridge member and a second bridge member connecting the inlet body and the outlet body of the base to provide a larger mixing area.

[0018] Fig.14 yes Fig.13A partial isometric view of the base of an anode showing an example of an anode having a cavity to provide a larger mixing area.

[0019] Fig.15 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of another example of the base of a liquid membrane battery assembly.

[0020] Fig.16 is along Fig.15 The line 16-16 in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the base of a liquid membrane battery assembly.

[0021] Fig.17 yes Figure 1 Graphs of electrical output of various examples of liquid membrane battery assemblies.

[0022] Fig.18 yes Figure 1 An example of two liquid membrane battery components connected in series, and an example of a state of charge measurement component.

[0023] Fig.19 for Figure 1 Conversion rate curves of various HBr / Br mixtures in liquid membrane battery components.

[0024] Fig. 20 yes Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of an example of a non-alternating battery stack of two liquid membrane battery assemblies.

[0025] Fig.21 yes Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of an example of an alternating battery stack of two liquid membrane battery assemblies. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] refer to Figure 1-Figure 4 , shows an example of a membrane battery assembly 100. The membrane battery assembly includes a frame, skeleton or base 102, an anode or anode plate 104, a cathode or cathode plate 106, a sealing gasket 108, an end plate 110 and a fastener 112.

[0027] Unless expressly excluded, the base 102 may additionally or alternatively include one or more components and / or structures of other bases of the present disclosure. The base 102 includes an inlet end portion 114, an outlet end portion 116, and a central portion 118 disposed between the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion. These portions may be attached to each other and / or formed with each other. Figure 1-Figure 4In the example shown, the base 102 is elongated and is a unitary piece manufactured, for example, via 3D printing and / or injection molding. However, other examples of the base 102 may include non-elongated shapes and / or may be manufactured via any other suitable method. The base 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials (e.g., polyvinyl fluoride or polyvinyl difluoride).

[0028] The inlet end portion 114 includes an inlet body 120. The inlet body 120 has a fuel inlet channel 122 and an electrolyte inlet channel 124 therein. The fuel channel and the electrolyte inlet channel are separate and distinct from each other. In other words, the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel are not fluidly connected within the inlet end portion 114. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel are planar and parallel and / or coaxial with each other. However, other examples of the inlet end portion 114 may include fuel and electrolyte channels that are non-planar, non-parallel and / or non-coaxial with each other.

[0029] The inlet body 120 also includes a fuel inlet port 126 and an electrolyte inlet port 128. The fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are accessible from the exterior of the inlet body. The fuel inlet port 126 is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet channel 122, but is not fluidly connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 124, while the electrolyte inlet port 128 is fluidly connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 124, but is not fluidly connected to the fuel inlet channel 122. The fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are separate and distinct from each other. In other words, the fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are not fluidly connected to each other. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, the fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are perpendicular to the fuel inlet channel 122 and the electrolyte inlet channel 124. However, other examples of the fuel inlet port 126 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 128 may not be perpendicular to the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel. The fuel inlet port 126 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 128 include threads 129 and / or other connection structures to allow connection to the electrolyte inlet pipe 130 and the fuel inlet pipe 132, respectively. These pipes can be connected to supply containers and / or tanks and / or upstream liquid membrane battery components. In addition, the inlet body 120 includes a flange portion 134. The flange portion 134 has an orifice 136 to receive the fastener 112. In Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, the fuel inlet port and the electrolyte inlet port are located adjacent one end of the inlet body 120 , and the flange portion 134 is located adjacent the opposite end of the inlet body and adjacent the central portion 118 .

[0030] Similarly, outlet end portion 116 includes outlet body 138. Outlet body 138 has therein a fuel outlet channel 140 and an electrolyte outlet channel 142. The fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel are separate and distinct from each other. In other words, the fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel are not fluidly connected within outlet end portion 116. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, the fuel outlet channel 140 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142 are planar, parallel to each other, and / or coaxial with each other. However, other examples of the outlet end portion 116 may include electrolyte outlet channels and outlet channels that are non-planar, non-parallel to each other, and / or non-coaxial with each other. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the fuel inlet channel 122 and the fuel outlet channel 140 are aligned and / or coplanar and / or coaxial with each other. Similarly, the electrolyte inlet channel 124 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142 are aligned and / or coplanar and / or coaxial with each other.

[0031] Outlet body 138 also includes a fuel outlet port 144 and an electrolyte outlet port 146. Fuel outlet port 144 and electrolyte outlet port 146 are accessible from the exterior of the outlet body. Fuel outlet port 144 is fluidly connected to fuel outlet channel 140, but is not fluidly connected to electrolyte outlet channel 142, while electrolyte outlet port 146 is fluidly connected to electrolyte outlet channel 142, but is not fluidly connected to fuel outlet channel 140. Fuel outlet port 144 and electrolyte outlet port 146 are separate and distinct from one another. In other words, fuel outlet port 144 and electrolyte outlet port 146 are not fluidly connected to one another. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, the fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are perpendicular to the fuel outlet channel 140 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142. However, other examples of the fuel outlet port and the electrolyte outlet port may not be perpendicular to the fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel. The fuel outlet port 144 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 146 include threads 129 and / or other connection structures that allow connection to the fuel outlet pipe 148 and the electrolyte outlet pipe 150, respectively. These pipes can be connected to an output container and / or tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane battery assembly. In addition, the outlet body 138 includes a flange portion 152. The flange portion 152 has an orifice 154 to receive the fastener 112. In Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, the electrolyte outlet port and the fuel outlet port are located adjacent one end of the outlet body 138 , and the flange portion 152 is located adjacent an opposite end of the outlet body and adjacent the central portion 118 .

[0032] The central portion 118 includes a proximal bridge member 156 and a distal bridge member 158. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member are spaced apart from and opposite to each other. The proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 connect the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the example shown, only the proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member connect the inlet body and the outlet body. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member both include an inner wall 160 and an outer wall 162 opposite to the inner wall. The inner walls of the bridge member face each other, and the outer walls face away from each other. The inlet body 120, the outlet body 138, the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 define (or horizontally define) a single mixing, reaction or open area 164 between them. In other words, the boundary of the open area 164 is formed by the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 and by the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. The electrolyte inlet channel and the fuel inlet channel of the inlet end portion are fluidly connected to the electrolyte outlet channel and the fuel outlet channel of the outlet end portion by the open area 164. In other words, the electrolyte inlet channel and the fuel inlet channel are only fluidly connected to the electrolyte output port channel and the fuel outlet channel by the open area.

[0033] refer to Figure 5-Figure 9 In some examples, the central portion 118 can include one or more mixing protrusions, guide protrusions, or mixing wings 166. One or more mixing protrusions, guide protrusions, or mixing wings 166 are attached to or formed with one or more inner walls 160. The mixing wings facilitate desired fluid movement, such as facilitating the guidance of a fuel-rich region to the cathode and / or maintaining a non-mixing line between the fuel and the electrolyte. The mixing wings can extend horizontally or parallel to the fluid flow 167 (and / or parallel to the channels of the inlet end portion and / or the outlet end portion), such as Figure 5 As shown, and / or extending obliquely upward and / or downward in the direction of fluid flow (and / or not parallel to the channels of the inlet end portion and / or the outlet end portion). Figure 6 An example of a mixing wing 166 that is angled downward relative to the fluid flow 167 is shown. The wing may span or substantially span the entire length of the open area 164, or may span one or more portions of the open area (e.g., intermittent small portions spaced along the length of the open area). The wing may be any suitable shape. For example, one or more of the wing may be shaped as a triangular wedge or a triangular prism, such as Figure 5-Figure 8 Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the wings may be a series of connected triangular prisms that may be twisted or rotated about the longitudinal axis of the triangular prism, such as Fig. 9 Other example shapes include curved sheets / planes and / or small hollow tubes.

[0034] refer to Figure 7-Figure 10In some examples, the central portion 118 may include one or more internal or central bridge members 168. These internal or central bridge members 168 are spaced apart from and disposed between the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158. The central bridge member facilitates desired fluid movement, such as facilitating the guidance of the fuel-rich region to the cathode and / or maintaining a non-mixed line between the fuel and the electrolyte. Similar to the proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member, the central bridge member connects the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. The central bridge member is attached to or formed with one or more ends of the channel and / or the base of the inlet end portion and / or the outlet end portion.

[0035] The central bridge member 168 includes a proximal wall 170 and a distal wall 172 opposite to the proximal wall. The central bridge member can be planar and / or parallel to the proximal bridge member and / or the distal bridge member. In addition, the height of the central bridge member 168 can be the same as the height (measured perpendicular to the flow direction) of the proximal bridge member and / or the distal bridge member, or can be less than or less than the height of the proximal bridge member and / or the distal bridge member (for example, 40%, 50% or 60% of the height of the proximal bridge member and / or the bridge member). When the height of the central bridge member is the same or substantially the same as the proximal bridge member and / or the distal bridge member, the open area 164 is subdivided into two or more open areas or mixed areas that are separated from each other and different. In other words, two or more open areas are not fluidly connected to each other. On the contrary, when the height of the central bridge member is less than or significantly less than the height of the proximal bridge member and / or the distal bridge member, the fluid can flow from one side of the central bridge member to the opposite side of these members in the open area. Additionally, one or both walls of the central bridge member may have one or more blending wings 166, such as Figure 7-Figure 9 In addition, the central bridge member may have Fig.10 Orifices, cutouts or cut-throughs 174 are shown to allow horizontal fluid flow and create localized disturbances to bring the fuel-rich portion of the fluid to the cathode surface.

[0036] refer to Figure 11-Figure 14 , the proximal bridge member 156, the distal bridge member 158 and / or the anode 104 can be configured to provide an open area 164 of suitable volume and / or shape to induce or promote laminar flow of fuel and / or electrolyte in the open area. When the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138, the open area has a nominal volume in the shape of a rectangular prism, such as Fig.11 When the anode 104 includes Fig.12As shown in cavity 176, open area 164 has a volume greater than the nominal volume and a trapezoidal prism shape, which causes vertical compression in the direction of fluid flow.

[0037] When the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are not parallel to each other, not perpendicular to the inlet body and the outlet body, and relative to Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , when the open area 164 is spaced farther apart at the inlet body 120 but then tapers from the inlet body 120 toward the outlet body 138, the open area 164 has a volume greater than the nominal volume and a trapezoidal prism shape, such as Fig.13 As shown, this causes horizontal compression in the direction of fluid flow. When the anode 104 includes a cavity 176, and the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are not parallel to each other, not perpendicular to the inlet body and the outlet body, and relative to Fig.11 The example in FIG. 1 shows an example of an open area 164 having a larger opening than that in the example in FIG. 1 . The open area 164 has a larger opening than that in the example in FIG. 1 . Figure 11-13 Examples of large volumes and Fig.14 The trapezoidal prism shape shown, which causes vertical compression and horizontal compression in the direction of fluid flow. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member can be formed via subtractive manufacturing techniques. In addition, the anode plate and / or the cathode plate can be rotated to provide the desired mixing unit shape. The anode plate and / or the cathode plate can be formed via subtractive manufacturing techniques, such as formed via a CNC engraving machine or equivalent equipment. Although the modification of the open area is discussed, the same or similar modification can be performed on one or more channels of the inlet end portion and / or the outlet end portion.

[0038] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , an alternative example of base 102 is shown and generally designated 202. Unless expressly excluded, base 202 may additionally or alternatively include one or more components and / or structures of other bases of the present disclosure. Similar to base 102, base 202 includes an inlet end portion 214, an outlet end portion 216, and a central portion 218 disposed between the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion. These portions may be attached to each other and / or formed with each other. In Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the example shown, the base 202 is elongated and is a unitary piece manufactured, for example, via 3D printing and / or injection molding. However, other examples of the base 202 may include non-elongated shapes and / or may be manufactured via any other suitable method. The base 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials (e.g., polyvinyl fluoride or polyvinyl difluoride).

[0039] The inlet end portion 214 is the same or substantially the same as the inlet end portion 114. For example, the inlet end portion 214 includes an inlet body 220. The inlet body 220 has a fuel inlet channel 222 and an electrolyte inlet channel 224. The inlet body 220 also includes a fuel inlet port 226 and an electrolyte inlet port 228. The fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 can be accessed from the outside of the inlet body. The fuel inlet port 226 is fluidically connected to the fuel inlet channel 222, but is not fluidically connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 224. The electrolyte inlet port 228 is fluidically connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 224, but is not fluidically connected to the fuel inlet channel 222. The fuel inlet port 226 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 228 include threads 229 and / or other connection structures to allow connection to the electrolyte inlet pipe and the fuel inlet pipe (not shown), respectively. These pipes can be connected to a supply container and / or a tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane battery assembly. Additionally, inlet body 220 includes a flange portion 234 having apertures 236 to receive fasteners (not shown).

[0040] Similarly, the outlet end portion 216 includes an outlet body 238. However, unlike the outlet body 138, the outlet body 238 includes a fuel outlet channel 240, a mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, and an electrolyte outlet channel 242 in the outlet body. The electrolyte outlet channel, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel, and the fuel outlet channel are separated and different from each other. In other words, the electrolyte outlet channel, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel, and the fuel outlet channel are not fluidically connected in the outlet end portion 216. The pure electrolyte flowing out of the electrolyte outlet port can be immediately circulated back to the liquid membrane battery assembly for use. The mixed electrolyte from the mixed electrolyte port may be contaminated by fuel and processed before returning to the liquid membrane battery assembly. Examples of processing of mixed electrolytes include feeding the mixed electrolyte into the main fuel pipeline for subsequent use, passing the mixed electrolyte through a liquid membrane battery in a discharged state to convert the existing fuel into an electrolyte to restore purity, and / or one or more physical processes to separate the fuel and the electrolyte (e.g., distillation or rotational density separation).

[0041] exist Figure 15-16 In the example shown, the fuel inlet channel 240, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, and the electrolyte outlet channel 242 are planar and parallel to each other. However, other examples of the outlet end portion 216 may include fuel outlet channels and electrolyte outlet channels that are non-planar and / or non-parallel to each other. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, electrolyte inlet channel 224 and electrolyte outlet channel 242 are aligned and / or coplanar and / or coaxial with each other. However, fuel inlet channel 222 is aligned and / or coplanar and / or coaxial with both fuel outlet channel 240 and mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241.

[0042] The outlet body 238 also includes a fuel outlet port 244, a mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and an electrolyte outlet port 246. The fuel outlet port 244, the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and the electrolyte outlet port 246 are accessible from the outside of the outlet body. The fuel outlet port 244 is fluidly connected to the fuel outlet channel 240, but is not fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte channel 241 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242; the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245 is fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, but is not fluidly connected to the fuel outlet channel 240 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242; and the electrolyte outlet port 246 is fluidly connected to the electrolyte outlet channel 242, but is not fluidly connected to the fuel outlet channel 240 and the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241. The fuel outlet port, the mixed electrolyte outlet port, and the electrolyte outlet port are separate and distinct from each other and are not fluidly connected to each other. In addition, the fuel outlet port, the mixed electrolyte outlet port, and the electrolyte outlet port are perpendicular to the fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel, but may not be perpendicular in other examples. The fuel outlet port 244, the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and / or the electrolyte outlet port 246 include threads 229 and / or other connection structures to allow connection to the electrolyte outlet pipe, the mixed electrolyte outlet pipe, and the fuel outlet pipe (not shown), respectively. These pipes can be connected to the output container and / or tank and / or downstream liquid membrane battery assembly. In addition, the outlet body 238 includes a flange portion 252 having an orifice 254 to receive a fastener (not shown). In Figure 15-16 In the example shown, the electrolyte outlet port, mixed electrolyte outlet port, and fuel outlet port are positioned adjacent one end of outlet body 238 , and flange portion 252 is positioned adjacent an opposite end of the outlet body and adjacent central portion 218 .

[0043] The central portion 218 includes a proximal bridge member 256 and a distal bridge member 258. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member are spaced apart and opposite to each other. The proximal bridge member 256 and the distal bridge member 258 connect the inlet body 220 and the outlet body 238. The proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member each include an inner wall 260 and an outer wall 262 opposite to the inner wall. The inner walls of the bridge member face each other, and the outer walls face away from each other. The inlet body 220, the outlet body 238, the proximal bridge member 256 and the distal bridge member 258 collectively and between them define (or horizontally define) a single mixing, reaction or open area 264. The open area 264 fluidly connects the electrolyte inlet channel and the fuel inlet channel of the inlet end portion with the electrolyte outlet channel, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel and the fuel outlet channel of the outlet end portion.

[0044] Reference again Figure 1-Figure 4, the anode or anode plate 104 is adjacent to the central portion 118 and the flange portions 134 and 152 of the inlet and outlet end portions. Similarly, the cathode or cathode plate 106 is adjacent to the central portion 118 and the flange portions 134 and 152 of the inlet and outlet end portions such that the base 102 is disposed between the anode and cathode. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the illustrated configuration, the anode 104 is supported on the central portion 118 and the flange portions 134 and 152, while the cathode 106 supports the above components including the anode. Alternatively, the configuration can be reversed so that the cathode is supported by other components and the anode supports these components. In another configuration, the components can be placed on their sides so that neither the anode nor the cathode supports any other components.

[0045] In addition, the anode 104 includes a fluid opening 176 for a reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen) and an orifice 178 for receiving a fastener 112. However, the anode 104 may be porous and the anode may exclude or have no fluid opening. Similarly, the cathode 106 includes an orifice 180 to receive the fastener 112. In addition, a line 182 is attached (or electrically attached) to the anode, and a line 184 is attached (or electrically attached) to the cathode. The anode 104 and the cathode 106 may be of any suitable shape and may be made of a suitable material. For example, the anode and the cathode may be a graphite carbon plate in the shape of a rectangular prism. The anode 104 and the cathode 106 define an open area 164 between them in the vertical direction. In other words, the vertical boundary of the open area 164 is formed by the inner walls of the anode 104 and the cathode 106. Thus, the anode 104, cathode 106, inlet body 120, outlet body 138, proximal bridge member 156, and distal bridge member 158 collectively define an open area 164 therebetween. As described above, the anode 104 and / or cathode 106 can sometimes include a cavity, such as cavity 176, to increase the volume and / or change the shape of the open area 164. In other words, the cavity of the anode and / or cathode partially defines the open area 164.

[0046] In some examples, a gasket 108 may be used between the anode / cathode and the base. The gasket may be made of any suitable material, such as carbon paper. The gasket 108 includes an orifice 183 to receive a fastener 112. The end plate 110 includes an anode end plate 186 and a cathode end plate 188. The anode end plate is adjacent to and supported on the anode 104 with the anode 104. The anode end plate 186 includes a reactant inlet port 190 and a reactant outlet port 192. The reactant inlet port 190 and the reactant outlet port 192 are fluidically connected to the anode and / or the fluid port of the anode. The reactant inlet port and the reactant outlet port may include threads and / or other connection structures, which allow connection to reactant inlet pipes 194 and reactant outlet pipes 196, respectively. These pipes may be connected to supply containers and / or tanks. The cathode end plate is adjacent to and supports the cathode 106 and other components of the liquid membrane battery assembly. The end plate may be made of any suitable material, such as a compressed acrylic sheet. Fasteners 112 are received in apertures in the anode, cathode, gasket (when used), and base to push and secure the end plates toward each other, thereby connecting the components of the membrane cell assembly and forming a fluid-tight seal.

[0047] refer to Fig.17 , the graph shows an exemplary electrical output of a liquid membrane battery assembly of the present disclosure when hydrogen bromide is the electrolyte, bromine (Br2) is the fuel, and hydrogen is the reactant. Negative current represents the charging of the system (on the left side of the graph), while positive current is the discharge state (on the right side of the graph). The data presents different concentrations of Br2 fuel (0.5M, 1.0M, and 2.0M) and different ratios of the vertical height of the electrolyte channel to the fuel channel in millimeters (e.g., 3:1 = 3 mm high electrolyte channel and 1 mm high fuel channel).

[0048] refer to Fig.18, a system 300 is shown having a first liquid membrane battery assembly 302 and a second liquid membrane battery assembly 304 connected in series. The first liquid membrane battery assembly and the second liquid membrane battery assembly may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other liquid membrane battery assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane battery assembly includes a base 305, an anode 306, a cathode 308, and an end plate 310. The base includes an inlet end portion 312, an outlet end portion 314, and a central portion 316 disposed between the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion. The inlet end portion 312 includes a fuel inlet port 318 and an electrolyte inlet port 320. The fuel inlet port 318 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 320 include threads and / or other connection structures, which allow connection to a fuel inlet pipe 322 and an electrolyte inlet pipe 324, respectively. These pipes can be connected to a supply container and / or tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane battery assembly. The outlet end portion 314 includes a fuel outlet port 326 and an electrolyte outlet port 328. The fuel outlet port 326 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 328 include threads and / or other connection structures that allow connection to the fuel pipeline 330 and the electrolyte pipeline 332, respectively. The fuel pipeline 330 and the electrolyte pipeline 332 are connected to the fuel inlet port 334 and the electrolyte inlet port 336 of the second liquid membrane battery assembly 304.

[0049] Similarly, the second liquid membrane battery assembly 304 includes a base 338, an anode 340, a cathode 342, and an end plate 344. The base includes an inlet end portion 346, an outlet end portion 348, and a central portion 350 disposed between the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion. The inlet end portion 346 includes a fuel inlet port 334 and an electrolyte inlet port 336. As described above, the fuel inlet port 334 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 336 include threads and / or other connection structures that allow connection to the fuel pipeline 330 and the electrolyte pipeline 332, respectively. The outlet end portion 348 includes a fuel outlet port 352 and an electrolyte outlet port 354. The fuel outlet port 352 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 354 include threads and / or other connection structures that allow connection to the fuel outlet pipeline 356 and the electrolyte outlet pipeline 358, respectively. The fuel outlet pipeline 356 and the electrolyte outlet pipeline 358 can be connected to a container and / or tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane battery assembly.

[0050] The system 300 may also include one or more state of charge (SoC) measurement components 360. One or more state of charge (SoC) measurement components 360 may be positioned at any suitable location, such as the output of the first and / or second liquid membrane battery assembly. The fuel pipeline 330 and / or the electrolyte pipeline 332 include an optical window and / or a transparent window 362. The SoC measurement component 360 includes one or more wavelength photon lamps 364 and one or more spectrophotometer cameras 366 (or other similar wavelength micro-spectrophotometer devices). The wavelength photon lamp 364 may be positioned, for example, on one side of the optical window 362 and adjacent to the optical window 362, while the spectrophotometer camera 366 may be positioned on the other side or opposite side of the same optical window (and / or opposite to the wavelength photon lamp). In other words, the electrolyte pipeline or the fuel pipeline is disposed between the wavelength photon lamp and the spectrophotometer camera. Although the SoC measurement component is shown to measure both the fuel pipeline and the electrolyte pipeline, other examples may only measure the fluid in the fuel pipeline or only measure the fluid in the electrolyte pipeline. The SoC measurement assembly may additionally or alternatively be used to measure the fluid contained in the mixed electrolyte conduit.

[0051] When elemental bromine (deep red / amber) and hydrogen bromide (transparent) are used as the fuel and electrolyte, respectively, the spectrophotometer camera can measure the opacity of the fluid at the most defined wavelength to determine the fraction of Br2 within the fluid and the SoC for the fuel line, and the purity for the electrolyte line. Fig.19 As shown, the concentration of Br2 is determined by the conversion rate (transmission) at a determined wavelength. These measurements can be used to actively control the liquid membrane battery assembly. For example, if the fuel must flow through three consecutive liquid membrane battery assemblies in series to drop to the expected SoC level, the measurement before the second liquid membrane battery assembly and / or the third liquid membrane battery assembly may provide sufficient information to determine whether these assemblies need to reach the expected or required SoC level.

[0052] refer to Fig. 20, the system 400 has a first membrane battery assembly 402 and a second membrane battery assembly 404. The first membrane battery assembly 402 and the second membrane battery assembly 404 are non-alternating battery stacks. The first membrane battery assembly and the second membrane battery assembly may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other membrane battery assemblies disclosed herein. The first membrane battery assembly 402 includes a first bipolar plate 406 having a reactant gas reservoir 408 and an anode / cathode 410, a base 412 having an open area or mixing area 414 for an electrolyte and a fuel, and a second bipolar plate 416 having a reactant reservoir 418 and an anode / cathode 420. The second membrane battery assembly 404 includes a second bipolar plate 416 having a reactant gas reservoir 418 and an anode / cathode 420, a base 422 having an open area or mixing area 424 for an electrolyte and a fuel, and a third bipolar plate 426 having a reactant reservoir 428 and an anode / cathode 430. As shown, the first membrane battery assembly and the second membrane battery assembly are stacked such that the anode / cathode 410 serves as a cathode of the first membrane battery assembly 402 and as an anode of the second membrane battery assembly 404 . Fig. 20 The configuration shown increases the voltage of the stack while reducing the overall current of the stack (i.e., a high voltage and low current configuration) and reduces the impact of resistive losses. The bipolar plates (e.g., carbon / graphite plates) described above can be machined to allow for the containment of reactant gases (e.g., hydrogen) on the back side of the gas diffusion surface while still providing structural support and a reaction surface for the fuel reaction in the adjacent cell.

[0053] refer to Fig.21 , the system 500 has a first membrane battery assembly 502 and a second membrane battery assembly 504. The first membrane battery assembly 502 and the second membrane battery assembly 504 are battery stacks in alternating form. The first membrane battery assembly and the second membrane battery assembly may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other membrane battery assemblies disclosed herein. The first membrane battery assembly 502 includes a first bipolar plate 506 having an anode / cathode 508, a base 510 having an open area or a mixing area 512 for an electrolyte and a fuel, and a second bipolar plate 514 having opposite anodes / cathodes 516 and a reaction gas reservoir 518 disposed between the anodes / cathodes. The second membrane battery assembly 504 includes a second bipolar plate 514 having an anode / cathode 516 and a reaction gas reservoir 518, a base 520 having an open area or a mixing area 522 for an electrolyte and a fuel, and a third bipolar plate 524 having an anode / cathode 526.

[0054] As shown, the first membrane battery assembly and the second membrane battery assembly are stacked such that the anode / cathode 516 serves as the anode for both the first membrane battery assembly 502 and the second membrane battery assembly 504 . Fig.21 The configuration shown provides high current and low voltage by connecting the batteries in parallel. Fig.21 The configuration in reduces the number of hydrogen reservoirs, but requires electrical connections to each level (i.e., a parallel circuit). The above-mentioned bipolar plates (e.g., carbon plates / graphite plates) can be machined to allow the reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen) to be contained on the back side of the gas diffusion surface, while still providing structural support and reaction surface for the fuel reaction in the adjacent cell. Industrial Applicability

[0055] The present disclosure, including liquid membrane battery assemblies and components of these assemblies, is applicable to fuel processing, flow batteries, and other industries.

[0056] The above disclosure covers a plurality of different inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions is disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered restrictive, because there may be multiple variations. The subject matter of these inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various elements, features, functions and / or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, any claim recording "one" or "first" element or its equivalent, such a claim should be understood to include a combination of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0057] Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by presenting new claims in the related applications. Such new claims, whether they are directed to different inventions or the same invention, and whether they are different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are deemed to be included in the subject matter of the inventions disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A liquid membrane battery assembly, comprising: an elongated base having opposing first and second end portions and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions, Wherein, the first end portion comprises: a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel in the first body, an electrolyte inlet port in the first body, the electrolyte inlet port being fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first body, the first fuel channel being separate and distinct from the first electrolyte channel, and a fuel inlet port in the first body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port, the fuel inlet port being fluidly connected to the first fuel passage, the fuel inlet port being separate and distinct from the electrolyte inlet port, Wherein, the second end portion comprises: The second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel in the second body, an electrolyte outlet port in the second body, the electrolyte outlet port being fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second body, the second fuel channel being separate and distinct from the second electrolyte channel, and a fuel outlet port in the second body, the fuel outlet port being fluidly connected to the second fuel channel, the fuel outlet port being separate and distinct from the electrolyte outlet port, wherein the central portion includes spaced-apart and opposed first and second bridge members connecting the first and second elongated bodies, wherein the first and second elongated bodies and the first and second bridge members collectively and horizontally define an open area therebetween, wherein the open area fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel with the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel; an anode, the first and second bridge members adjacent the central portion; and a cathode, the first bridge member and the second bridge member adjacent the central portion such that the elongated base is disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode and the cathode vertically define the open area between the anode and the cathode.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end portion further comprises: a mixed electrolyte channel within the second elongated body and disposed between the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, the mixed electrolyte channel being separate and distinct from the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, wherein the open region fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel with the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second fuel channel of the second portion; and A mixed electrolyte outlet port in the second elongated body is fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte outlet port being separate and distinct from the electrolyte outlet port and the fuel outlet port.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel are parallel to each other, and wherein the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second fuel channel are parallel to each other.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the central portion further comprises a central bridge member connecting the first and second elongated bodies, the central bridge member being spaced apart from and disposed between the first and second bridge members.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the central bridge member is sized such that the central bridge member divides the open area into separate and distinct first and second mixing areas.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The central bridge member includes one or more cutouts or apertures.

7. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the central bridge member is sized to allow fluid on one side of the central bridge member to mix with fluid on another side of the central bridge member.

8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the central portion further comprises at least one blending wing attached to or formed with the central bridge member.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the mixing fins has a triangular prism shape.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first bridge member and the second bridge member includes opposing inner and outer walls, the inner wall being adjacent to the open area and the outer wall being spaced apart from the open area relative to the inner wall, and wherein the central portion further includes one or more blending wings attached to or formed with the inner wall of at least one of the first bridge member and the second bridge member.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the mixing airfoils is in the shape of a triangular prism rotated about its longitudinal axis.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the mixing fin is parallel to the first electrolyte channel or the first fuel channel.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bridge member and the second bridge member are parallel to each other.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bridge member and the second bridge member converge at the second elongated body relative to the first elongated body.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the anode or cathode comprises a cavity, and wherein the open area is defined in part by the cavity.

16. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first end plate adjacent to the anode such that the anode is disposed between the first end plate and the elongated base; a second end plate adjacent to the cathode such that the cathode is disposed between the second end plate and the elongated base; as well as A plurality of fasteners secure the first end plate and the second end plate together.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the first end plate includes at least one reactant port fluidly connected to the anode.

18. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a fuel outlet conduit connected to the fuel outlet port, the fuel outlet conduit including one or more transparent portions to allow visual inspection of fluid in the fuel outlet conduit.

19. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising: a wavelength photon lamp positioned adjacent to a transparent portion of the one or more transparent portions; as well as A spectrophotometer camera is positioned opposite the wavelength photon lamp such that the fuel outlet conduit is disposed between the photon lamp and the spectrophotometer camera.

20. A liquid membrane battery system, comprising two liquid membrane battery assemblies according to claim 1, wherein the cathode of one of the liquid membrane battery assemblies is the anode of the other of the liquid membrane battery assemblies.

21. A liquid membrane battery system, comprising two liquid membrane battery assemblies according to claim 1, wherein the anode of one of the liquid membrane battery assemblies is the anode of the other liquid membrane battery assembly in the liquid membrane battery assembly.

22. A base of a liquid membrane battery assembly, comprising first and second opposite end portions, and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions; in, The first end portion comprises: a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel in the first body, an electrolyte inlet port in the first body, the electrolyte inlet port being fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first body, the first fuel channel being separate and distinct from the first electrolyte channel, and a fuel inlet port in the first body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port, the fuel inlet port being fluidly connected to the first fuel passage, the fuel inlet port being separate and distinct from the electrolyte inlet port, Wherein, the second end portion comprises: The second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel in the second body, an electrolyte outlet port in the second body, the electrolyte outlet port being fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second body, the second fuel channel being separate and distinct from the second electrolyte channel, and a fuel outlet port in the second body, the fuel outlet port being fluidly connected to the second fuel channel, the fuel outlet port being separate and distinct from the electrolyte outlet port, wherein the central portion includes first and second bridge members spaced apart and opposed, the first and second bridge members connecting the first and second elongated bodies, wherein the first and second elongated bodies and the first and second bridge members jointly and horizontally define an open area therebetween, wherein the open area fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel with the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel.

Images