Non-flat-layer arrangement flow battery and control method and device thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a non-flat-layer arrangement flow battery and a control method and device thereof. The flow battery comprises a positive storage tank, a positive pump, a positive liquid supply pipe, an electric pile and a positive liquid return pipe which are communicated in sequence, the positive buffer tank is communicated to the positive liquid return pipe through a first liquid phase branch and is communicated to the upper gas space of the positive storage tank through a first gas phase branch, and a positive liquid level sensor is arranged on the positive buffer tank; the negative electrode storage tank, the negative electrode pump, the negative electrode liquid supply pipe, the electric pile and the negative electrode liquid return pipe are sequentially communicated, the negative electrode buffer tank is communicated to the negative electrode liquid return pipe through a second liquid phase branch and is communicated to the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank through a second gas phase branch, and a negative electrode liquid level sensor is arranged on the negative electrode buffer tank. The negative pressure of the galvanic pile is avoided, the safety of the redox flow battery is protected, and the stable operation of the redox flow battery is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to the technical field of liquid flow batteries, and in particular to a non-flat-layer liquid flow battery and a control method and device thereof. Background Art

[0002] Liquid flow batteries are mainly composed of positive and negative electrode storage tanks, battery stacks, electrolyte circulation pumps, electrolyte pipelines, auxiliary thermal management equipment, battery management systems, etc. During the operation of liquid flow batteries, the electrolyte in the positive and negative electrode storage tanks flows through the electrolyte circulation system and the battery stack under the promotion of the circulation pump, and an electrochemical reaction occurs in the battery stack, causing the concentration of active substances in the electrolyte entering the battery stack to change, and then the electrolyte returns to the positive and negative electrode storage tanks and mixes with the electrolyte in the tanks.

[0003] Compared with lithium batteries, flow batteries often occupy a larger area due to their lower energy density. In order to save land occupation or save initial civil engineering cost investment, the power box (power part) is often arranged above the capacity box (storage tank), or two floors of the building are occupied to arrange the storage tank and the power part respectively. The stack inside the power box is arranged at a high position relative to the storage tank. At the moment the circulating pump stops, the stack at the high position of the entire flow battery system is in a negative pressure state. For example, for the flow batteries arranged on the upper and lower floors, the stack arranged on the second floor of the house is 5m higher than the liquid level of the storage tank arranged on the first floor. When the system circulates normally, there is positive pressure everywhere. At the moment the pump stops, the high-position stack of the system will generate a negative pressure of about 0.067MPa. Negative pressure poses severe challenges to the sealing of the stack, the tolerance of the membrane, and the sealing of the pipeline. The alternation of positive and negative pressures during the frequent start-stop process is more likely to cause fatigue damage.

[0004] In the prior art, a negative pressure protection tube can be added to the liquid return pipeline. The negative pressure protection tube adopts methods such as opening a hole and installing a one-way valve. These methods all use the negative pressure generated when the liquid flow battery system is shut down to suck gas into the system and gradually improve the system pressure state. In essence, using this method, negative pressure will still be generated in the liquid flow battery system, and in the process of sucking gas to change the negative pressure state of the liquid flow battery system, a gas-liquid two-phase mixed flow will be generated, the pressure fluctuates greatly, and the pressure in the battery stack and the liquid pipeline is extremely unstable in a short period of time, which is not conducive to maintaining the pressure stability on both sides of the inner membrane of the battery stack and is difficult to control. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a non-flat layout liquid flow battery and a control method and device thereof, so as to avoid negative pressure in the battery stack, protect the safety of the liquid flow battery, and facilitate the stable operation of the liquid flow battery.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, in the first aspect, the present invention provides a non-flat-layout liquid flow battery, comprising: a positive electrode storage tank, a positive electrode pump, a positive electrode liquid supply pipe, a battery stack, and a positive electrode liquid return pipe are sequentially connected; a positive electrode buffer tank is provided, and the positive electrode buffer tank is connected to the positive electrode liquid return pipe through a first liquid phase branch and is connected to the upper gas space of the positive electrode storage tank through a first gas phase branch; a positive electrode liquid level sensor is provided on the positive electrode buffer tank; wherein the height of the positive electrode buffer tank is greater than the height of the battery stack, and the battery The height of the stack is greater than the height of the positive electrode storage tank; the negative electrode storage tank, the negative electrode pump, the negative electrode liquid supply pipe, the battery stack, and the negative electrode return pipe are connected in sequence; a negative electrode buffer tank is provided, and the negative electrode buffer tank is connected to the negative electrode return pipe through a second liquid phase branch and to the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank through a second gas phase branch; a negative electrode liquid level sensor is provided on the negative electrode buffer tank; wherein the height of the negative electrode buffer tank is greater than the height of the battery stack, and the height of the battery stack is greater than the height of the negative electrode storage tank.

[0007] Optionally, the first liquid phase branch includes: a positive liquid phase connecting pipe connecting the positive electrode buffer tank and the positive electrode return pipe, and a positive liquid phase connecting valve arranged on the positive liquid phase connecting pipe; and / or the second liquid phase branch includes: a negative liquid phase connecting pipe connecting the negative electrode buffer tank and the negative electrode return pipe, and a negative liquid phase connecting valve arranged on the negative liquid phase connecting pipe.

[0008] Optionally, it further includes: a third liquid phase branch, through which the positive electrode buffer tank is connected to the positive electrode storage tank; and / or a fourth liquid phase branch, through which the negative electrode buffer tank is connected to the negative electrode storage tank.

[0009] Optionally, the third liquid phase branch includes: a positive electrode drain pipe connecting the positive electrode buffer tank and the positive electrode storage tank, and a positive electrode drain valve arranged on the positive electrode drain pipe; and / or the fourth liquid phase branch includes: a negative electrode drain pipe connecting the negative electrode buffer tank and the negative electrode storage tank, and a negative electrode drain valve arranged on the negative electrode drain pipe.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes: a positive overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to the positive buffer tank, and the other end is connected to the positive storage tank or the side of the positive discharge pipe close to the positive storage tank; and / or a negative overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to the negative buffer tank, and the other end is connected to the negative storage tank or the side of the negative discharge pipe close to the negative storage tank.

[0011] Optionally, the height of the positive electrode overflow pipe is slightly higher than the height of the positive electrode liquid level sensor; and / or the height of the negative electrode overflow pipe is slightly higher than the height of the negative electrode liquid level sensor.

[0012] Optionally, the first liquid phase branch is connected to the bottom of the positive electrode buffer tank, and the third liquid phase branch is connected to the side of the positive electrode buffer tank; and / or the second liquid phase branch is connected to the bottom of the negative electrode buffer tank, and the fourth liquid phase branch is connected to the side of the negative electrode buffer tank.

[0013] Optionally, the first gas phase branch includes: a positive electrode gas phase connecting pipe connecting the positive electrode buffer tank with the upper gas space of the positive electrode storage tank; and / or the second gas phase branch includes: a negative electrode gas phase connecting pipe connecting the negative electrode buffer tank with the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a non-flat-arranged liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery as described in the first aspect, comprising: after receiving a shutdown command of the liquid flow battery, controlling the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch to be in a pass state; after receiving a first signal, controlling the positive electrode pump to shut down, wherein the first signal is a signal emitted by the positive electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery; after receiving a second signal, controlling the negative electrode pump to shut down, wherein the second signal is a signal emitted by the negative electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery.

[0015] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a non-flat-arranged liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery as described in the first aspect, comprising: after receiving a start-up instruction of the liquid flow battery, starting the positive electrode pump and the negative electrode pump; the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are in a connection state; after receiving a third signal, controlling the first liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state, wherein the third signal is a signal emitted by the positive electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery; after receiving a fourth signal, controlling the second liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state, wherein the fourth signal is a signal emitted by the negative electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes: after the first liquid phase branch is in an open state, controlling the third liquid phase branch to be in an open state; after the second liquid phase branch is in an open state, controlling the fourth liquid phase branch to be in an open state.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a control device for a non-flat-arranged liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery as described in the first aspect, and includes: a first control unit, for controlling the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch to be in a pass state after receiving a shutdown command of the liquid flow battery; a second control unit, for controlling the positive electrode pump to shut down after receiving a first signal, wherein the first signal is a signal emitted by the positive electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery; a third control unit, for controlling the negative electrode pump to shut down after receiving a second signal, wherein the second signal is a signal emitted by the negative electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a control device for a non-flat-arranged liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery as described in the first aspect, and includes: a fourth control unit, for starting the positive electrode pump and the negative electrode pump after receiving a start-up instruction of the liquid flow battery; the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are in a connection state; a fifth control unit, for controlling the first liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state after receiving a third signal, wherein the third signal is a signal emitted by the positive electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery; a sixth control unit, for controlling the second liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state after receiving a fourth signal, wherein the fourth signal is a signal emitted by the negative electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: during the shutdown process of the liquid flow battery, it avoids the generation of negative pressure and alleviates the instantaneous impact force caused by the shutdown of the circulation pump; during the startup process of the liquid flow battery, it is beneficial to the discharge of gas in the liquid flow battery and also prevents the generation of negative pressure, which is beneficial to the stable operation of the liquid flow battery system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present application. They are included and constitute a part of the present application. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application and together with the present specification serve to explain the principles of the present application. In the accompanying drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-flat-layer arrangement of a flow battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a control method for a non-flat layout flow battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid flow during the shutdown process in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a control method for a non-flat layout flow battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gas-liquid flow during the startup process in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for non-flat-layout flow batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for non-flat-layout flow batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0028] exist Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the figure, the hollow arrows indicate the direction of gas flow, and the solid arrows indicate the direction of liquid flow.

[0029] In the attached figure:

[0030] 101-positive electrode storage tank, 102-positive electrode pump, 103-positive electrode liquid supply pipe, 105-positive electrode liquid return pipe, 106-positive electrode buffer tank, 107-positive electrode liquid phase connecting valve, 108-positive electrode gas phase connecting pipe, 109-positive electrode overflow pipe, 110-positive electrode liquid phase connecting pipe, 111-positive electrode liquid level sensor, 112-positive electrode liquid discharge valve, 113-positive electrode liquid discharge pipe;

[0031] 201-negative electrode storage tank, 202-negative electrode pump, 203-negative electrode liquid supply pipe, 205-negative electrode liquid return pipe, 206-negative electrode buffer tank, 207-negative electrode liquid phase connecting valve, 208-negative electrode gas phase connecting pipe, 209-negative electrode overflow pipe, 210-negative electrode liquid phase connecting pipe, 211-negative electrode liquid level sensor, 212-negative electrode liquid discharge valve, 213-negative electrode liquid discharge pipe;

[0032] 300-battery stack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some examples or embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, the present application can also be applied to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without creative work. Unless it is obvious from the language environment or otherwise explained, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0034] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0035] In addition, it should be noted that the use of words such as "first" and "second" to define components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. If not otherwise stated, the above words have no special meaning and cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terms used in this application are selected from well-known and commonly used terms, some terms mentioned in the specification of this application may be selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant parts of the description of this article. In addition, it is required to understand this application not only by the actual terms used, but also by the meaning implied by each term.

[0036] Flowcharts are used in the present application to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed accurately in order. On the contrary, various steps may be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. At the same time, other operations may be added to these processes, or one or more operations may be removed from these processes.

[0037] This embodiment provides a non-flat layout of the flow battery. Figure 1As shown, it mainly includes: a positive electrode storage tank 101, a positive electrode pump 102, a positive electrode liquid supply pipe 103, a battery stack 300, and a positive electrode liquid return pipe 105 are connected in sequence. A positive electrode buffer tank 106 is provided, and the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is connected to the positive electrode liquid return pipe 105 through a first liquid phase branch, and is connected to the upper gas space of the positive electrode storage tank 101 through a first gas phase branch. A positive electrode liquid level sensor 111 is provided on the positive electrode buffer tank 106. The height of the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is greater than the height of the battery stack 300, and the height of the battery stack 300 is greater than the height of the positive electrode storage tank 101. The negative electrode storage tank 201, the negative electrode pump 202, the negative electrode liquid supply pipe 203, the battery stack 300, and the negative electrode liquid return pipe 205 are connected in sequence. A negative electrode buffer tank 206 is provided, and the negative electrode buffer tank 206 is connected to the negative electrode liquid return pipe 205 through the second liquid phase branch, and is connected to the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank 201 through the second gas phase branch. A negative electrode liquid level sensor 211 is provided on the negative electrode buffer tank 206. The height of the negative electrode buffer tank 206 is greater than the height of the battery stack 300, and the height of the battery stack 300 is greater than the height of the negative electrode storage tank 201.

[0038] The positive electrode side of the liquid flow battery is used as an example for explanation. The negative electrode side is also the same principle. The subsequent examples on the positive electrode side are also applicable to the examples on the negative electrode side, which will not be repeated here. A positive electrode buffer tank 106 is set at a high position of the liquid flow battery. When the liquid flow battery enters the shutdown process, the positive electrode pump 102 is still in operation for a period of time at the beginning. At this time, since the first liquid phase branch is in a passage state, the positive electrode electrolyte flowing out of the battery stack will partially flow into the positive electrode buffer tank 106. Then, when the positive electrode pump 102 stops working, because the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is connected to the battery stack 300, the positive electrode storage tank 101 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline, and the liquid level of the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is higher than that of the positive electrode storage tank 101, a positive pressure is generated on the battery stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline, so the battery stack 300 will not generate a negative pressure due to the stop of the positive electrode pump 102. Subsequently, the electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106, the battery stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline flows back to the positive electrode storage tank 101 due to the liquid level difference between the positive electrode buffer tank 106 and the positive electrode storage tank 101, and the positive electrode buffer tank 106, the battery stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline are gradually emptied, and both the gas and the liquid flow downward along the direction of gravity in the same direction, and no two-phase counter-current mixing will be formed.

[0039] It can be seen that the positive electrode buffer tank 106 added to the liquid flow battery changes the pressure state of the entire liquid flow battery when it is shut down, avoids negative pressure in the battery stack 300, and protects the safety of the liquid flow battery. It should be noted that the liquid flow battery of this embodiment does not require additional equipment such as pumps to replenish the positive electrode buffer tank 106. The high-position positive electrode buffer tank 106 acts as a gas collecting tank, which is conducive to the discharge of gas in the liquid flow battery and to maintaining the pressure stability on both sides of the battery stack membrane.

[0040] In one example, the first liquid phase branch includes a positive liquid phase communication pipe 110 connecting the positive electrode buffer tank 106 and the positive electrode liquid return pipe 105, and a positive liquid phase communication valve 107 disposed on the positive liquid phase communication pipe 110. The second liquid phase branch includes a negative liquid phase communication pipe 210 connecting the negative electrode buffer tank 206 and the negative electrode liquid return pipe 205, and a negative liquid phase communication valve 207 disposed on the negative liquid phase communication pipe 210.

[0041] For example, the diameter of the cathode liquid phase connecting pipe 110 should not be too large to slow down the reflux rate of the cathode electrolyte and steadily reduce the pressure of the flow battery. In one implementation, the cathode liquid phase connecting valve 107 is an electric valve, which is interlocked with the cathode liquid level sensor 111. Once the set liquid level is reached, the cathode liquid phase connecting valve 107 is closed.

[0042] In one example, the liquid flow battery of this embodiment may further include a third liquid phase branch and / or a fourth liquid phase branch, wherein the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is connected to the positive electrode storage tank 101 through the third liquid phase branch, and then the electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is discharged through the third liquid phase branch. The negative electrode buffer tank 206 is connected to the negative electrode storage tank 206 through the fourth liquid phase branch, and then the electrolyte in the negative electrode buffer tank 206 is discharged through the fourth liquid phase branch.

[0043] In one example, the third liquid phase branch includes a positive electrode drain pipe 113 connecting the positive electrode buffer tank 106 and the positive electrode storage tank 101, and a positive electrode drain valve 112 disposed on the positive electrode drain pipe 113. The fourth liquid phase branch includes a negative electrode drain pipe 213 connecting the negative electrode buffer tank 206 and the negative electrode storage tank 201, and a negative electrode drain valve 212 disposed on the negative electrode drain pipe 213. For example, the positive electrode drain pipe 113 is used to return the electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106 to the positive electrode storage tank 101, which has little effect on the capacity of the entire liquid flow battery.

[0044] In one example, the flow battery of this embodiment further includes a positive electrode overflow pipe 109, one end of which is connected to the positive electrode buffer tank 106, and the other end is connected to the positive electrode storage tank 101 or the positive electrode discharge pipe 113 close to the positive electrode storage tank 101. A negative electrode overflow pipe 209 may also be provided, one end of which is connected to the negative electrode buffer tank 206, and the other end is connected to the negative electrode storage tank 201 or the negative electrode discharge pipe 213 close to the negative electrode storage tank 201.

[0045] Exemplarily, the excess electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106 is automatically flowed into the positive electrode storage tank 101 through the positive electrode overflow pipe 109 to avoid excessive accumulation of electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106 .

[0046] In one example, the height of the positive electrode overflow pipe 109 is slightly higher than the height of the positive electrode liquid level sensor 111. The height of the negative electrode overflow pipe 209 is slightly higher than the height of the negative electrode liquid level sensor 211.

[0047] Exemplarily, the height of the positive electrode overflow pipe 109 is slightly higher than the set liquid level, generally 100 mm higher. In addition, the positive electrode overflow pipe 109 is a protective measure to prevent the positive electrode buffer tank 106 from being full, so a valve cannot be set on the positive electrode overflow pipe 109 to keep the positive electrode overflow pipe 109 in a continuous state at all times.

[0048] In one example, the first liquid phase branch is connected to the bottom of the positive buffer tank 106, and the third liquid phase branch is connected to the side of the positive buffer tank 106. The second liquid phase branch is connected to the bottom of the negative buffer tank 206, and the fourth liquid phase branch is connected to the side of the negative buffer tank 206. Through this structural setting, the first liquid phase branch and the third liquid phase branch can be better connected to the positive buffer tank 106, and the second liquid phase branch and the fourth liquid phase branch can be better connected to the negative buffer tank 206, avoiding the direct connection of two liquid phase branches under the positive buffer tank 106 or the negative buffer tank 206, which is not conducive to component installation.

[0049] In one example, the first gas phase branch includes a positive gas phase communication pipe 108 connecting the positive electrode buffer tank 106 with the upper gas space of the positive electrode storage tank 101. The second gas phase branch includes a negative electrode gas phase communication pipe 208 connecting the negative electrode buffer tank 206 with the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank 201. Neither the positive electrode gas phase communication pipe 108 nor the negative electrode gas phase communication pipe 208 is provided with a valve, and is always in a flow state.

[0050] In this embodiment, the liquid flow batteries are arranged in a non-flat layer, and a positive buffer tank 106 and related branches are arranged on the positive side, and a negative buffer tank 206 and related branches are arranged on the negative side. During the shutdown of the liquid flow battery, negative pressure is avoided and the instantaneous impact force generated by the shutdown of the circulation pump is alleviated; during the startup of the liquid flow battery, the gas in the liquid flow battery is discharged to prevent the generation of negative pressure, which is beneficial to the stable operation of the liquid flow battery system.

[0051] refer to Figure 2As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a non-flat-layout liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery shown in the aforementioned embodiment, and the method 200 mainly includes: S210, after receiving a shutdown command of the liquid flow battery, controlling the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch to be in a pass state; S220, after receiving a first signal, controlling the positive electrode pump to shut down, wherein the first signal is a signal emitted by the positive electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery; S230, after receiving a second signal, controlling the negative electrode pump to shut down, wherein the second signal is a signal emitted by the negative electrode liquid level sensor when the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 As shown, after the shutdown procedure of the flow battery is started, the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are controlled to be in a passage state. For example, the positive electrode liquid phase connecting valve 107 is opened, the positive electrode of the stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline are liquid-connected with the positive electrode buffer tank 106, and the positive electrode electrolyte enters the positive electrode buffer tank 106. After reaching the set liquid level, the positive electrode pump 102 stops working, and the entire positive electrode of the stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline are in a positive pressure state. Under the action of the liquid level difference, the electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106, the positive electrode of the stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline gradually flows back to the positive electrode storage tank 101. The gas in the positive electrode storage tank 101 enters the positive electrode buffer tank 106 through the positive electrode gas phase connecting pipe 108. Of course, it can also enter the positive electrode buffer tank 106 through the positive electrode overflow pipe 109. The same principle applies to the negative electrode side. After all the positive and negative electrolytes of the entire flow battery are returned to the positive storage tank 101 and the negative storage tank 201 respectively, the shutdown of the flow battery is completed. It can be seen that the positive buffer tank 106 and the negative buffer tank 206 are arranged above the battery stack 300. When the shutdown command is received, the positive liquid phase connecting pipe 110 and the negative liquid phase connecting pipe 210 are opened, and the positive and negative electrolytes enter the positive buffer tank 106 and the negative buffer tank 206 respectively. When the positive and negative electrolytes reach the set liquid level, the positive pump 102 and the negative pump 202 stop working. Under the action of the liquid level difference between the positive buffer tank 106 and the positive storage tank 101, and under the action of the liquid level difference between the negative buffer tank 206 and the negative storage tank 201, the battery stack 300 and the liquid pipeline are subject to positive pressure.

[0053] refer to Figure 4As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a non-flat-layout liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery shown in the aforementioned embodiment, and the method 400 mainly includes: S410, after receiving the start-up instruction of the liquid flow battery, starting the positive electrode pump and the negative electrode pump; the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are in a connection state; S420, after receiving a third signal, controlling the first liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state, wherein the third signal is a signal emitted when the positive electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery; S430, after receiving a fourth signal, controlling the second liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state, wherein the fourth signal is a signal emitted when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery.

[0054] refer to Figure 5 As shown, taking the positive electrode side as an example, after the liquid flow battery is started, the gas in the positive electrode side of the liquid flow battery is preferentially discharged into the positive electrode storage tank 101 through the positive electrode buffer tank 106 and the positive electrode gas phase connecting pipe 108, the positive electrode side of the battery stack 300 and the positive electrode liquid pipeline are at positive pressure, and the positive electrode electrolyte in the liquid flow battery enters the positive electrode buffer tank 106 through the positive electrode liquid phase connecting pipe 110. After the positive electrode electrolyte reaches the set liquid level, the positive electrode liquid level sensor 111 sends a signal to close the positive electrode liquid phase connecting valve 107. Open the positive electrode drain valve 112, and the electrolyte in the positive electrode buffer tank 106 flows back to the positive electrode storage tank 101 to participate in the normal charge and discharge cycle.

[0055] In one example, the method 400 further includes: after the first liquid phase branch is in the disconnected state, controlling the third liquid phase branch to be in the open state. After the second liquid phase branch is in the disconnected state, controlling the fourth liquid phase branch to be in the open state. That is, the electrolyte flows out of the positive buffer tank 106 and the negative buffer tank 206, so that the electrolyte can smoothly enter the positive buffer tank 106 and the negative buffer tank 206 when the next shutdown occurs.

[0056] refer to Figure 6 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control device for a non-flat-layout liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery shown in the aforementioned embodiment, and the device 600 mainly includes: a first control unit 601, which is used to control the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch to be in a pass state after receiving a shutdown command of the liquid flow battery; a second control unit 602, which is used to control the positive electrode pump to shut down after receiving a first signal, wherein the first signal is a signal sent when the positive electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery; a third control unit 603, which is used to control the negative electrode pump to shut down after receiving a second signal, wherein the second signal is a signal sent when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the liquid flow battery.

[0057] For other details of the execution of each unit in this embodiment, reference may be made to the aforementioned embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0058] refer to Figure 7 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control device for a non-flat-layout liquid flow battery, which is applied to the liquid flow battery shown in the aforementioned embodiment, and the device 700 mainly includes: a fourth control unit 701, which is used to start the positive electrode pump and the negative electrode pump after receiving the start-up instruction of the liquid flow battery; at this time, the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are in a connection state; a fifth control unit 702, which is used to control the first liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state after receiving a third signal, wherein the third signal is a signal emitted when the positive electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery; a sixth control unit 703, which is used to control the third liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state after receiving a fourth signal, wherein the fourth signal is a signal emitted when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the liquid flow battery.

[0059] In one example, the device 700 may further include a seventh control unit for controlling the third liquid phase branch to be in a pass state after the first liquid phase branch is in a break state. The device 700 may further include an eighth control unit for controlling the fourth liquid phase branch to be in a pass state after the second liquid phase branch is in a break state.

[0060] For other details of the execution of each unit in this embodiment, reference may be made to the aforementioned embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0061] A control device for a non-flat-layered flow battery in an embodiment of the present application may be a physical device, a virtual device, or a component, an integrated circuit, or a chip in a terminal. A control device for a non-flat-layered flow battery in an embodiment of the present application may be a device having an operating system. The operating system may be an Android operating system, an iOS operating system, or other possible operating systems, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0062] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above invention disclosure is only used as an example and does not constitute a limitation of the present application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements and amendments to the present application. Such modifications, improvements and amendments are suggested in the present application, so such modifications, improvements and amendments still belong to the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0063] At the same time, the present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application. For example, "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different positions in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, some features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present application can be appropriately combined.

[0064] Although the present application has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, ordinary technicians in this technical field should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, as long as the changes and modifications to the above embodiments are within the essential spirit of the present application, they will fall within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A non-flat layout flow battery, characterized in that: include: The positive electrode storage tank, the positive electrode pump, the positive electrode liquid supply pipe, the battery stack, and the positive electrode liquid return pipe are connected in sequence; a positive electrode buffer tank is provided, and the positive electrode buffer tank is connected to the positive electrode liquid return pipe through a first liquid phase branch and is connected to the upper gas space of the positive electrode storage tank through a first gas phase branch; a positive electrode liquid level sensor is provided on the positive electrode buffer tank; The height of the positive electrode buffer tank is greater than the height of the battery stack, and the height of the battery stack is greater than the height of the positive electrode storage tank; The negative electrode storage tank, the negative electrode pump, the negative electrode liquid supply pipe, the battery stack, and the negative electrode liquid return pipe are connected in sequence; a negative electrode buffer tank is provided, and the negative electrode buffer tank is connected to the negative electrode liquid return pipe through a second liquid phase branch and is connected to the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank through a second gas phase branch; a negative electrode liquid level sensor is provided on the negative electrode buffer tank; The height of the negative electrode buffer tank is greater than the height of the battery stack, and the height of the battery stack is greater than the height of the negative electrode storage tank.

2. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first liquid phase branch includes: a positive electrode liquid phase communication pipe connecting the positive electrode buffer tank and the positive electrode liquid return pipe, and a positive electrode liquid phase communication valve arranged on the positive electrode liquid phase communication pipe; and / or The second liquid phase branch includes: a negative electrode liquid phase communication pipe connecting the negative electrode buffer tank and the negative electrode liquid return pipe, and a negative electrode liquid phase communication valve arranged on the negative electrode liquid phase communication pipe.

3. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: a third liquid phase branch, the positive electrode buffer tank is connected to the positive electrode storage tank through the third liquid phase branch; and / or A fourth liquid phase branch, the negative electrode buffer tank is connected to the negative electrode storage tank through the fourth liquid phase branch.

4. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third liquid phase branch includes: a positive electrode liquid discharge pipe connecting the positive electrode buffer tank and the positive electrode storage tank, and a positive electrode liquid discharge valve arranged on the positive electrode liquid discharge pipe; and / or The fourth liquid phase branch includes: a negative electrode liquid discharge pipe connecting the negative electrode buffer tank and the negative electrode storage tank, and a negative electrode liquid discharge valve arranged on the negative electrode liquid discharge pipe.

5. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A positive electrode overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to the positive electrode buffer tank, and the other end of which is connected to the positive electrode storage tank or the side of the positive electrode drain pipe close to the positive electrode storage tank; and / or A negative electrode overflow pipe, one end of which is connected to the negative electrode buffer tank, and the other end of which is connected to the negative electrode storage tank or the side of the negative electrode drain pipe close to the negative electrode storage tank.

6. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 5, characterized in that: The height of the positive electrode overflow pipe is slightly higher than the height of the positive electrode liquid level sensor; and / or the height of the negative electrode overflow pipe is slightly higher than the height of the negative electrode liquid level sensor.

7. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first liquid phase branch is connected to the bottom of the positive electrode buffer tank, and the third liquid phase branch is connected to the side of the positive electrode buffer tank; and / or The second liquid phase branch is connected to the bottom of the negative electrode buffer tank, and the fourth liquid phase branch is connected to the side of the negative electrode buffer tank.

8. The non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first gas phase branch comprises: a positive electrode gas phase communicating pipe connecting the positive electrode buffer tank with the upper gas space of the positive electrode storage tank; and / or The second gas phase branch includes: a negative electrode gas phase communication pipe connecting the negative electrode buffer tank and the upper gas space of the negative electrode storage tank.

9. A control method for non-flat layout flow battery, characterized in that: The liquid flow battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: After receiving a shutdown instruction of the liquid flow battery, controlling the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch to be in a connection state; After receiving the first signal, controlling the cathode pump to shut down, wherein the first signal is a signal sent by the cathode liquid level sensor when detecting that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the flow battery; After receiving the second signal, the negative electrode pump is controlled to shut down, wherein the second signal is a signal sent when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown process of the flow battery.

10. A control method for non-flat layout flow battery, characterized in that: The liquid flow battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: After receiving the start-up instruction of the liquid flow battery, the positive electrode pump and the negative electrode pump are started; the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are in a connection state; After receiving a third signal, controlling the first liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state, wherein the third signal is a signal sent by the positive electrode liquid level sensor when detecting that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up of the flow battery; After receiving the fourth signal, the second liquid phase branch is controlled to be in an open circuit state, wherein the fourth signal is a signal sent when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the startup of the liquid flow battery.

11. The control method of non-flat layout flow battery according to claim 10, characterized in that: Also includes: After the first liquid phase branch is in an open state, controlling the third liquid phase branch to be in an open state; After the second liquid phase branch is in the disconnected state, the fourth liquid phase branch is controlled to be in the connected state.

12. A control device for a non-flat layout flow battery, characterized in that: The liquid flow battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: A first control unit, configured to control the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch to be in a connection state after receiving a shutdown instruction of the liquid flow battery; A second control unit, configured to control the cathode pump to stop after receiving a first signal, wherein the first signal is a signal sent when the cathode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown of the flow battery; The third control unit is used to control the negative electrode pump to shut down after receiving the second signal, wherein the second signal is a signal sent when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the shutdown process of the liquid flow battery.

13. A control device for a non-flat layout flow battery, characterized in that: The liquid flow battery according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: a fourth control unit, configured to start the positive electrode pump and the negative electrode pump after receiving a start-up instruction of the liquid flow battery; the first liquid phase branch and the second liquid phase branch are in a connection state; a fifth control unit, configured to control the first liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state after receiving a third signal, wherein the third signal is a signal sent when the positive electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the start-up process of the flow battery; A sixth control unit is used to control the second liquid phase branch to be in an open circuit state after receiving a fourth signal, wherein the fourth signal is a signal sent when the negative electrode liquid level sensor detects that the electrolyte is at a set liquid level during the startup of the liquid flow battery.

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