Liquid leakage detection processing device for flow battery

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid leakage detection processing device for a flow battery. The liquid leakage detection processing device comprises a liquid discharge unit, a leakage detection unit, a control cabinet and a liquid inlet unit, the liquid discharge unit is connected with the leak detection unit; the leak detection unit is connected with the liquid inlet unit; the control cabinet is connected with the liquid discharge unit, the leakage detection unit and the liquid inlet unit. According to the invention, liquid leakage detection of different electrolyte flow battery systems of different types and scales can be realized, an alarm signal can be sent out after liquid leakage occurs, and full-automatic discharge of leaked liquid or detection of waste liquid into a liquid discharge box can be realized through liquid level induction and interlocking without manual contact, so that the detection efficiency is improved. Environmental pollution and potential safety hazards caused by a large amount of liquid leakage are reduced, waste of manpower and material resources for treating the liquid leakage is avoided, efficiency reduction caused by the liquid leakage is effectively prevented, and the energy storage work of the flow battery system is more efficient; the whole device is not prone to damage, long in service life, easy and convenient to install and operate and low in use and installation cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of liquid flow batteries, and in particular relates to a leakage detection and processing device for liquid flow batteries. Background Art

[0002] Liquid flow batteries are a new type of electrochemical energy storage battery that achieves energy storage through the transfer of metal ion valence states in the electrolyte. The battery system includes an electrolyte circulation system (pumps, pipes), an instrumentation system, a battery stack, etc., and these units are likely to leak during operation. The electrolyte used in liquid flow batteries is usually an acidic / alkaline liquid. Once a leak occurs and is not handled in time, it will not only affect the working efficiency of the energy storage system, but will also cause serious environmental pollution and even threaten personnel safety. Currently, existing leakage detection devices or methods mostly use expensive electrical components to form a complex structure. This method is expensive and not very practical, so it is urgent to find other methods for leakage detection. The existing technology also has problems such as limited application scenarios, inaccurate leakage detection, and inability to handle leaked liquid. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention discloses a leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery, comprising: a liquid discharge unit, a leakage detection unit, a control cabinet and a liquid inlet unit;

[0004] The liquid discharge unit is connected to the leak detection unit;

[0005] The leak detection unit is connected to the liquid inlet unit;

[0006] The control cabinet is connected to the liquid discharge unit, the leak detection unit and the liquid inlet unit respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, the drainage unit includes a drainage box and a drainage valve;

[0008] The drain box is connected to one end of the drain valve through a pipeline.

[0009] Furthermore, the leak detection unit includes a transparent tube with a liquid level switch, a leak detection tank and an anti-corrosion isolation net;

[0010] The leak detection tank is connected to the drain valve via a pipeline;

[0011] The leak detection tank is arranged below the liquid flow battery system;

[0012] An anti-corrosion screen is provided in the leak detection tank;

[0013] A transparent tube with a liquid level switch is arranged on the side of the leak detection tank.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes: a filter;

[0015] One end of the filter is connected to the drain valve, and the other end is connected to the leak detection tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the liquid inlet unit includes a liquid inlet valve and a liquid inlet tank;

[0017] One end of the liquid inlet valve is connected to the leak detection tank through a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet box through a pipeline.

[0018] Furthermore, the control cabinet includes a current exciter, a current detector, an alarm controller, a communication module and a switch button;

[0019] The current exciter and the current detector are respectively connected to the leak detection tank;

[0020] The current detector is connected to the alarm controller;

[0021] The alarm controller is connected with the communication module.

[0022] Furthermore, the control cabinet includes a pH sensor, an alarm controller, a communication module and a switch button;

[0023] The pH sensor is connected to the leak detection tank and the alarm controller respectively;

[0024] The alarm controller is connected with the communication module.

[0025] Furthermore, the control cabinet also includes a display;

[0026] The display is arranged on a control panel of the control cabinet.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes: a warning light;

[0028] The alarm light is connected to the alarm controller.

[0029] Furthermore, the height of the leak detection groove ranges from 3 to 12 cm.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages: it can realize leakage detection of liquid flow battery systems with different types and scales of different electrolytes (acidic, alkaline), can transmit an alarm signal when leakage occurs, and can realize fully automatic discharge of leaked liquid or detection of waste liquid into a drainage tank through liquid level sensing and interlocking, without manual contact, reducing environmental pollution and safety hazards caused by large amounts of leakage, avoiding the waste of manpower and material resources in dealing with leakage, effectively preventing the reduction in efficiency caused by leakage, and making the liquid flow battery system energy storage work more efficient; the device as a whole is not easy to damage, has a long life, is simple and convenient to install, and has low use and installation costs.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a leakage detection and processing device for a flow battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a control cabinet according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control cabinet according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure numerals: 1. Drain box; 2. Drain valve; 3. Transparent tube with liquid level switch; 4. Liquid flow battery system; 5. Alarm light; 6. Liquid inlet valve; 7. Control cabinet; 8. Liquid inlet box; 9. Leak detection tank; 10. Anti-corrosion screen; 11. Filter; 12. Current exciter; 13. Current detector; 14. Alarm controller; 15. Communication module; 16. Switch button; 17. Display; 18. pH sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a leakage detection and processing device for a flow battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery proposed by the present invention comprises: a liquid discharge unit, a leakage detection unit, a control cabinet 7 and a liquid inlet unit;

[0039] The liquid discharge unit is connected to the leak detection unit via a pipeline;

[0040] The leak detection unit is connected to the liquid inlet unit through a pipeline;

[0041] The control cabinet 7 is connected to the liquid discharge unit, the leak detection unit and the liquid inlet unit respectively.

[0042] A liquid inlet unit, used for conveying detection liquid to the leak detection unit;

[0043] A liquid discharge unit, used for discharging and storing a mixture of a detection liquid and an electrolyte;

[0044] A leak detection unit, used to detect whether the liquid flow battery system 4 leaks;

[0045] The control cabinet 7 is used to control the normal operation of the liquid discharge unit, the leak detection unit and the liquid inlet unit.

[0046] The leakage detection and processing device for liquid flow batteries of the present invention can realize leakage detection of liquid flow battery systems with different types and scales of different electrolytes (acidic and alkaline). When leakage occurs, an alarm signal can be transmitted, and the leaked liquid or detected waste liquid can be automatically discharged into the drainage box 1 through liquid level sensing and interlocking, without manual contact, reducing environmental pollution and safety hazards caused by large amounts of leakage, avoiding the waste of manpower and material resources in handling leakage, and effectively preventing the efficiency reduction caused by leakage, making the energy storage work of the liquid flow battery system more efficient; the device as a whole is not easy to be damaged, has a long life, is simple and convenient to install, and has low use and installation costs.

[0047] In some embodiments, the drainage unit includes a drainage box 1 and a drainage valve 2;

[0048] The drain box 1 is connected to one end of the drain valve 2 through a pipeline.

[0049] A liquid drainage box 1, used for storing a mixture of a detection liquid and an electrolyte;

[0050] The drain valve 2 is used to control the discharge of the mixed liquid.

[0051] The detection liquid is a non-conductive liquid, which exhibits conductivity or pH value change characteristics after being mixed into the electrolyte. For example, the detection liquid can be pure water or ethanol or glycerol.

[0052] The drain tank 1 can be provided to temporarily store waste liquid containing electrolyte, so as to facilitate subsequent waste liquid treatment.

[0053] In some embodiments, the leak detection unit includes a transparent tube 3 with a liquid level switch, a leak detection tank 9 and an anti-corrosion isolation net 10;

[0054] The leak detection tank 9 is connected to the drain valve 2 through a pipeline;

[0055] The leak detection tank 9 is arranged below the flow battery system 4;

[0056] An anti-corrosion screen 10 is provided in the leak detection tank 9;

[0057] A transparent tube 3 with a liquid level switch is arranged on the side of the leak detection tank 9.

[0058] A transparent tube 3 with a liquid level switch, used to display the liquid level of the leak detection tank 9;

[0059] The leak detection tank 9 is used to store a certain depth of detection liquid and temporarily store the electrolyte dripping from the liquid flow battery system 4;

[0060] The anti-corrosion screen 10 is used to prevent foreign matter from falling into the leak detection groove 9.

[0061] Through the interlocking of the liquid level sensor and the battery management system, when leakage occurs, the interlocking alarm is triggered synchronously, the alarm signal is transmitted and fed back to the battery management system, and the valve is triggered to open or close synchronously, so that the leakage liquid can be discharged or the waste liquid can be detected automatically without manual contact, which is safe and efficient. An anti-corrosion screen 10 is set in the leak detection tank 9 to prevent foreign matter from falling into it and affecting the waste liquid treatment.

[0062] In some embodiments, the leakage detection and processing device for a flow battery further includes: a filter 11;

[0063] One end of the filter 11 is connected to the drain valve 2 through a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the leak detection tank 9 through a pipeline.

[0064] The filter 11 is used to filter impurities in the mixed solution of the detection solution and the electrolyte solution.

[0065] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet unit includes a liquid inlet valve 6 and a liquid inlet tank 8;

[0066] One end of the liquid inlet valve 6 is connected to the leak detection tank 9 through a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet box 8 through a pipeline.

[0067] A liquid inlet valve 6 is used to control the delivery of the detection liquid to the leak detection tank 9;

[0068] The liquid inlet box 8 is used to store the detection liquid.

[0069] The liquid inlet box 8 is provided so as to replenish the detection liquid in time according to actual demand, and ensure that the detection liquid of a set depth is contained in the leak detection groove 9.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the control cabinet 7 includes a current stimulator 12, a current detector 13, an alarm controller 14, a communication module 15 and a switch button 16;

[0071] The current exciter 12 and the current detector 13 are respectively connected to the leak detection tank 9;

[0072] The current detector 13 is connected to the alarm controller 14;

[0073] The alarm controller 14 is connected to the communication module 15 .

[0074] A current exciter 12, used for periodically exciting a constant current into the electrolyte in the leak detection tank 9;

[0075] A current detector 13, used to regularly detect the current value in the leak detection slot 9;

[0076] An alarm controller 14, used for alarm triggering, has a manual silencing function;

[0077] The communication module 15 is used for the battery management system to send the alarm information to the alarm controller 14 and to feed back the alarm information to the battery management system;

[0078] The switch button 16 is used to control the switch of the cabinet 7.

[0079] The principle that the detection liquid is non-conductive but the detection liquid with electrolyte dripping on it is conductive is used to detect leakage by periodically exciting current and detecting current.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the control cabinet 7 includes a pH sensor 18, an alarm controller 14, a communication module 15 and a switch button 16;

[0081] The pH sensor 18 is connected to the leak detection tank 9 and the alarm controller 14 respectively;

[0082] The alarm controller 14 is connected to the communication module 15 .

[0083] The pH sensor 18 is used to detect the pH value of the liquid in the leak detection tank 9 .

[0084] Based on the different pH values ​​of the test liquid and the test liquid with added electrolyte (acidic / alkaline), leakage detection is performed by testing the pH value of the liquid.

[0085] In some embodiments, the control cabinet 7 further includes a display 17;

[0086] The display 17 is arranged on the control panel of the control cabinet 7 and is connected to the current exciter 12, the current detector 13, the alarm controller 14 and the switch button 16 respectively.

[0087] The display 17 is connected to the alarm controller 14 , the pH sensor 18 and the switch button 16 respectively.

[0088] The display 17 is used to visually display the status of the components controlled by the control cabinet 7, so as to facilitate monitoring, inspection and maintenance by the staff.

[0089] In some embodiments, the leakage detection and processing device for a flow battery further includes: an alarm light 5;

[0090] The warning light 5 is connected to the warning controller 14 .

[0091] Warning light 5, used for light warning.

[0092] In some embodiments, the height of the leak detection groove 9 ranges from 3 to 12 cm.

[0093] Exemplarily, when the power of the liquid flow battery is less than 10kW, the height of the leak detection groove 9 can be set to 3-7cm; when the power of the liquid flow battery is 10-100kW, the height of the leak detection groove 9 can be set to 5-9cm; when the power of the liquid flow battery is greater than 100kW, the height of the leak detection groove 9 can be set to 8-12cm.

[0094] The leakage detection and processing device for liquid flow batteries of the present invention is suitable for liquid flow battery systems with different electrolytes (acidic, alkaline) in different application scenarios. It can quickly detect and feedback leakage and automatically perform leakage processing. It is suitable for large-scale promotion and application in industrial plants or engineering fields such as energy storage and chemical energy.

[0095] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the working process of the leakage detection and processing device for liquid flow battery in embodiment 1 of the present invention is as follows:

[0096] When the liquid flow battery system 4 is in operation, the filter 11 automatically filters the waste liquid, the liquid inlet valve 6 automatically opens, the liquid discharge valve 2 automatically closes, and the test liquid in the liquid inlet tank 8 falls into the leak detection tank 9 due to gravity. The anti-corrosion screen 10 is laid in the leak detection tank 9 to prevent foreign matter from falling in. When the liquid level rises to the specified level, the lower liquid level interlock of the transparent tube 3 with the liquid level switch is triggered, and the liquid inlet valve 6 is closed. At this time, the current exciter 12 in the control cabinet 7 begins to regularly excite a fixed current into the test liquid, and the current detector 13 detects the current value in the test liquid. Once the electrolyte leaks, the electrolyte drips into the test liquid in the leak detection tank 9, and the current detector 13 detects that the current value increases to a set value, and the feedback signal is sent to the alarm controller 14, the alarm light 5 lights up, and at the same time, it is fed back to the battery management system through the communication module 15. At this time, the switch button 16 remains in the on state. When too much electrolyte leaks, the liquid level rises, triggering the upper liquid level interlock of the transparent tube 3 with the liquid level switch, and the drain valve 2 automatically opens, and the waste liquid is discharged into the drain tank 1 through the pipeline until the liquid level switch triggers the lower liquid level interlock and the drain valve 2 is closed. The maintenance personnel can view the current system leakage status and historical leakage events from the display screen 17.

[0097] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the working process of the leakage detection and processing device for liquid flow battery in embodiment 2 of the present invention is as follows:

[0098] When the flow battery system 4 is in operation, the filter 11 automatically filters the waste liquid, the inlet valve 6 automatically opens, the drain valve 2 automatically closes, and the test liquid in the inlet tank 8 falls into the leak detection tank 9 due to gravity. The anti-corrosion screen 10 is laid in the leak detection tank 9 to prevent foreign matter from falling in. When the liquid level rises to the specified level, the lower liquid level interlock of the transparent tube 3 with the liquid level switch is triggered, and the inlet valve 6 is closed. At this time, the pH sensor 18 in the control cabinet 7 begins to continuously detect the pH value in the test liquid. Once the electrolyte leaks, the electrolyte drips into the test liquid in the leak detection tank 9, and the pH value increases or decreases to a set value (the set value can be set according to the state of the electrolyte), and the feedback signal is sent to the alarm controller 14, the alarm light 5 lights up, and at the same time, it is fed back to the battery management system through the communication module 15. At this time, the switch button 16 remains in the on state. When too much electrolyte leaks, the liquid level rises, triggering the upper liquid level interlock of the transparent tube 3 with the liquid level switch, and the drain valve 2 automatically opens, and the waste liquid is discharged into the drain tank 1 through the pipeline until the liquid level switch triggers the lower liquid level interlock and the drain valve 2 is closed. The maintenance personnel can view the current system leakage status and historical leakage events from the display screen 17.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery, characterized in that: include: A liquid discharge unit, a leak detection unit, a control cabinet (7) and a liquid inlet unit; The liquid discharge unit is connected to the leak detection unit; The leak detection unit is connected to the liquid inlet unit; The control cabinet (7) is respectively connected to the liquid discharge unit, the leak detection unit and the liquid inlet unit.

2. The leakage detection and processing device for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid discharge unit comprises a liquid discharge box (1) and a liquid discharge valve (2); The drainage box (1) is connected to one end of the drainage valve (2) via a pipeline.

3. The leakage detection and processing device for a flow battery according to claim 2, characterized in that: The leak detection unit comprises a transparent tube (3) with a liquid level switch, a leak detection tank (9) and an anti-corrosion isolation net (10); The leak detection tank (9) is connected to the drain valve (2) via a pipeline; The leak detection tank (9) is arranged below the liquid flow battery system (4); An anti-corrosion isolation net (10) is arranged in the leak detection groove (9); A transparent tube (3) with a liquid level switch is arranged on the side of the leak detection tank (9).

4. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Filter (11); One end of the filter (11) is connected to the drain valve (2), and the other end is connected to the leak detection tank (9).

5. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 3, characterized in that: The liquid inlet unit comprises a liquid inlet valve (6) and a liquid inlet box (8); One end of the liquid inlet valve (6) is connected to the leak detection tank (9) through a pipeline, and the other end is connected to the liquid inlet box (8) through a pipeline.

6. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control cabinet (7) comprises a current stimulator (12), a current detector (13), an alarm controller (14), a communication module (15) and a switch button (16); The current exciter (12) and the current detector (13) are respectively connected to the leakage detection tank (9); The current detector (13) is connected to the alarm controller (14); The alarm controller (14) is connected to the communication module (15).

7. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control cabinet (7) comprises a pH sensor (18), an alarm controller (14), a communication module (15) and a switch button (16); The pH sensor (18) is connected to the leak detection tank (9) and the alarm controller (14) respectively; The alarm controller (14) is connected to the communication module (15).

8. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The control cabinet (7) further comprises a display (17); The display (17) is arranged on a control panel of the control cabinet (7).

9. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: Also includes: Warning light (5); The alarm light (5) is connected to an alarm controller (14).

10. The leakage detection and processing device for a liquid flow battery according to claim 3, characterized in that: The height of the leak detection groove (9) ranges from 3 to 12 cm.

Images