Liquid flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of liquid flow batteries, and discloses a liquid flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization, comprising: a battery shell, which serves as the body that carries the battery electrolyte and is used to separate the positive and negative electrolytes through the membrane it carries; a current collector, which is arranged on both sides of the battery shell and is used to evenly collect the generated current and conduct it to the external circuit; an end plate, which is arranged on one side of the current collector and is used to evenly apply pressure to the battery shell to ensure sealing; a delivery pipe, which is arranged on both sides of the battery shell, passes through the current collector and the end plate and extends to the outside, and is used to transport the electrolyte. Through the closed-loop feedback control of the control mechanism and the PLC module, the opening of the leaf valve and the pump speed are dynamically adjusted to achieve real-time and precise regulation of the electrolyte flow rate, keeping the electrolyte flowing within the optimal flow rate range, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction, reducing energy loss, and ensuring stable and efficient operation of the battery system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of liquid flow batteries, and in particular to a liquid flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization. Background Art

[0002] As a storage technology with independent regulation of energy and power, long cycle life and environmental friendliness, flow batteries have gradually become an important solution in the field of large-scale energy storage. In existing flow battery systems, the flow rate of the electrolyte is mainly controlled by a fixed-rate pump, a single regulating valve or a simple piping system. These technologies can meet the basic fluid transportation needs in the transportation and distribution of the electrolyte. They are simple in structure and easy to implement, and have achieved certain results in practical applications. In addition, in order to improve the reaction efficiency, some systems use flow rate sensors to monitor the flow rate so that the stability of the system operation can be maintained through simple feedback regulation. However, with the scale and complexity of the application of flow battery technology, higher requirements are placed on the flow rate control, shunt regulation and system response performance of the electrolyte.

[0003] However, the existing liquid flow battery system still has some shortcomings under complex working conditions. On the one hand, due to the lack of refined real-time flow rate control means, the flow rate and flow rate of the electrolyte in each reaction area are difficult to dynamically optimize according to actual needs, which can easily lead to problems such as uneven flow rate and decreased local reaction efficiency. On the other hand, the existing diversion system usually lacks the ability to accurately control the partitions and cannot effectively distribute the flow according to the reaction characteristics of different areas. Flow deviation or dead zone phenomenon may occur. In addition, with the fluctuations of the electrolyte flow rate and pressure, the existing system has a lag in dynamic response, making it difficult to quickly adapt to load changes, increasing energy loss. In addition, the corrosion resistance and seismic resistance of the transmission pipeline need to be improved. It is susceptible to electrolyte corrosion and mechanical vibration during long-term operation, shortening the service life of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a liquid flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization, which solves the problems of difficulty in real-time and precise control of the electrolyte flow rate in the liquid flow battery, uneven diversion and partitioning, and insufficient dynamic response performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions: a flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization, comprising:

[0006] The battery shell is used to separate the positive and negative electrolytes through the membrane it carries.

[0007] Current collectors, which are arranged on both sides of the battery case and are used to evenly collect the generated current and conduct it to the external circuit;

[0008] The end plate is provided on one side of the current collector and is used to apply uniform pressure to the battery shell to ensure sealing;

[0009] Delivery pipes, which are arranged on both sides of the battery shell, penetrate the current collector and the end plate and extend to the outside, for transporting the electrolyte;

[0010] A leaf valve is provided in the middle of the delivery pipe to regulate the flow rate of the electrolyte;

[0011] A regulating mechanism, which is arranged between the delivery pipes and is used to determine the flow rate of the electrolyte and select the diversion;

[0012] The electrode is arranged on the top of the battery shell to provide a place for the active substances in the electrolyte to undergo redox reactions.

[0013] Preferably, the leaf valve comprises a valve housing, a rotating column is provided inside the valve housing, a PLC module is provided on one side of the rotating column, and a leaf is fixed to an outer wall of the rotating column.

[0014] Preferably, an inlet is provided on one side of the valve housing, and an outlet is provided on the other side of the valve housing.

[0015] Preferably, the regulating mechanism includes a protective shell, a solenoid valve is provided on the top of the protective shell, a plurality of shunt pipes are fixed to the output end of the solenoid valve, and a liquid flow sensor is provided inside the protective shell.

[0016] Preferably, a motor is provided on the outer wall of the diversion tube, the output end of the motor passes through the diversion tube and is fixed with gear 1 through a rotating shaft, and a gear 2 is rotated inside the diversion tube through the rotating shaft, and the gear 2 is meshed with the gear 1.

[0017] Preferably, the rotating shaft connected to the gear 2 is connected to the spherical valve, and large and small gears are distributed between the gear 1 and the gear 2.

[0018] Preferably, an inner wall coating is provided inside the diverter pipe, an anti-corrosion layer is provided on one side of the inner wall coating, and an anti-seismic joint is provided at an interface at one end of the diverter pipe.

[0019] The PLC module includes:

[0020] an input unit for detecting an electrolyte flow rate through a liquid flow sensor;

[0021] A processing unit for calculating the appropriate rate required for the electrolyte according to the flow rate data;

[0022] The output unit is used to specifically regulate the output rate of the leaf valve and the diversion data of the regulating mechanism according to the calculation structure of the processing unit.

[0023] The present invention provides a flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. Through the closed-loop feedback control of the control mechanism and the PLC module, the system can dynamically adjust the opening of the vane valve and the pump speed according to the data of the flow rate sensor and the pressure sensor, thereby realizing real-time and precise adjustment of the electrolyte flow rate. The system can quickly respond to different working conditions and keep the electrolyte flowing within the optimal flow rate range, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction, reducing energy loss, and ensuring stable and efficient operation of the battery system.

[0025] 2. Through the dynamic control of the solenoid valve and the shunt pipe, the present invention can accurately distribute the flow according to the needs of different battery reaction areas, and optimize the flow output of each shunt pipe through the synchronous adjustment of the ball valve to avoid local uneven flow rate or dead zone phenomena. The system further performs secondary flow rate regulation through the rotating column and blades to ensure uniform distribution of electrolyte in each area, thereby improving the overall energy conversion efficiency and operational stability of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 An exploded view of the control mechanism of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the diverter pipe of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the leaf valve of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the internal structure distribution of the shunt pipe of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the PLC module of the present invention.

[0032] Among them, 1. Battery shell; 2. Current collector; 3. End plate; 4. Delivery pipe; 5. Leaf valve; 6. Control mechanism; 7. Electrode; 8. Inner wall coating; 9. Anti-corrosion layer; 51. Valve shell; 52. Rotary column; 53. PLC module; 54. Leaf; 55. Inlet; 56. Outlet; 61. Protective shell; 62. Diverter pipe; 63. Liquid flow sensor; 64. Solenoid valve; 65. Motor; 66. Gear 1; 67. Gear 2; 68. Ball valve; 69. Anti-seismic joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the present specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only 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 making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Please see the attached Figure 1 The embodiment of the present invention provides a flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization, comprising:

[0035] The battery shell 1 is used to separate the positive and negative electrolytes through the membrane carried by the battery shell.

[0036] Current collectors 2, which are arranged on both sides of the battery case 1 and are used to uniformly collect the generated current and conduct it to the external circuit;

[0037] The end plate 3 is provided on one side of the current collector 2 and is used to apply uniform pressure to the battery shell 1 to ensure sealing;

[0038] Delivery pipes 4 are provided on both sides of the battery case 1, penetrate the current collector 2 and the end plate 3 and extend to the outside for transporting the electrolyte;

[0039] The leaf valve 5 is provided in the middle of the delivery pipe 4 and is used to control the flow rate of the electrolyte;

[0040] A regulating mechanism 6 is provided between the delivery pipes 4 and is used to determine the flow rate of the electrolyte and select the diversion;

[0041] The electrode 7 is arranged on the top of the battery shell 1 to provide a place for the active substances in the electrolyte to undergo redox reactions.

[0042] Specifically, when the liquid flow battery system is in operation, the electrolyte is first preliminarily regulated by the leaf valve 5, and the electrolyte is transported from the storage tank to the regulating mechanism 6 through the delivery pipe 4 to achieve dynamic control of the electrolyte flow rate. After being regulated, the electrolyte flows into the interior of the battery shell 1, flows through the surface of the electrode 7 to undergo redox reaction, completes the mutual conversion of electrical energy and chemical energy, and generates or stores current. At the same time, the current collector 2 collects the current generated on the electrode 7 and evenly conducts it to the external circuit to achieve energy output. In order to ensure the uniform distribution and reaction efficiency of the electrolyte in each area, the leaf valve 5 works in conjunction with the multi-channel flow regulating valve in the regulating mechanism 6 to regulate the flow by partitioning to prevent uneven flow rate. The end plate 3 provides sealing and mechanical support for the entire battery stack to ensure structural stability, while assisting in heat dissipation management to prevent the system from affecting performance due to overheating.

[0043] Please see the attached Figure 4 and attached Figure 6The leaf valve 5 includes a valve housing 51, a rotating column 52 is provided inside the valve housing 51, a PLC module 53 is provided on one side of the rotating column 52, a leaf 54 is fixed on the outer wall of the rotating column 52, an inlet 55 is provided on one side of the valve housing 51, and an outlet 56 is provided on the other side of the valve housing 51;

[0044] The PLC module 53 includes:

[0045] an input unit for detecting the flow rate of the electrolyte via a liquid flow sensor 63;

[0046] A processing unit for calculating the appropriate rate required for the electrolyte according to the flow rate data;

[0047] The output unit is used to specifically regulate the output rate of the leaf valve 5 and the diversion data of the regulating mechanism 6 according to the calculation structure of the processing unit.

[0048] Specifically, the leaf valve 5 achieves precise flow control through linkage with the motor 65 and the control mechanism 6. The motor 65 drives gears 1 66 and 2 67, which in turn drive the ball valve 68 to rotate synchronously, controlling the flow channel opening and thereby changing the flow rate and flow distribution. At this point, the drive mechanism controlled by the PLC module 53 rotates the rotating column 52, which in turn drives the blades 54 to rotate about the rotating column 52. This causes the electrolyte entering through the inlet 55 to be transported through the seals between the blades 54. When the sealed space between the blades 54 passes through the outlet 56 due to rotation, the electrolyte is transported out. Furthermore, under different operating conditions, the leaf valve 5 can quickly respond to flow demand, adjusting the opening of the blades 54 within the valve through a closed-loop control mechanism, optimizing the flow channel morphology, and ensuring smooth electrolyte delivery. Simultaneously, the leaf valve 5 works in conjunction with the multi-channel flow control valve to regulate flow in different zones, avoiding efficiency losses caused by uneven flow and providing a stable electrolyte flow rate foundation for subsequent electrochemical reactions.

[0049] Please see the attached Figure 2 , Attachment Figure 3 and attached Figure 5 The regulating mechanism 6 includes a protective shell 61, a solenoid valve 64 is provided on the top of the protective shell 61, a plurality of shunt tubes 62 are fixed to the output end of the solenoid valve 64, a liquid flow sensor 63 is provided inside the protective shell 61, and a motor 65 is provided on the outer wall of the shunt tube 62. The output end of the motor 65 passes through the shunt tube 62 and is fixed with a gear 1 66 through a rotating shaft. A gear 2 67 is rotated inside the shunt tube 62 through the rotating shaft, and the gear 2 67 is meshed with the gear 1 66. The rotating shaft connected to the gear 2 67 is connected to the ball valve 68, and the gears 1 66 and the gear 2 67 are distributed in the form of large and small gears. The inside of the shunt tube 62 is provided with an inner wall coating 8, and an anti-corrosion layer 9 is provided on one side of the inner wall coating 8. An anti-seismic joint 69 is provided at one end interface of the shunt tube 62.

[0050] Specifically, the control mechanism 6 receives real-time data feedback from the flow rate sensor and the PLC module 53, and makes precise adjustments based on the required flow rate. When performing flow zoning, the solenoid valve 64 controls the opening of the channels of each shunt pipe 62 to selectively output the electrolyte. On this basis, the motor 65 drives the movement of the rotating column 52, driving the blades 54 to rotate synchronously, thereby achieving secondary precise control of the flow rate and flow of the electrolyte. The liquid flow sensor 63 monitors the current flow rate in real time and transmits the data to the PLC module 53. The PLC adjusts the position of the rotating column 52 by calculation, controls the flow rate of the inlet 55 and the discharge rate of the outlet 56, and realizes closed-loop flow rate optimization of the electrolyte. Through this series of dynamic adjustments and feedback mechanisms, the control mechanism 6 effectively ensures stable electrolyte delivery and optimized flow rate under various operating conditions, further improving the overall reaction efficiency and operational stability of the battery system. The inner wall coating 8 is typically made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a fluorocarbon coating, which has excellent chemical stability, a low friction coefficient, and good corrosion resistance. It can effectively resist chemical attack by the electrolyte and prevent electrolyte damage to the tube wall and battery shell 1. In addition, the smooth surface of the inner wall coating 8 helps reduce the flow resistance of the electrolyte during transportation, improving transportation efficiency, while also preventing sediment adhesion, maintaining the cleanliness and smoothness of the pipeline interior, and extending the service life of the system. The anti-corrosion layer 9 is typically made of a high-performance corrosion-resistant alloy coating, such as a nickel-based alloy, titanium alloy coating, or ceramic coating. These materials have extremely strong acid and alkali resistance and oxidation resistance, and can operate stably and long-term in highly corrosive environments. They are particularly suitable for transporting acidic or alkaline electrolytes in liquid flow batteries. The anti-corrosion layer 9 not only protects the equipment structure from chemical corrosion and wear, but also maintains the integrity of the equipment surface, prevents cracks or leakage, further improves the safety and stability of the system, and ensures the long-term and efficient operation of the equipment.

[0051] Working principle: When a flow battery reaction is required, the leaf valve 5 will first be operated to transport the electrolyte in the control mechanism 6 through the delivery pipe 4, and the electrolyte will flow through the surface of the electrode 7 to undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction, completing the mutual conversion of electrical energy and chemical energy, and generating or storing current. The current collector 2 collects the current generated on the electrode 7 and evenly conducts it to the external circuit. In order to ensure the reaction efficiency, the leaf valve 5 works in conjunction with the multi-channel flow control valve to control the flow in different zones, optimize the electrolyte distribution, and avoid uneven flow rate. The end plate 3 provides sealing and mechanical support for the entire battery stack, maintains the stability of the internal structure, and assists in heat dissipation management to prevent the system from overheating. When diversion and flow rate adjustment are required, we can first select the diverter tube 62 to be output through the solenoid valve 64, and then continue the flow rate control of the first section. According to specific needs, the motor 65 is used to drive the rotation of gear 1 66 and then drive the flip of gear 2 67, so that the ball valve 68 rotates synchronously, and then the flow of each diverter tube 62 is controlled by the ball valve 68. After the zone control is completed, it can also be adjusted according to the flow The sensor 63 specifically measures the flow rate, which is then calculated using the PLC module 53, and the position of the rotor 52 is automatically adjusted, so that the rotation speed of the blades 54 driven by the rotor 52 is adjusted, and the speed at which the electrolyte entering the inlet 55 is discharged at the outlet 56 is controlled, thereby achieving a second rate adjustment of the electrolyte. The PLC module 53 realizes real-time monitoring of the flow rate and precise control of the pump speed through the collaborative work between the units it contains, ensuring that the system operates efficiently and stably under various working conditions, providing intelligent protection for the operation of the liquid flow battery.

[0052] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flow battery electrolyte flow rate control device based on real-time optimization, characterized in that: include: A battery shell (1), which serves as a body for carrying battery electrolyte and is used to separate the positive and negative electrolytes through a membrane carried by the battery shell; Current collectors (2), which are arranged on both sides of the battery shell (1) and are used to uniformly collect the generated current and conduct it to an external circuit; An end plate (3) is provided on one side of the current collector (2) and is used to uniformly apply pressure to the battery shell (1) to ensure sealing; A delivery pipe (4), which is arranged on both sides of the battery shell (1), penetrates the current collector (2) and the end plate (3) and extends to the outside, and is used for delivering the electrolyte; a leaf valve (5), which is arranged in the middle of the delivery pipe (4) and is used to regulate the flow rate of the electrolyte; A regulating mechanism (6) is provided between the delivery pipes (4) and is used to determine the flow rate of the electrolyte and select diversion; An electrode (7) is arranged on the top of the battery shell (1) and is used to provide a place for the active substance in the electrolyte to undergo redox reaction; The leaf valve (5) comprises a valve housing (51), a rotating column (52) is provided inside the valve housing (51), a PLC module (53) is provided on one side of the rotating column (52), and a leaf (54) is fixed on the outer wall of the rotating column (52); The regulating mechanism (6) comprises a protective shell (61), a solenoid valve (64) is provided on the top of the protective shell (61), a plurality of shunt pipes (62) are fixed to the output end of the solenoid valve (64), and a liquid flow sensor (63) is provided inside the protective shell (61); The PLC module (53) comprises: an input unit for detecting the flow rate of the electrolyte via a liquid flow sensor (63); A processing unit for calculating the appropriate rate required for the electrolyte according to the flow rate data; The output unit is used to specifically regulate the output rate of the leaf valve (5) and the diversion data of the regulating mechanism (6) according to the calculation structure of the processing unit.

2. The device for controlling electrolyte flow rate of a flow battery based on real-time optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inlet (55) is provided on one side of the valve housing (51), and an outlet (56) is provided on the other side of the valve housing (51).

3. The device for controlling electrolyte flow rate of a flow battery based on real-time optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the shunt tube (62) is provided with a motor (65), the output end of the motor (65) passes through the shunt tube (62) and is fixed with a gear 1 (66) via a rotating shaft, and a gear 2 (67) is rotated inside the shunt tube (62) via the rotating shaft, and the gear 2 (67) is meshed with the gear 1 (66).

4. The device for controlling electrolyte flow rate of a flow battery based on real-time optimization according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating shaft connected to the gear 2 (67) is connected to the spherical valve (68), and the gears 1 (66) and 2 (67) are arranged in a large and small gear arrangement.

5. The device for controlling electrolyte flow rate of a flow battery based on real-time optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shunt pipe (62) is provided with an inner wall coating (8), one side of the inner wall coating (8) is provided with an anti-corrosion layer (9), and an anti-seismic joint (69) is provided at one end interface of the shunt pipe (62).

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