An electrolyte leakage detection device and a flow battery

Abstract

This invention discloses an electrolyte leakage detection device and a flow battery, belonging to the field of flow batteries. The invention includes a base assembly that supports a fuel cell stack. The base assembly includes multiple detection elements, which are evenly arranged around the outer periphery of the fuel cell stack. A gap exists between the detection elements and the fuel cell stack, and the volume of each detection element increases upon contact with the electrolyte. When electrolyte leaks from the fuel cell stack onto the base assembly, the detection elements closer to the leakage point increase in volume earlier. By designing the detection elements, the increased volume upon contact with the electrolyte allows for visual and intuitive assessment of electrolyte leakage from a distance. Furthermore, the evenly distributed detection elements mean that those closer to the leakage point increase in volume earlier than those farther away. If the leakage is small, only the volume of the detection elements around the leakage point increases, facilitating rapid identification of the leakage point by researchers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of flow battery technology, specifically relating to an electrolyte leakage detection device and a flow battery. Background Technology

[0002] A flow battery consists of a stack, electrolyte, electrolyte storage and supply unit, and management and control unit. It is a high-performance battery that utilizes separate positive and negative electrolytes for independent circulation. It features high capacity, wide application range, and long cycle life, making it a new energy product. Depending on the electrolyte used, commonly used flow batteries include vanadium redox flow batteries, iron-chromium flow batteries, and zinc-bromine flow batteries.

[0003] Researchers developing flow batteries need to frequently assemble and disassemble the stack to conduct experiments under different parameters. The stack consists of multiple individual cells, with bipolar plates between adjacent cells. Each individual cell comprises an electrode frame, electrodes, and an ion-conducting membrane. Due to the large number of components involved, assembly is complex, and improper installation or prolonged operation with corrosive electrolytes can lead to electrolyte leakage. For example, if electrolyte leakage in a zinc-bromine flow battery is not addressed promptly, bromine vapor can easily damage other equipment in the laboratory. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this invention provides an electrolyte leakage detection device and a zinc-bromine flow battery. This detection device can promptly detect and alert researchers to electrolyte leaks, helping them to handle such leaks in a timely manner.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention protects an electrolyte leakage detection device, the device comprising a base assembly capable of supporting an electrolyte stack.

[0006] The base assembly includes multiple detection elements, which are evenly arranged on the outer periphery of the battery stack. There is a gap between the detection elements and the battery stack, and the volume of the detection elements can increase after contacting the electrolyte.

[0007] When the electrolyte of the fuel cell stack leaks onto the base assembly, the volume of the detection element near the leakage point can increase earlier.

[0008] Furthermore, the detection element includes a base block and an extended post fixed to the top of the base block, and its volume can increase only after the base block comes into contact with the electrolyte.

[0009] Furthermore, the base block is formed by vertically stacking multiple layers of non-woven fabric, with absorbent material fixedly disposed between adjacent non-woven fabrics. The absorbent material includes chelating resin and superabsorbent resin; the protruding column is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0010] Furthermore, the protruding column is a hollow cylinder, and at least on its outer surface, the sides are coated with a striking color to make the protruding column easily noticeable.

[0011] Furthermore, the base assembly includes a base body and a positioning plate detachably connected to the base body. A baffle is provided on the top edge of the base body, and the baffles are connected end to end to intercept a small amount of electrolyte on the base body.

[0012] The positioning plate is provided with multiple through holes, which are corresponding to the detection element, and the protruding column can extend out from the through holes.

[0013] Furthermore, the device also includes a top cover assembly, which is detachably connected to the base assembly;

[0014] The top cover assembly includes a top cover body, at least the bottom of which is made of transparent material. The side wall of the top cover body has an opening through which the state of the detection element can be observed.

[0015] Furthermore, a hollow condenser plate and a collection box are provided on the outer side wall of the top cover body. One end of the condenser plate is connected to the center of the top of the top cover body, and the other end of the condenser plate is connected to the collection box. The collection box is made of transparent material.

[0016] The outer side of the condenser plate is fixedly connected to the cooling plate, and the cooling plate is connected to the cooling system, which can cool the condenser plate.

[0017] Bromine vapor in the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine flow battery is condensed by the condenser plate and then enters the collection box.

[0018] Furthermore, a sound-emitting element is provided on the top surface of the top cover body. The two ends of the sound-emitting element are respectively connected to the condenser plate and the top center of the top cover body. When the bromine vapor passes through the sound-emitting element, the sound-emitting element can emit sound.

[0019] Furthermore, the sound-generating component includes a venturi tube, the throat of which is connected to a one-way valve, allowing external air to enter the venturi tube. A reed is provided between the one-way valve and the throat, allowing the air to vibrate and generate sound.

[0020] Furthermore, the inner side of the top cover body is provided with a drop plate. After contacting bromine vapor, the drop plate can fall down to block the opening and prevent bromine vapor from escaping.

[0021] Furthermore, the dropping plate includes a plate body, the top of which is fixed to the top cover body by a rope, and the two sides of the plate body are arranged in a track, which is fixed to the inner wall of the top cover body; the rope can break upon contact with bromine vapor to release the plate body.

[0022] A second aspect of the present invention protects a zinc-bromine flow battery, the flow battery comprising a stack disposed on the aforementioned detection device.

[0023] Beneficial effects: This invention, by setting up a base assembly, allows electrolyte to drip onto the base assembly under gravity after leakage from the battery stack. The base assembly acts as a collection structure, preventing direct electrolyte outflow from affecting other equipment in the laboratory. By incorporating detection elements, the volume of these elements increases upon contact with the electrolyte, allowing for visual assessment of electrolyte leakage from a distance. Furthermore, the detection elements are evenly distributed; those closer to the leak point increase in volume earlier than those farther away. If the leakage is small, only the detection elements around the leak point will increase in volume, facilitating rapid leak detection by researchers. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the electrolyte leakage detection device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the base assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the base assembly after removing the positioning plate in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the positioning plate in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the detection element in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a first aspect of an electrolyte leakage detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the electrolyte leakage detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of part A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A magnified view of part B in the middle section;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the collection box in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the electrolyte leakage detection device after the fuel cell stack is placed inside in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the electrolyte leakage detection device in one embodiment of the present invention, after the fuel cell stack is placed inside and a drop plate is lowered.

[0036] In the diagram, 1 is the base assembly; 11 is the base body; 111 is the strip groove; 112 is the insertion groove; 113 is the clearance hole; 12 is the baffle; 13 is the inspection piece; 131 is the bottom block; 132 is the protruding post; 14 is the positioning plate; 141 is the through hole; and 142 is the insertion post.

[0037] 2. Top cover assembly; 21. Top cover body; 211. Opening; 22. Sound-generating component; 221. Venturi tube; 222. Reed; 223. One-way valve; 23. Condensation plate; 24. Cooling plate; 25. Collection box; 251. Vent; 252. Waterproof and breathable membrane; 26. Drop plate; 261. Plate body; 262. Rope body; 263. Track;

[0038] 3. Fuel cell stack. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings will be briefly introduced to describe the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] refer to Figures 1-12 The first aspect of this invention protects an electrolyte leakage detection device, which includes a base assembly 1 capable of supporting an electrolyte stack. "Supporting" refers to physically supporting the electrolyte stack, and the electrolyte stack is detachably mounted from the base assembly 1.

[0042] The base assembly 1 includes multiple detection elements 13, which are evenly arranged on the outer periphery of the battery stack. There is a gap between the detection elements 13 and the battery stack, and the volume of the detection elements 13 can increase after contacting the electrolyte.

[0043] When the electrolyte of the fuel cell stack leaks onto the base assembly 1, the volume of the detection element 13 near the leak point can increase earlier.

[0044] This invention utilizes a base assembly 1. When electrolyte leaks from the battery pack, it drips onto the base assembly 1 under gravity, serving as a collection structure to prevent direct electrolyte outflow from affecting other equipment in the laboratory. The invention also incorporates detection elements 13. These elements increase in volume upon contact with the electrolyte, allowing for visual assessment of the leakage from a distance. Furthermore, the detection elements 13 are evenly distributed; those closer to the leak point increase in volume earlier than those further away. If the leakage is small, only the elements around the leak point will increase in volume, facilitating rapid identification of the leak by researchers.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the detection element 13 includes a base block 131 and an extension post 132 fixed to the top of the base block 131, the volume of which can increase only after the base block 131 comes into contact with the electrolyte. The base block 131 is shaped like a square plate, and the extension post 132 is a cylinder.

[0046] In this embodiment, only the volume of the base block 131 can be increased. The purpose is to enable the protruding column 132 to extend upwards effectively. While the weight of the base block 131 increases with its increased volume, the weight of the protruding column 132 itself remains unchanged, allowing for a more stable upward extension and effectively alerting the researchers. To further explain, if the volume of the protruding column 132 could also be increased, due to the cylindrical shape, the center of gravity would rise, potentially leading to a top-heavy situation and causing it to tip over, thus losing its warning function.

[0047] refer to Figure 5 In one specific embodiment, the bottom block 131 is formed by stacking multiple layers of non-woven fabric in a vertical direction, with absorbent material fixedly disposed between adjacent non-woven fabrics. The absorbent material includes chelating resin and superabsorbent resin. It should be noted that... Figure 5The bottom block 131, shown as a square, is actually a paper layer covered with adhesive coating on the edge of non-woven fabric, similar to the side of a writing notebook. It appears to have a flat surface. The notebook's internal structure is layered, but since this is a conventional structure, it is not shown in detail in the diagram. The chelating resin undergoes a drying process to enhance its moisture absorption. The arrangement of the absorbent material can be customized according to the researchers' needs. For example, only chelating resin can be used in the bottom layers of non-woven fabric, while only highly absorbent resin can be used in the top layers; alternatively, a mixture of chelating resin and highly absorbent resin can be used in the same non-woven fabric layer.

[0048] The protruding column 132 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The edges of the non-woven fabric can be glued and sealed to effectively fix the absorbent material; of course, the structure of the bottom block 131 can also be completely the same as the structure of the absorbent layer of existing baby diapers.

[0049] This embodiment utilizes multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, serving three purposes. First, it secures the absorbent material. Existing absorbent materials are often granular and difficult to utilize; securing them within the nonwoven fabric layers allows for effective utilization. Second, it restricts the shape. Given the limited space around the flow battery, restricting the absorbent material to a regular shape facilitates placement and aids in leak detection. Third, it increases support. Increased absorbent material volume reduces support, potentially leading to unsatisfactory extension length of the protruding column 132. Multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, with the increased absorbent material volume creating tension, effectively support the protruding column 132, ensuring its extension and serving as a warning.

[0050] The absorbent material in this embodiment is designed for zinc-bromine flow batteries. The main component of the electrolyte in a zinc-bromine flow battery is an aqueous solution of zinc bromide, and the concentration of the supporting electrolyte must not exceed 1 mol / L to avoid affecting the swelling of the resin. This application defaults to supporting potassium chloride solution as the electrolyte. The dried chelating resin is equivalent to a high-concentration "salt reservoir" because its internal functional groups are bound with exchangeable ions. When the dried chelating resin comes into contact with the aqueous solution of zinc bromide, due to the high concentration of the chelating resin, some water molecules will spontaneously diffuse into the network of the chelating resin, causing the chelating resin to swell to a certain extent. The chelating resin itself also has a high selectivity for zinc ions; the functional groups on the chelating resin can form chelate structures with zinc ions. In this way, the concentration of the aqueous solution of zinc bromide will decrease, allowing the highly absorbent resin to absorb water and swell. The volume of the bottom block 131 will increase, pushing the extension column 132 to extend upwards. In this embodiment, the dry chelating resin is placed at the bottom layer, and the electrolyte flows from bottom to top. After multiple layers of adsorption, the concentration of the electrolyte will decrease significantly. When the electrolyte comes into contact with the superabsorbent resin at the top layer, the superabsorbent resin can expand rapidly, thereby increasing the volume of the bottom block 131.

[0051] refer to Figure 5 In one specific embodiment, the protruding column 132 is a hollow cylinder. At least on its sides, the outer surface of the protruding column 132 is coated with a striking color to make it easily noticeable. This coating can be applied only to the sides or to the entire surface of the protruding column 132. The striking color can be red, orange, or yellow, among others. A fluorescent function can also be added to enhance visibility, making it easier to identify at night. In this embodiment, by using a striking color, the protruding column 132 becomes more distinctive, especially when viewed from the side, as the protruding column 132 around the leak point is not aligned with other protruding columns 132. This allows researchers to address the issue more quickly. By making the protruding column 132 a hollow cylinder, its weight is reduced, allowing it to extend smoothly even when the supporting force is low after the base block 131 expands.

[0052] refer to Figures 2-4In one specific embodiment, the base assembly 1 includes a base body 11 and a positioning plate 14 detachably connected to the base body 11. The base body 11 is a low-height cube. A baffle 12 is provided on the top edge of the base body 11, with the baffles 12 connected end to end, which can intercept a small amount of electrolyte on the base body 11. The baffle 12 is equivalent to an upward extension of the edge of the base body 11, further preventing electrolyte leakage. The positioning plate 14 is provided with a plurality of through holes 141, which are correspondingly arranged with the detection element 13, and the protruding post 132 can protrude from the through holes 141. The top of the protruding post 132 is flush with the top surface of the positioning plate 14, and the outer diameter of the protruding post 132 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 141.

[0053] In this embodiment, the through hole 141 serves two purposes. First, it limits the extension post 132. The top of the extension post 132 is positioned within the through hole 141. When the base block 131 expands, it pushes the extension post 132 vertically upwards along the through hole 141, enabling early warning. Second, it prevents false alarms. When only the side of the extension post 132 is coated with a bright color, the color is not visible externally in its initial state. It is only visible when the extension post 132 extends from the through hole 141. Researchers can also roughly determine the leakage situation based on the area covered by the color. In this embodiment, the detachable positioning plate 14 allows for the removal and replacement of the detection component 13.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 In one specific embodiment, the surface of the base body 11 is provided with a plurality of strip grooves 111. One or more of deionized water, chelating resin, H-type cation exchange resin and OH-type anion exchange resin can be disposed in the strip grooves 111.

[0055] In this embodiment, a strip-shaped trough 111 is provided, and the deionized water in the trough 111 can dilute the leaked electrolyte. The chelating resin can capture zinc ions and reduce the concentration of zinc bromide. The H-type cation exchange resin and OH-type anion exchange resin work together to reduce the concentration of potassium chloride in the electrolyte. Some of the leaked electrolyte will pass through the strip-shaped trough 111 and then come into contact with the bottom block 131. The low concentration of electrolyte makes it easier for the resin in the bottom block 131 to swell and increase in volume.

[0056] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4In one specific embodiment, the upper surface of the base body 11 is also provided with a plug-in groove 112. The bottom surface of the positioning plate 14 is provided with a plug-in post 142, which corresponds to the plug-in groove 112, and the two cooperate to achieve a detachable plug-in connection. The side of the base body 11 is also provided with a clearance hole 113. Since the fuel cell stack is relatively heavy, the clearance hole 113 facilitates the insertion of a forklift from the ground into the clearance hole 113 to transfer the base body 11 and the fuel cell stack disposed on its surface.

[0057] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one specific embodiment, the detection device further includes a top cover assembly 2, which is detachably connected to the base assembly 1.

[0058] The top cover assembly 2 includes a top cover body 21, which is a hollow cube with the bottom removed.

[0059] The top cover body 21 is made of transparent material at least at the bottom. The side wall of the top cover body 21 has an opening 211, which is close to the base body 11. The state of the detection component 13 can be observed through the opening 211.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting up a top cover body 21, when the zinc-bromine flow battery leaks, some bromine vapor will be emitted. The top cover body 21 can block some of the bromine vapor inside the top cover body 21, preventing the bromine vapor from damaging other equipment. The opening 211 serves two purposes. The first is to increase heat dissipation. The fuel cell stack generates heat during operation, and the opening 211 allows for airflow to dissipate heat, ensuring the normal operation of the fuel cell stack. The second is to facilitate observation. In practical applications, even if the top cover body 21 is made transparent, its transparency will decrease over time due to corrosion or dirt, making it difficult to clearly observe the detection element 13. The opening 211 makes it easier to observe the detection element 13.

[0061] refer to Figure 6 In one specific embodiment, a central hole is provided at the top center of the top cover body 21. A hollow condenser plate 23 is provided on each of the four outer side walls of the top cover body 21, and a collection box 25 is provided at each of the four corners of the side of the top cover body 21. One end of the condenser plate 23 communicates with the central hole of the top cover body 21, and the other end of the condenser plate 23 communicates with the collection box 25, which is made of transparent material. The vertical height of the collection box 25 is lower than the vertical height of the condenser plate 23, allowing liquid inside the condenser plate 23 to flow into the collection box 25 by gravity. Preferably, the collection box 25 is located close to the base body 11.

[0062] The outer surface of the condenser plate 23 is attached to the inner surface of the cooling plate 24, and the two are fixedly connected. The cooling plate 24 is connected to the cooling system, which can cool the condenser plate 23. The cooling system refers to the existing cooling system in the flow battery. The cooling system is preferably liquid-cooled, and the coolant can enter the cooling plate 24, so that the cooling plate 24 can maintain a low temperature and also cool the condenser plate 23 better.

[0063] Bromine vapor in the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine flow battery is condensed by the condenser plate 23 and then enters the collection box 25.

[0064] In this embodiment, by setting up condenser plates 23, bromine vapor inside the top cover body 21 can be introduced into the four condenser plates 23 respectively, causing the bromine vapor to condense into liquid bromine and preventing bromine vapor from damaging other equipment. Setting up four condenser plates 23 can increase condensation efficiency. After the bromine vapor entering the condenser plates 23 condenses into liquid bromine, the pressure inside the condenser plates 23 decreases, while the pressure inside the top cover body 21 remains unchanged. Therefore, there is a pressure difference between the two, making it easier for the bromine vapor inside the top cover body 21 to flow into the condenser plates 23. The transparent collection box 25 has two functions. The first function is to increase the storage volume, allowing the liquid bromine in the condenser plates 23 to enter the collection box 25 for storage, thus collecting as much bromine vapor as possible. The second function is to serve as a reminder that liquid bromine itself is dark reddish-brown, making it more noticeable inside the collection box 25, so that researchers can easily notice the situation inside the collection box 25. In addition, the collection box 25 is close to the base body 11, that is, close to the detection element 13. The detection element 13 and the collection box 25 are within the same visual range, making it easy for researchers to observe their status and determine the degree of electrolyte leakage.

[0065] refer to Figure 10 In one specific embodiment, the top of the collection box 25 is provided with an vent 251, and the inner wall of the top of the collection box 25 is provided with a waterproof and breathable membrane 252. The waterproof and breathable membrane 252 is a microporous membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the pore size of the waterproof and breathable membrane 252 is 0.1μm~10μm. Because PTFE has natural strong hydrophobicity, it can effectively resist the wetting of liquids (liquid bromine), making it difficult for liquids to pass through the micropores, but allowing gas to pass freely. Depending on actual needs, an activated carbon layer can be provided on the outside of the vent 251 to adsorb bromine vapor that may be carried in the air.

[0066] In this embodiment, by setting a waterproof and breathable membrane 252, when air is mixed into the collection box 25, it can pass through the waterproof and breathable membrane 252 and be discharged from the air outlet 251. At the same time, it can also prevent liquid bromine from passing through the waterproof and breathable membrane 252, so that liquid bromine can be stored in the collection box 25.

[0067] refer to Figure 6In one specific embodiment, a sound-emitting element 22 is also provided on the top surface of the top cover body 21. The two ends of the sound-emitting element 22 are respectively connected to the condenser plate 23 and the top center of the top cover body 21. When bromine vapor passes through the sound-emitting element 22, the sound-emitting element 22 can emit sound.

[0068] In this embodiment, a sound-emitting element 22 is provided so that it can emit a sound when bromine vapor passes by. In this way, even if the researchers do not observe the condition of the fuel cell stack in time, they can hear the sound of the sound-emitting element 22 within a certain distance, so as to deal with the leaking fuel cell stack in time and handle the bromine vapor in a short time.

[0069] refer to Figures 6-8 In one specific embodiment, the sound-generating element 22 includes a venturi tube 221. The inlet of the venturi tube 221 is connected to the central hole of the top cover body 21 via a pipe, and the outlet of the venturi tube 221 is connected to four condenser plates 23 via four pipes respectively. The throat of the venturi tube 221 is connected to a one-way valve 223, allowing external air to enter the venturi tube 221. A reed 222 is provided between the one-way valve 223 and the throat, and the air vibrates to generate sound as it passes through. The material of the venturi tube 221 can be selected as 316 stainless steel or a polytetrafluoroethylene lining can be provided on the inner wall of the venturi tube 221 to prevent corrosion from bromine vapor.

[0070] In this embodiment, by setting up a venturi tube 221, negative pressure is generated at the throat when bromine vapor passes through, rapidly drawing in external air. This air causes the reed 222 to vibrate and produce sound. Existing electronic devices are prone to corrosion and failure when dealing with large amounts of high-concentration bromine vapor. Therefore, if the sound-generating element 22 used in a zinc-bromine flow battery were to be electronically generated, it would also be at risk of failure. The sound-generating element 22 in this embodiment is a purely mechanical structure, offering high stability. By setting up a one-way valve 223, air can enter the interior of the venturi tube 221 in one direction, triggering the reed 222 to produce sound. The vibration of the reed 222 to produce sound is simple to trigger and highly stable.

[0071] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 In one specific embodiment, a drop plate 26 is provided on the inner side of the top cover body 21. Upon contact with bromine vapor, the drop plate 26 can fall and seal the opening 211, preventing bromine vapor from overflowing. In this embodiment, by setting the drop plate 26, the opening 211 can be sealed after contact with bromine vapor. The drop plate 26 has two functions. The first function is to prevent bromine vapor from overflowing from the opening 211 and causing damage to other equipment; the top cover body 21 and the drop plate 26 cooperate to form a closed top cover, so that as much bromine vapor as possible is condensed into liquid bromine by the condenser plate 23 and collected in the collection box 25. The second function is to block the electrolyte from flowing out. When the leakage of the fuel cell stack is large, the closed top cover can intercept the electrolyte inside and slow down the electrolyte outflow.

[0072] refer to Figure 9 In one specific embodiment, the drop plate 26 includes a plate body 261. The top end of the plate body 261 is fixed to the top cover body 21 by a rope 262. The two sides of the plate body 261 are disposed in a track 263, which is fixed to the inner wall of the top cover body 21. The rope 262 can break upon contact with bromine vapor to release the plate body 261. The rope 262 is made of natural rubber. Grooves or through holes can be provided on the surface of the rope 262 to increase the contact area with bromine vapor. The plate body 261 is made entirely of polytetrafluoroethylene, and a layer of natural rubber is disposed on the inner surface of the plate body 261.

[0073] In this embodiment, a rope 262 made of natural rubber is used. The main component of natural rubber is polyisoprene, which contains a large number of carbon-carbon double bonds in its molecular chain. Bromine vapor reacts with these carbon-carbon double bonds to form carbon-bromine single bonds, weakening the elasticity of the natural rubber and making it more prone to breakage. In particular, the surface of the rope 262 has multiple through holes or grooves, increasing the contact area with bromine vapor and making the rope 262 even easier to break. The purpose of providing a natural rubber layer on the inner surface of the plate 261 is twofold. The first purpose is to consume some of the bromine vapor, reducing the possibility of bromine vapor leakage; the second purpose is that after reacting with the bromine vapor, the weight of the plate 261 increases, making the rope 262 easier to break. This allows the plate 261 to fall more quickly after the bromine vapor is generated, thus sealing the opening 211. By setting a track 263, the falling direction of the plate 261 is limited, precisely sealing the opening 211.

[0074] refer to Figures 11-12 The second aspect of this invention protects a zinc-bromine flow battery, which includes a stack 3 disposed on a base assembly 1 or disposed within a device combining a base assembly 1 and a top cover assembly 2. According to... Figure 11 It can be seen that within the testing device, the fuel cell stack 3 and the lower plate 26 are both in their initial suspended state, and the opening 211 is normal and not blocked. According to... Figure 12 It can be seen that one of the falling plates 26 in the detection device falls. Of course, Figure 12 This is only to illustrate the state of the lowering plate 26 and cannot be used to limit the order in which the lowering plate 26 falls in actual applications.

[0075] The above description discloses only preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolyte leakage detection device, characterized in that, Includes a base assembly (1) on which a fuel cell stack can be carried; The base assembly (1) includes a plurality of detection elements (13), which are evenly arranged on the outer periphery of the battery stack. There is a gap between the detection elements (13) and the battery stack. The volume of the detection elements (13) can increase after contacting the electrolyte. When the electrolyte of the fuel cell stack leaks onto the base assembly (1), the volume of the detection element (13) near the leakage point can increase earlier. The detection element (13) includes a base block (131) and an extension post (132) fixed to the top of the base block (131). The volume can increase only when the base block (131) comes into contact with the electrolyte.

2. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom block (131) is formed by stacking multiple layers of non-woven fabric in the vertical direction, and water-absorbing material is fixedly arranged between adjacent non-woven fabrics. The water-absorbing material includes chelating resin and super absorbent resin. The protruding column (132) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

3. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base assembly (1) includes a base body (11) and a positioning plate (14) detachably connected to the base body (11). The top edge of the base body (11) is provided with a baffle (12). The baffle (12) is connected end to end, which can intercept a small amount of electrolyte on the base body (11). The positioning plate (14) is provided with a plurality of through holes (141), the through holes (141) are correspondingly provided with the detection element (13), and the protruding column (132) can protrude from the through holes (141).

4. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a top cover assembly (2), which is detachably connected to the base assembly (1); The top cover assembly (2) includes a top cover body (21), at least the bottom of which is made of transparent material. An opening (211) is provided on the side wall of the top cover body (21), through which the state of the detection element (13) can be observed.

5. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side wall of the top cover body (21) is provided with a hollow condenser plate (23) and a collection box (25). One end of the condenser plate (23) is connected to the top center of the top of the top cover body (21), and the other end of the condenser plate (23) is connected to the collection box (25). The collection box (25) is made of transparent material. The outer side of the condenser plate (23) is fixedly connected to the cooling plate (24), and the cooling plate (24) is connected to the cooling system, which can cool the condenser plate (23). The bromine vapor in the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine flow battery is condensed by the condenser plate (23) and then enters the collection box (25).

6. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top surface of the top cover body (21) is also provided with a sound-emitting element (22). The two ends of the sound-emitting element (22) are respectively connected to the condenser plate (23) and the top center of the top cover body (21). When the bromine vapor passes through the sound-emitting element (22), the sound-emitting element (22) can emit sound.

7. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sound-generating component (22) includes a venturi tube (221), the throat of which is connected to a one-way valve (223) to allow external air to enter the venturi tube (221). A reed (222) is provided between the one-way valve (223) and the throat, and the air passing through can vibrate and produce sound.

8. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner side of the top cover body (21) is provided with a drop plate (26). When it comes into contact with bromine vapor, the drop plate (26) can fall down to block the opening (211) and prevent bromine vapor from overflowing.

9. The electrolyte leakage detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drop plate (26) includes a plate body (261), the top of the plate body (261) is fixed to the top cover body (21) by a rope (262), and the two sides of the plate body (261) are arranged in a track (263), which is fixed to the inner wall of the top cover body (21). The rope (262) can break upon contact with bromine vapor to release the plate (261).

10. A flow battery, characterized in that, It includes a fuel cell stack (3) and an electrolyte leakage detection device as described in claim 1 or claim 4.

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