Liquid flow electric pile and liquid flow battery system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a liquid flow electric pile which comprises a first manifold component used for circulating a first electrolyte, a second manifold component used for circulating a second electrolyte and a battery unit composed of at least two battery packs, the first manifold component comprises a first manifold and a second manifold which are respectively provided with a main pipe and a plurality of shunt pipes, a main flow channel and a branch flow channel which are communicated with each other are formed, each battery pack is provided with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a liquid flow channel, a closed loop circulation path is formed by connecting a first manifold of a first electrolyte with the liquid inlets of the battery packs and connecting a second manifold of the first electrolyte with the liquid outlets, and the second manifold component comprises a third manifold and a fourth manifold. And the second electrolyte forms another independent circulation path in the battery pack through the third manifold and the fourth manifold, so that efficient distribution and circulation of the two electrolytes in the battery pack are realized. The invention further provides a flow battery system with the flow pile, and the flow battery system has the advantages of high efficiency and low loss.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of new energy, in particular to a flow battery and a flow battery system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is an electrochemical energy storage technology, which has great potential in large-scale energy storage and long-time energy storage fields such as renewable energy grid connection and grid peak regulation due to its scalability, safety, long service life and fast response. However, the current flow battery has problems of uneven distribution of electrolyte caused by unreasonable design of electrolyte pipeline, high delay and low accuracy of state of charge monitoring, which leads to low efficiency and high operating cost. SUMMARY

[0003] The main purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a flow battery, which aims to solve the problem of low efficiency caused by uneven distribution of electrolyte.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a flow battery, comprising:

[0005] A first manifold component for flowing a first electrolyte, the first manifold component comprising a first manifold and a second manifold, the first manifold comprising a first main pipe and at least two first branch pipes connected to the first main pipe, the first main pipe being formed with a first main flow channel, each of the first branch pipes being formed with at least one first branch flow channel, and the first branch flow channel being in communication with the first main flow channel; the second manifold comprising a second main pipe and at least two second branch pipes connected to the second main pipe, the second main pipe being formed with a second main flow channel, each of the second branch pipes being formed with at least one second branch flow channel, and the second branch flow channel being in communication with the second main flow channel;

[0006] A second manifold component for flowing a second electrolyte, the second manifold component comprising a third manifold and a fourth manifold;

[0007] A battery unit, the battery unit comprising at least two battery groups, each of the battery groups being formed with a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a first liquid flow channel in communication with the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet, a second liquid outlet, and a second liquid flow channel in communication with the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet;

[0008] Wherein each of the first liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the first branch pipes, and each of the first liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the second branch pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow to the first liquid flow channel through the first main flow channel, flow to the second branch flow channel through the first liquid flow channel, and flow to the second main flow channel through the second branch flow channel, so as to flow out of the current battery group from the second main flow channel;

[0009] Each of the battery groups is connected with the third manifold through the second liquid inlet and connected with the fourth manifold through the second liquid outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow to the second liquid flow channel through the third manifold, flow to the fourth manifold through the second liquid flow channel, and flow out of the current battery group from the fourth manifold.

[0010] Optionally, the third manifold comprises a third main pipe and at least two third branch pipes connected with the third main pipe, the third main pipe is formed with a third main flow channel, each of the third branch pipes is formed with at least one third branch flow channel, and the third branch flow channel communicates with the third main flow channel; the fourth manifold comprises a fourth main pipe and at least two fourth branch pipes connected with the fourth main pipe, the fourth main pipe is formed with a fourth main flow channel, each of the fourth branch pipes is formed with at least one fourth branch flow channel, and the fourth branch flow channel communicates with the fourth main flow channel.

[0011] Each of the second liquid inlets is connected with at least one of the third branch pipes, and each of the second liquid outlets is connected with at least one of the fourth branch pipes, so that the second electrolyte can flow to the second liquid flow channel through the third main flow channel, flow to the fourth branch flow channel through the second liquid flow channel, and flow to the fourth main flow channel through the fourth branch flow channel, and flow out of the current battery group from the fourth main flow channel.

[0012] Optionally, the battery group comprises a first electrode plate, a first diaphragm and a second electrode plate, the first diaphragm is arranged between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0013] The first liquid inlet, the first liquid outlet and the first liquid flow channel are formed in the first electrode plate; the second liquid inlet, the second liquid outlet and the second liquid flow channel are formed in the second electrode plate.

[0014] The battery group further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode is arranged on the first electrode plate and at least partially located in the first liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte contacts the first electrode when flowing through the first liquid flow channel.

[0015] The second electrode is arranged on the second electrode plate and at least partially located in the second liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte contacts the second electrode when flowing through the second liquid flow channel.

[0016] Optionally, the battery unit further comprises a first current collector and a second current collector, the first current collector is arranged on the side of the first electrode plate away from the second electrode plate and connected with the first electrode.

[0017] The second current collector is arranged on the side of the second electrode plate away from the first electrode plate and is connected with the second electrode.

[0018] Optionally, the flow cell further comprises a measuring battery connected with the battery unit, for measuring battery parameters of the battery unit, the battery parameters at least including at least one of voltage and current.

[0019] Optionally, the measuring battery is formed with a third liquid inlet, a third liquid outlet, a third liquid flow channel connecting the third liquid inlet and the third liquid outlet, a fourth liquid inlet, a fourth liquid outlet, and a fourth liquid flow channel connecting the fourth liquid inlet and the fourth liquid outlet.

[0020] Each of the third liquid inlets is connected with at least one of the first sub-flow pipes, and each of the third liquid outlets is connected with at least one of the second sub-flow pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow from the first main flow channel to the third liquid flow channel, from the third liquid flow channel to the second sub-flow channel, and from the second sub-flow channel to the second main flow channel, and then flow out of the measuring battery from the second main flow channel.

[0021] Each of the measuring batteries is connected with the third manifold through the fourth liquid inlet and connected with the fourth manifold through the fourth liquid outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow from the third manifold to the fourth liquid flow channel, and from the fourth liquid flow channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the measuring battery from the fourth manifold.

[0022] Optionally, the measuring battery comprises a detection module and a battery module, the detection module is used for collecting and outputting an electric signal, and the battery module comprises a third electrode plate, a second diaphragm and a fourth electrode plate, the second diaphragm is arranged between the third electrode plate and the fourth electrode plate.

[0023] The third liquid inlet, the third liquid outlet and the third liquid flow channel are formed in the third electrode plate, and the fourth liquid inlet, the fourth liquid outlet and the fourth liquid flow channel are formed in the fourth electrode plate.

[0024] The battery module further comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrode, the third electrode is arranged on the third electrode plate and at least partially located in the third liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte contacts the first electrode when flowing through the third liquid flow channel.

[0025] The fourth electrode is arranged on the fourth electrode plate and at least partially located in the fourth liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte contacts the second electrode when flowing through the fourth liquid flow channel.

[0026] Optionally, at least two battery units are included, and each of the first manifold component and the second manifold component corresponding to the adjacent two battery units is detachably connected.

[0027] Optionally, the flow battery further includes a first end plate and a second end plate, and the battery units are clamped between the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0028] From the above technical solution, it can be seen that the flow battery provided by the first aspect of the present application improves the uneven distribution of electrolyte in multiple battery groups through the design of the first manifold component and the second manifold component, thereby ensuring that each battery group obtains stable electrolyte flow, realizing uniform distribution and pressure management of electrolyte in the battery group, and further improving the working performance of the flow battery.

[0029] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a flow battery system, comprising:

[0030] a first liquid storage tank, a second liquid storage tank, a power device, and the flow battery in each of the foregoing examples;

[0031] The first liquid storage tank is in communication with the flow battery and is configured to provide the flow battery with a first electrolyte.

[0032] The second liquid storage tank is in communication with the flow battery and is configured to provide the flow battery with a second electrolyte.

[0033] The power device provides power for the liquid flow among the first liquid storage tank, the second liquid storage tank, and the flow battery.

[0034] From the above technical solution, it can be seen that the flow battery system provided by the second aspect of the present application improves the uniformity of the distribution of electrolyte due to the use of the foregoing flow battery, and further improves the efficiency of the flow battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0036] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a flow battery system provided by one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a flow battery provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3is a partial structural schematic view of a first manifold component provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 4 is a structural schematic view of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic view of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 6 is a partial cutaway structural schematic view of a first electrode plate of a battery pack;

[0042] Figure 7 is a partial cutaway structural schematic view of a second electrode plate of a battery pack;

[0043] Figure 8 is a structural schematic view of a battery pack integrated with a battery cell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 9 is a structural schematic view of a battery pack integrated with a battery cell provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 10 is a partial structural schematic view of a battery pack for measurement;

[0046] Figure 11 is a partial cutaway structural schematic view of a third electrode plate of a battery pack for measurement;

[0047] Figure 12 is a partial cutaway structural schematic view of a fourth electrode plate of a battery pack for measurement.

[0048] Reference Signs:

[0049] 100, flow battery system; 10, first liquid storage tank; 11, second liquid storage tank; 12, power device;

[0050] 13, flow battery stack; 14, first manifold component; 141, first main pipe; 142, first sub-pipe;

[0051] 143, second main pipe; 144, second sub-pipe; 16, first electrolyte inlet stack main pipe;

[0052] 17, first electrolyte outlet stack main pipe; 18, second electrolyte inlet stack main pipe;

[0053] 19, second electrolyte outlet stack main pipe; 20, battery cell; 21, battery pack;

[0054] 211, first liquid inlet; 212, first liquid outlet; 213, first liquid flow channel;

[0055] 214, second liquid inlet; 215, second liquid outlet; 216, second liquid flow channel;

[0056] 217, first polar plate; 218, second polar plate; 219, first diaphragm; 220, first electrode;

[0057] 221, second electrode; 22, first current collector plate; 23, second current collector plate; 24, first end plate;

[0058] 25, second end plate; 26, insulating plate; 27, measurement battery; 271, third polar plate;

[0059] 272, fourth polar plate; 273, third electrode; 274, fourth electrode; 275, second diaphragm;

[0060] 276, third liquid flow channel; 277, fourth liquid flow channel; 278, third liquid inlet;

[0061] 279, third liquid outlet; 280, fourth liquid inlet; 281, fourth liquid outlet;

[0062] 28, third current collector plate; 29, fourth current collector plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0064] In the description of the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, the terms “mounting”, “connection”, “connecting” should be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integral connection; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be direct connection, can also be indirect connection through an intermediate medium, can be internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] It can be understood that the description involving “first”, “second” and the like is only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited by “first”, “second” can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features.

[0066] Some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, and the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1 In an embodiment, a flow battery system 100 is provided, which includes a first liquid storage tank 10, a second liquid storage tank 11, a power device 12 and a flow battery 13. The first liquid storage tank 10 and the second liquid storage tank 11 are respectively in communication with the flow battery 13 and are respectively configured to provide the flow battery 13 with a first electrolyte and a second electrolyte. The power device 12 provides power for liquid flow among the first liquid storage tank 10, the second liquid storage tank 11 and the flow battery 13.

[0068] It can be understood that the first electrolyte can be a positive electrolyte or a negative electrolyte, and the corresponding second electrolyte can be a negative electrolyte or a positive electrolyte, which is not limited herein.

[0069] Further, in some specific examples, the flow battery system 100 further includes a first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16, a first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17, a second electrolyte inlet main pipe 18 and a second electrolyte outlet main pipe 19. The first electrolyte flows out from the first liquid storage tank 10 at least partially through the power device 12, enters the flow battery 13 through the first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16, and returns to the first liquid storage tank 10 at least partially through the first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17. The second electrolyte flows out from the second liquid storage tank 11 at least partially through the power device 12, enters the flow battery 13 through the second electrolyte inlet main pipe 18, and returns to the second liquid storage tank 11 at least partially through the second electrolyte outlet main pipe 19.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flow battery 13 includes a first manifold component 14 for flowing the first electrolyte, a second manifold component for flowing the second electrolyte and a battery cell 20.

[0071] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first manifold component 14 includes a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold includes a first main pipe 141 and at least two first branch pipes 142 connected to the first main pipe 141. The first main pipe 141 is formed with a first main flow channel. Each of the first branch pipes 142 is formed with at least one first branch flow channel, and the first branch flow channel is in communication with the first main flow channel. The second manifold includes a second main pipe 143 and at least two second branch pipes 144 connected to the second main pipe 143. The second main pipe 143 is formed with a second main flow channel. Each of the second branch pipes 144 is formed with at least one second branch flow channel, and the second branch flow channel is in communication with the second main flow channel. The second manifold component includes a third manifold and a fourth manifold.

[0072] The battery unit 20 includes at least two battery packs 21, each battery pack 21 having a first liquid inlet 211, a first liquid outlet 212, a first liquid flow channel 213 connecting the first liquid inlet 211 and the first liquid outlet 212, a second liquid inlet 214, a second liquid outlet 215, and a second liquid flow channel 216 connecting the second liquid inlet 214 and the second liquid outlet 215.

[0073] Each first liquid inlet 211 is connected to at least one first diverter pipe 142, and each first liquid outlet 212 is connected to at least one second diverter pipe 144, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the first liquid channel 213, and through the first liquid channel 213 to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack 21 from the second main channel.

[0074] Each battery pack 21 is connected to the third manifold via the second inlet 214 and to the fourth manifold via the second outlet 215, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the second liquid channel 216 and through the second liquid channel 216 to the fourth manifold, so that the current battery pack 21 can flow out from the fourth manifold.

[0075] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, taking the first electrolyte as the positive electrolyte as an example, the positive electrolyte flows out of the first storage tank 10 and flows into each battery group 21 of the battery unit 20 through the first main pipe 141 of the first manifold. At the same time, part of the positive electrolyte flows into a single battery group 21 through the first inlet 211 connected to the first branch pipe 142, flows through the first liquid flow channel 213 and the first outlet 212 and flows out of the battery group 21. Then, it flows back to the first storage tank 10 through the second branch pipe 144 connected to the first outlet 212 via the second main pipe 143. It can be understood that the second main pipe 143 in this application has the same structure as the first main pipe 141 in the aforementioned embodiment, and the second branch pipe 144 provided on the second main pipe 143 is also the same as the aforementioned first branch pipe 142, which will not be described again here.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first electrolyte is quickly distributed among the battery packs 21 inside the battery unit 20 through the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143. This ensures that each battery pack 21 can quickly obtain a stable electrolyte flow rate and uniform pressure distribution during the flow circulation of the first electrolyte in the first storage tank 10 and the battery unit 20. At the same time, the first diversion pipe 142 provided on the first main pipe 141 and the second diversion pipe 144 provided on the second main pipe 143 can achieve uniform distribution of the first electrolyte in each independent battery pack 21.

[0077] Further, in some embodiments, the third manifold includes a third main pipe and at least two third sub-pipes connected to the third main pipe, the third main pipe is formed with a third main flow channel, each of the third sub-pipes is formed with at least one third sub-flow channel, and the third sub-flow channel communicates with the third main flow channel. The fourth manifold includes a fourth main pipe and at least two fourth sub-pipes connected to the fourth main pipe, the fourth main pipe is formed with a fourth main flow channel, each of the fourth sub-pipes is formed with at least one fourth sub-flow channel, and the fourth sub-flow channel communicates with the fourth main flow channel.

[0078] wherein each of the second liquid inlets 214 is connected to at least one third sub-pipe, and each of the second liquid outlets 215 is connected to at least one fourth sub-pipe, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third main flow channel to the second liquid flow channel 216, and then flow through the second liquid flow channel 216 to the fourth sub-flow channel and the fourth main flow channel to flow out of the current battery pack 21.

[0079] It can be understood that by designing the third manifold and the fourth manifold in the same pipe design as the first manifold and the second manifold, efficient distribution of the second electrolyte in each independent battery pack 21 can be achieved.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the hierarchical flow channel design of the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component cooperates to achieve efficient distribution and circulation of the two electrolytes in the liquid flow stack 13, avoiding uneven distribution of electrolytes in the liquid flow stack 13, causing local overcharging or overdischarging, thereby reducing battery efficiency and life.

[0081] Specifically, in some embodiments, the pipe diameter of the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 is significantly larger than the pipe diameter of the first sub-pipe 142 and the second sub-pipe 144, so as to achieve uniform distribution and pressure management in all half-cells of the battery pack 21, reducing the risk of battery performance caused by pressure imbalance. More specifically, in some examples, the inner diameter ratio of the first sub-pipe 142 to the first main pipe 141 and the inner diameter ratio of the second sub-pipe 144 to the second main pipe 143 is 1:15 to 1:25.

[0082] It should be noted that, taking the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 as an example, the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 can be directly connected with the first liquid tank 10 respectively, or the first main pipe 141 is connected with the first liquid tank 10 through the first electrolyte inlet pipe 16, and the second main pipe 143 is connected with the first liquid tank 10 through the first electrolyte outlet pipe 17. The inner and outer diameters of the first electrolyte inlet pipe 16 and the first main pipe 141 are the same, or the inner diameter of the first electrolyte inlet pipe 16 is greater than the inner diameter of the first main pipe 141. The inner and outer diameters of the first electrolyte outlet pipe 17 and the second main pipe 143 are the same, or the inner diameter of the first electrolyte outlet pipe 17 is greater than the inner diameter of the second main pipe 143. In this way, the process that the first electrolyte flows from the first liquid tank 10 into the battery unit 20 through the first main pipe 141, enters the plurality of battery groups 21 through the plurality of shunt pipes, and finally flows out of the battery group 21 through the second main pipe 143 and returns to the first liquid tank 10 can be avoided. Due to the large difference in the size of the pipe diameter between the external pipe and the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component in the stack, the pressure drop of the pipe is too large, thereby increasing the power loss of the pump and reducing the system efficiency.

[0083] Similarly, the second manifold component has the same structural design, pipe parameters and related beneficial effect description as the first manifold component 14 in the foregoing embodiments, and details are not described herein. For example, the specific structure and function of the first main pipe 141 and the first shunt pipe 142, and the second main pipe 143 and the second shunt pipe 144 in the first manifold component 14 can be referred to the related description of the foregoing embodiments, and details are not described herein.

[0084] In addition, since the electrolyte has strong acidity and oxidizing property, it is easy to cause pipe corrosion, thereby causing electrolyte pollution. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component are made of corrosion-resistant materials, including but not limited to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc., thereby ensuring that the flow battery has a long service life and high safety and reliability in a corrosive environment.

[0085] In some examples, the flow stack 13 includes at least two battery units 20, and the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component corresponding to each of the two adjacent battery units 20 are detachably connected. Specifically, for example, the first manifold components 14 of the two adjacent battery units 20 are connected through flanges.

[0086] It can be understood that the power of the flow battery can be increased by increasing the number of battery units 20 to meet the needs of more application scenarios. Two adjacent battery units 20, for example, battery unit 20A and battery unit 20B, are connected by flanging the first manifold component 14 of the battery unit 20A to the first manifold component 14 of the battery unit 20B and flanging the second manifold component of the battery unit 20A to the second manifold component of the battery unit 20B. In this way, the power of the flow battery can be expanded by simply disassembling the connection, simplifying the complexity of the pipeline layout.

[0087] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 In some embodiments, the battery stack 21 includes a first electrode plate 217, a first separator 219, and a second electrode plate 218, and the first separator 219 is disposed between the first electrode plate 217 and the second electrode plate 218.

[0088] The first liquid inlet 211, the first liquid outlet 212, and the first liquid flow channel 213 are formed in the first electrode plate 217, and the second liquid inlet 214, the second liquid outlet 215, and the second liquid flow channel 216 are formed in the second electrode plate 218.

[0089] The battery stack 21 further includes a first electrode 220 and a second electrode 221, the first electrode 220 is disposed on the first electrode plate 217 and at least partially located in the first liquid flow channel 213, so that the first electrolyte contacts the first electrode 220 when flowing through the first liquid flow channel 213.

[0090] The second electrode 221 is disposed on the second electrode plate 218 and at least partially located in the second liquid flow channel 216, so that the second electrolyte contacts the second electrode 221 when flowing through the second liquid flow channel 216.

[0091] It should be understood that the first electrode plate 217 and the second electrode plate 218 include single electrode plates or bipolar plates, and the single electrode plates and the bipolar plates are provided with corresponding electrolyte flow channels. The electrode plates between two adjacent battery stacks 21 are bipolar plates, and the remaining electrode plates are single electrode plates. It should also be understood that the single electrode plate or the bipolar plate is usually tightly attached to the electrode by pressing.

[0092] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 For example, as shown in Figure 5 The first electrode plate 217 is provided with the first liquid flow channel 213 on the side close to the first separator 219, and the first electrode 220 structure covers the surface of the first electrode plate 217 on the side close to the first separator 219, that is, the first electrode 220 structure covers the first liquid flow channel 213, so that the electrolyte flows through the first liquid flow channel 213 and chemically reacts on the surface of the electrode. In some examples, as shown in Figure 6As shown, one side of the first polar plate 217 is provided with a first liquid flow channel 213 and is attached to one side surface of the first electrode 220. When the first electrolyte flows through the first liquid flow channel 213, a chemical reaction occurs on the surface attached to the first electrode 220. Similarly, one side of the second polar plate 218 is provided with a second liquid flow channel 216 and is attached to one side surface of the second electrode 221. When the second electrolyte flows through the second liquid flow channel 216, a chemical reaction occurs on the surface attached to the second electrode 221, as shown in FIG. 2B. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2B.

[0093] It can be understood that the electrodes include positive and negative electrodes. When the first electrode 220 is a positive electrode, the second electrode 221 is a negative electrode. The polarity of the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 221 can be interchanged, which is not limited herein. The structure of the first electrode 220 can be attached to the first polar plate 217 by a layered stacking method or can be formed by etching or pressure etching on the first polar plate 217. Similarly, the second electrode 221 is not described here.

[0094] The separator is used for ion-selective conduction. For example, during charging and discharging, the separator only allows ions with balanced charges to pass through to maintain electrical neutrality, and blocks active substances to prevent direct contact between active substances (such as V 2+ and VO2 + ) in the positive and negative electrolytes from causing self-discharge. The separator includes but is not limited to an ion exchange membrane.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 221 are at least partially located in the liquid flow channel of the polar plate and are directly exposed to the flowing electrolyte, thereby increasing the active reaction area. The first polar plate 217 and the second polar plate 218 are respectively independently provided with an inlet and an outlet and a flow channel, which facilitates the series connection of the battery pack 21 to meet the demand for large capacity and power.

[0096] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a first current collector 22 and a second current collector 23. The first current collector 22 is arranged on the side of the first polar plate 217 away from the second polar plate 218 and is connected to the first electrode 220. The second current collector 23 is arranged on the side of the second polar plate 218 away from the first polar plate 217 and is connected to the second electrode 221.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the current collector is connected to the electrode as an electron conduction channel, thereby efficiently collecting the current generated by the oxidation-reduction reaction on the electrode and conducting it to the external circuit.

[0098] It can be understood that the current collector can be arranged at both ends of each battery pack 21 or can be arranged at both ends of the series-connected battery packs 21.

[0099] More specifically, in some embodiments, the flow battery 13 further comprises a first end plate 24 and a second end plate 25, and the cell units 20 are sandwiched between the first end plate 24 and the second end plate 25.

[0100] It can be understood that the end plates arranged at both ends of the cell units 20 can play a mechanical support role, enhance structural stability, resist internal fluid pressure and external impact, prolong battery life, prevent electrolyte leakage or component displacement by fastening the components such as current collector plates and electrodes inside the battery pack 21, evenly distribute pressure, ensure close contact between the layers of the cell units 20, reduce contact resistance, and improve current collection efficiency.

[0101] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the flow battery 13 further comprises a measurement battery pack 27 connected with the cell units 20 for measuring battery parameters of the cell units 20, the battery parameters at least including at least one of voltage and current.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the measurement battery pack 27 is integrated with the cell units 20, and the measurement battery pack 27 not only operates independently of the cell units 20, but also can instantaneously feedback the battery parameters of the cell units 20 without interfering with the operation of the cell units 20. It can be understood that the battery parameters include but are not limited to voltage, current, etc. As shown in Figure 5 The measurement battery pack 27 can be integrated at one end of the cell units 20 or inside the cell units 20, for example, between two adjacent battery packs 21, as shown in Figure 6 In addition, in some specific examples, the measurement battery pack 27 is externally configured with an insulating plate 26 and integrated with the cell units 20 through the insulating plate 26 to avoid external electric leakage and improve safety.

[0103] Further referring to Figures 10 to 12 In some embodiments, the measurement battery pack 27 is formed with a third liquid inlet 278, a third liquid outlet 279, a third liquid flow channel 276 communicating the third liquid inlet 278 and the third liquid outlet 279, a fourth liquid inlet 280, a fourth liquid outlet 281, and a fourth liquid flow channel 277 communicating the fourth liquid inlet 280 and the fourth liquid outlet 281.

[0104] Each third liquid inlet 278 is connected with at least one first shunt pipe 142, and each third liquid outlet 279 is connected with at least one second shunt pipe 144, so that the first electrolyte can flow from the first main flow channel to the third liquid flow channel 276, and then flow from the third liquid flow channel 276 to the second shunt flow channel and then to the second main flow channel, and then flow out of the measurement battery pack 27 from the second main flow channel.

[0105] Each measuring battery 27 is connected with the third manifold through a fourth liquid inlet 280 and connected with the fourth manifold through a fourth liquid outlet 281, so that the second electrolyte can flow to the fourth liquid flow channel 277 through the third manifold, and then flow to the fourth manifold through the fourth liquid flow channel 277, and then flow out of the measuring battery 27 from the fourth manifold.

[0106] In the embodiment, the measuring battery 27 has the same electrolyte pipeline as the battery group 21 in the battery unit 20, that is, the liquid level and the supply pressure of the electrolyte in the measuring battery 27 are synchronized with the inside of the battery group 21 in the battery unit 20, so that the health state detection of the battery unit 20 is more accurate and real-time, and meets the requirement of fast response.

[0107] Specifically, in some examples, the measuring battery 27 includes a detection module and a battery module, the detection module is configured to collect and output an electrical signal, and the battery module includes a third electrode plate 271, a second separator 275 and a fourth electrode plate 272, the second separator 275 is arranged between the third electrode plate 271 and the fourth electrode plate 272.

[0108] The third liquid inlet 278, the third liquid outlet 279 and the third liquid flow channel 276 are formed in the third electrode plate 271, and the fourth liquid inlet 280, the fourth liquid outlet 281 and the fourth liquid flow channel 277 are formed in the fourth electrode plate 272.

[0109] The battery module further includes a third electrode 273 and a fourth electrode 274, the third electrode 273 is arranged on the third electrode plate 271 and at least partially located in the third liquid flow channel 276, so that the first electrolyte contacts the third electrode 273 when flowing through the third liquid flow channel 276.

[0110] The fourth electrode 274 is arranged on the fourth electrode plate 272 and at least partially located in the fourth liquid flow channel 277, so that the second electrolyte contacts the fourth electrode 274 when flowing through the fourth liquid flow channel 277. In some examples, the measuring battery 27 further includes a third current collector 28 and a fourth current collector 29, the third current collector 28 is arranged on the side of the third electrode plate 271 away from the fourth electrode plate 272 and connected with the third electrode 273. The fourth current collector 29 is arranged on the side of the fourth electrode plate 272 away from the third electrode plate 271 and connected with the fourth electrode 274.

[0111] It can be understood that the third electrode 273 and the fourth electrode 274 can be positive or negative, and the polarities of the third electrode 273 and the fourth electrode 274 are different.

[0112] It can be understood that in the embodiment, the measuring battery group 27 has the same circuit structure, elements or circuit parameters as the battery group 21 in the battery cell 20 in the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, the battery specifications and electrolyte pipeline specifications of the measuring battery group 27 are the same as those of the battery group 21 in the battery cell 20, and the battery parameters of the battery voltage can be more accurately detected.

[0113] For example, one of the battery groups 21 in the battery cell 20 can be used as the measuring battery group 27 for the purpose of understanding, and since the measuring battery group 27 is integrated with the battery cell 20, the battery parameters of the battery cell 20 can be fed back in real time. Taking the voltage parameter in the battery cell 20 as an example, since the battery specifications and electrolyte pipeline specifications of the measuring battery group 27 are the same as those of the battery group 21 in the battery cell 20, the voltage of the battery cell 20 can be calculated as X*N by detecting the voltage X of the measuring battery group 27 and according to the number N of the battery groups 21 contained in the battery cell 20, and the voltage of each battery cell 20 can also be calculated according to the above method by analogy when there are multiple battery cells 20 in the flow battery stack 13.

[0114] It can be understood that the flow battery stack 13 provided by the application optimizes the electrolyte pipeline layout in the stack through a multi-channel design to improve the electrolyte distribution and reduce the pressure drop, thereby improving the efficiency of the flow battery, and the measuring battery group 27 is integrated into the stack to improve the monitoring accuracy and real-time performance of the battery group 21. The flow battery system 100 provided by the application also has related beneficial effects, which will not be described here.

[0115] The flow battery system 100 is suitable for existing flow battery systems 100, such as all-vanadium flow batteries, zinc-bromine flow batteries, iron-chromium flow batteries, zinc-iron flow batteries, sodium polysulfide-bromine flow batteries and zinc-nickel flow batteries, and further can be applied to renewable energy storage, electric vehicles and fixed power systems and other fields requiring efficient energy storage and accurate monitoring.

[0116] It should be understood that the terms used in the specification of the application herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the application. As used in the specification and the appended claims of the application, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0117] It should also be understood that, in the specification and the appended claims, the terms "and / or" is used to mean one or more of the associated listed items, as well as any combination of any of the associated listed items. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present application without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover modifications and variations of this application provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0118] The above-mentioned embodiment numbers of the present application are only for description, and do not represent the advantages and disadvantages of the embodiments. The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, and these modifications or replacements should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flow cell, characterized in that, include: A first manifold component for circulating a first electrolyte includes a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold includes a first main pipe and at least two first branch pipes connected to the first main pipe. The first main pipe forms a first main channel, and each first branch pipe forms at least one first branch channel, and the first branch channel communicates with the first main channel. The second manifold includes a second main pipe and at least two second branch pipes connected to the second main pipe. The second main pipe forms a second main channel, and each second branch pipe forms at least one second branch channel, and the second branch channel communicates with the second main channel. The second manifold component is used for the flow of the second electrolyte, and the second manifold component includes a third manifold and a fourth manifold; A battery unit, the battery unit comprising at least two battery packs, each battery pack having a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a first liquid flow channel connecting the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet, a second liquid outlet, and a second liquid flow channel connecting the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet; Each of the first liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the first diverter pipes, and each of the first liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the second diverter pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the first liquid channel, and through the first liquid channel to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack from the second main channel; Each of the battery packs is connected to the third manifold via the second inlet and to the fourth manifold via the second outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the second liquid channel and through the second liquid channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the current battery pack from the fourth manifold.

2. The liquid flow cell of claim 1, wherein, The third manifold includes a third main pipe and at least two third branch pipes connected to the third main pipe. The third main pipe forms a third main channel, and each of the third branch pipes forms at least one third branch channel, and the third branch channel communicates with the third main channel. The fourth manifold includes a fourth main pipe and at least two fourth branch pipes connected to the fourth main pipe. The fourth main pipe forms a fourth main channel, and each of the fourth branch pipes forms at least one fourth branch channel, and the fourth branch channel communicates with the fourth main channel. Each of the second liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the third diversion pipes, and each of the second liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the fourth diversion pipes, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third main channel to the second liquid channel, and through the second liquid channel to the fourth diversion channel and through the fourth diversion channel to the fourth main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack from the fourth main channel.

3. The liquid flow cell of claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes a first electrode plate, a first separator, and a second electrode plate, wherein the first separator is disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; The first liquid inlet, the first liquid outlet, and the first liquid flow channel are formed on the first electrode plate; the second liquid inlet, the second liquid outlet, and the second liquid flow channel are formed on the second electrode plate; The battery pack further includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on the first electrode plate and is at least partially located in the first liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the first electrode when it flows through the first liquid flow channel. The second electrode is disposed on the second electrode plate and is at least partially located within the second liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the second electrode when flowing through the second liquid flow channel.

4. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery cell further includes a first current collector and a second current collector, wherein the first current collector is disposed on the side of the first electrode plate away from the second electrode plate and is connected to the first electrode; The second current collector is disposed on the side of the second electrode plate away from the first electrode plate and is connected to the second electrode.

5. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow stack also includes a measurement battery pack connected to the battery cell for measuring the battery parameters of the battery cell, wherein the battery parameters include at least one of voltage and current.

6. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The measuring battery pack has a third liquid inlet, a third liquid outlet, a third liquid flow channel connecting the third liquid inlet and the third liquid outlet, a fourth liquid inlet, a fourth liquid outlet, and a fourth liquid flow channel connecting the fourth liquid inlet and the fourth liquid outlet. Each of the third liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the first diverter pipes, and each of the third liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the second diverter pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the third liquid channel, and through the third liquid channel to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the measuring battery pack from the second main channel; Each of the measuring battery packs is connected to the third manifold via the fourth inlet and to the fourth manifold via the fourth outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the fourth liquid channel and through the fourth liquid channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the measuring battery pack from the fourth manifold.

7. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The measuring battery pack includes a detection module and a battery module. The detection module is used to collect and output electrical signals. The battery module includes a third electrode plate, a second diaphragm, and a fourth electrode plate. The second diaphragm is disposed between the third electrode plate and the fourth electrode plate. The third liquid inlet, the third liquid outlet, and the third liquid flow channel are formed on the third electrode plate; the fourth liquid inlet, the fourth liquid outlet, and the fourth liquid flow channel are formed on the fourth electrode plate; The battery module further includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The third electrode is disposed on the third electrode plate and is at least partially located in the third liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the first electrode when it flows through the third liquid flow channel. The fourth electrode is disposed on the fourth electrode plate and is at least partially located within the fourth liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the second electrode when flowing through the fourth liquid flow channel.

8. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes at least two battery cells, and the first manifold component and the second manifold component corresponding to each of the two adjacent battery cells can be detachably connected.

9. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid flow stack also includes a first end plate and a second end plate, and the battery cell is sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate.

10. A flow battery system, characterized in that, Includes a first liquid storage tank, a second liquid storage container, a power unit, and a liquid flow fuel cell as described in any one of claims 1-9; The first liquid storage tank is connected to the liquid flow battery stack and is used to provide the first electrolyte to the liquid flow battery stack; The second liquid storage tank is connected to the liquid flow battery stack and is used to provide the liquid flow battery stack with a second electrolyte; The power unit provides power for the liquid flow between the first liquid storage tank, the second liquid storage tank, and the liquid flow stack.

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