Gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611102384.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
AI Technical Summary
[0003]现有技术中的液流电池系统都是采用液液供料系统，而没有气液供料系统
[0007]Furthermore, for zinc-based flow batteries, this invention adds an oxygen electrode to the traditional dual-electrode structure of zinc-nickel flow batteries and creatively adds an air channel to the single-liquid channel, achieving uniform air distribution. Utilizing oxygen from the air to participate in the battery reaction, this invention creatively solves the problems of zinc dendrite formation and zinc accumulation, effectively addressing issues such as separator puncture and uniform zinc deposition. The introduction of the air channel provides a continuous supply of air to the oxygen electrode, enabling ion exchange for redox reactions at the three-phase interface where the oxygen electrode is located, achieving significant benefits at minimal cost. This increases the utilization rate of zinc ions in redox reactions and electrolyte utilization, extending the long-term lifespan of the battery system during charge-discharge cycles, and greatly improving the system's cycle stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122930976A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of flow battery technology, and more specifically to a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system. Background Technology
[0002] With the continued exploitation of non-renewable energy sources at the Earth's core, energy depletion and environmental pollution have become problems worldwide. To find effective solutions to replace non-renewable energy and eradicate the environmental crisis, the research and application of renewable energy has become a hot topic. While wind and solar energy have entered a phase of multi-site research and large-scale application, the inherent instability of these sources leads to grid disruptions, severely impacting grid stability. Therefore, developing and designing low-cost, high-performance, long-life, and highly stable energy storage systems can solve the current challenges of wind and solar energy. Among various energy storage systems, flow batteries have emerged as a promising area due to their lower cost, unique capacity design selectivity, long-term stability, and ease of maintenance. In recent years, research and development in the field of flow batteries has progressed rapidly, showing a potential to surpass traditional energy storage methods.
[0003] Existing flow battery systems all use liquid-liquid feeding systems, but not gas-liquid feeding systems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system that can stably provide gaseous and liquid phase materials for the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery, thereby improving the cycle stability of the system.
[0005] This invention provides a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system, the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system comprising: A gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack includes one gas-liquid two-phase single cell or at least two gas-liquid two-phase single cells connected in series. A gas phase supply pipeline is equipped with a gas delivery device and is connected to the gas phase inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack. The liquid phase supply pipeline is connected at both ends to the liquid phase inlet and liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack to form a circulation pipeline. The liquid phase supply pipeline is connected to a liquid phase storage tank and is equipped with a circulation pump.
[0006] Through the above technical solution, the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system of the present invention can stably supply materials to battery systems that require gas-liquid two-phase materials, thereby improving the cycle stability of the system.
[0007] Furthermore, for zinc-based flow batteries, this invention adds an oxygen electrode to the traditional dual-electrode structure of zinc-nickel flow batteries and creatively adds an air channel to the single-liquid channel, achieving uniform air distribution. Utilizing oxygen from the air to participate in the battery reaction, this invention creatively solves the problems of zinc dendrite formation and zinc accumulation, effectively addressing issues such as separator puncture and uniform zinc deposition. The introduction of the air channel provides a continuous supply of air to the oxygen electrode, enabling ion exchange for redox reactions at the three-phase interface where the oxygen electrode is located, achieving significant benefits at minimal cost. This increases the utilization rate of zinc ions in redox reactions and electrolyte utilization, extending the long-term lifespan of the battery system during charge-discharge cycles, and greatly improving the system's cycle stability. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front or back structure of a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate liquid phase storage tank; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the inlet liquid pipeline; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the liquid outlet pipeline; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the distribution pipe structure.
[0009] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack; 2. Gas phase supply pipeline; 3. Gas conveying device; 4. Circulating pump; 5. Liquid phase supply pipeline; 6. Liquid phase storage tank; 7. Support frame; 8. Gas purification device; 9. Distribution pipe; 11. Gas phase inlet; 12. Gas phase outlet; 13. Liquid phase inlet; 14. Liquid phase outlet; 61. Return port; 62. Liquid outlet; 63. Gas phase reflux port; 64. Top exhaust port; 65. Feed inlet; 91. Feed section; 92. Distribution section. Detailed Implementation
[0010] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system, such as... Figure 1As shown, the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system includes: a gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 and a gas phase supply pipeline 2 and a liquid phase supply pipeline 5 for continuously supplying the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 includes one gas-liquid two-phase single cell or at least two gas-liquid two-phase single cells connected in series. The gas phase supply pipeline 2 is connected to the gas phase inlet 11 of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 and is equipped with a gas conveying device 3 to provide gas conveying power. The two ends of the liquid phase supply pipeline 5 are respectively connected to the liquid phase inlet 13 and the liquid phase outlet 14 of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 to form a circulation pipeline. A liquid phase storage tank 6 is connected to the liquid phase supply pipeline 5 and a circulation pump 4 is installed to provide liquid conveying power.
[0012] The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system of the present invention can stably supply materials to battery systems that require gas-liquid two-phase materials, thereby improving the cycle stability of the system.
[0013] In this invention, the gas delivery device 3 can be a gas compressor (e.g., an air compressor in the prior art). When air flows through the gas phase supply pipeline 2, it can be directly connected to the atmosphere. Considering the damage to the three-phase interface of the electrode area caused by impurities and carbon dioxide in the air, a gas purification device 8 (e.g., an air purifier in the prior art) can be installed in the gas phase supply pipeline 2 to ensure the purity of the introduced gas, improve battery performance, and extend battery life. Figure 1 As shown, a gas purification device 8 can be installed downstream of the gas delivery device 3 along the gas flow direction in the gas supply pipeline 2.
[0014] like Figure 2 As shown, in the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1, the liquid phase outlet 14 is located above the liquid phase inlet 13, and the gas phase inlet 11 is located above the gas phase outlet 12. In this way, the liquid phase can adopt the form of "bottom in, top out" and the gas phase adopts the form of "top in, bottom out". The "single inlet, single outlet" form can prevent cross-contamination and liquid leakage.
[0015] In this invention, the gas phase outlet 12 is connected to the liquid phase storage tank 6. The liquid phase storage tank 6 is provided with a top exhaust port 64. Because the gas phase will interact with the liquid phase in the battery, if it evaporates directly through the pipeline, it will likely lead to leakage. The gas phase entering the liquid phase storage tank 6 will keep the liquid phase mixed in the air in the storage tank, greatly reducing the occurrence of leakage.
[0016] In this invention, the top exhaust port 64 is provided with an exhaust valve. This invention has no special requirements for this exhaust valve. Any exhaust valve that can adjust the exhaust speed can be used in this invention. This invention will not elaborate further on this.
[0017] like Figure 3As shown, the top of the liquid phase storage tank 6 is provided with a gas phase reflux port 63 connected to the gas phase outlet 12, a liquid return port 61 connected to the liquid phase outlet 14, and a feed port 65 for adding liquid phase; the bottom of the liquid phase storage tank 6 is provided with a liquid outlet 62, which is connected to the liquid phase inlet 13 of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 through the liquid phase supply pipeline 5.
[0018] In this invention, at least two liquid phase outlets 14 and two liquid phase inlets 13 are each provided. The front and back structures of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 are identical and as shown in the figure. Figure 4 As shown, liquid phase outlet 14 and liquid phase inlet 13 are symmetrically opened at the upper and lower parts, respectively, and liquid phase supply pipeline 5 has inlet branch pipe and outlet branch pipe connected to each liquid phase outlet 14 and liquid phase inlet 13.
[0019] The liquid supply pipeline 5 includes a main inlet pipe and at least two inlet branch pipes extending from the main inlet pipe. To ensure consistent pressure drop and energy loss, the flow rates of each branch pipe are identical, guaranteeing consistent liquid phase distribution within the battery. Each inlet branch pipe has the same structure and dimensions. This is to accommodate the installation environment (e.g., the mounting frame). Figure 4 As shown, the liquid supply pipeline 5 needs to be bent. The liquid supply pipeline 5 can be formed by connecting multiple parallel and vertical pipelines through 90° bends. The dimensions and structure of each liquid inlet branch pipeline must be consistent.
[0020] The main inlet pipe is equipped with an inlet valve; all inlet branch pipes are equipped with inlet control valves at the same position to adjust the liquid flow rate of the branch, ensure consistent internal pressure, and ensure uniform electrolyte distribution in all parts of the battery.
[0021] This invention does not have special requirements for the main inlet valve or the inlet control valve. Any control valve in the prior art that can adjust the flow rate can be used in this invention, and will not be described in detail here.
[0022] Liquid outlet pipeline such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes a main outlet pipe and at least two branch outlet pipes extending from the main outlet pipe and communicating with the liquid phase outlet 14. The outlet end of the main outlet pipe is connected to the return port 61 at the top of the liquid phase storage tank 6.
[0023] In this invention, at least four gas phase inlets 11 and four gas phase outlets 12 are provided, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the gas phase inlet 11 and the gas phase outlet 12 can be symmetrically arranged on the front and back of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1. The gas phase outlet 12 is connected to the gas phase return port 63 of the liquid phase storage tank 6 through a gas outlet pipeline. The gas outlet pipeline has a gas outlet branch connected to each gas phase outlet 12.
[0024] The intake piping includes a main intake pipe, at least two intake branch pipes extending from the main intake pipe, a distribution pipe 9, and at least four intake sub-pipes extending from the distribution pipe 9. Each intake sub-pipe is connected to a corresponding gas phase inlet. To ensure consistent pressure drop and energy loss, the gas flow rate of each branch is the same, ensuring thorough and uniform mixing of the electrolyte and gas. Each intake branch pipe and each intake sub-pipe has the same structure and dimensions. Referring to the design of the liquid phase piping, to adapt to the installation environment (e.g., adapting to the mounting frame), the gas phase supply piping 2 can also consist of multiple parallel and vertical pipes connected by 90° bends. The dimensions and structures of each intake branch pipe and sub-pipe must be consistent.
[0025] To ensure a smooth and consistent gas flow path, such as Figure 6 As shown, the distribution pipe 9 includes a feed section 91 and at least two identical distribution sections 92 arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The ends of two adjacent distribution sections 92 are sealed to prevent gas leakage. The beginning ends are connected at 90° through the feed section 91 to form an approximate U-shaped structure. Each distribution section 92 is connected to at least two air intake branch pipes, and the feed section 91 is connected to each air intake branch pipe.
[0026] The distribution pipe 9 has a square flow cross section and can be installed below the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 as a support base.
[0027] Along the gas flow direction, a gas delivery device 3 and a gas purification device 8 are installed on the main intake pipe. The feed end of the main intake pipe can be connected to a gas storage tank, which is equipped with a valve to regulate and control the gas flow rate. Together with the gas delivery device 3, such as an air compressor, it connects to a distribution pipe 9 to regulate the gas-liquid balance. Specifically, the gas delivery device 3 (air pump) can store atmospheric air and deliver it to the distribution pipe 9. Because the distribution pipe 9 has a U-shaped symmetrical structure, the gas travels the same path when it reaches the internal thread inlets on both sides of the distribution pipe 9, meaning the energy loss is the same, ensuring consistent gas flow rates on both sides of the battery. Furthermore, because the liquid flow rates on both sides of the battery are consistent, the degree of gas-liquid mixing on both sides of the battery is also consistent, thus achieving gas-liquid balance.
[0028] It should be noted that all valves capable of adjusting gas flow in the prior art can be configured in the gas storage tank of the present invention, and the present invention will not elaborate on this further.
[0029] The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system of the present invention can meet the needs of three types of battery electrolyte flow: (1) U-shaped flow: The electrolyte enters from the liquid phase inlet 13 on the front of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 and exits from the liquid phase outlet 14 on the front, eventually flowing to the liquid phase storage tank 6. (2) Z-type flow: The electrolyte enters from the liquid phase inlet 13 on the front of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 and exits from the liquid phase outlet 14 on the back, eventually flowing to the liquid phase storage tank 6. (3) Multi-channel flow: The electrolyte enters simultaneously from the liquid phase inlet 13 on the front and back sides of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1, exits from the liquid phase outlet 14 on the front and back sides, and finally flows to the liquid phase storage tank 6.
[0030] In this invention, the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1, the gas phase supply pipeline 2, and the liquid phase supply pipeline 5 are installed in the bracket 7. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack 1 is located above the circulation pump 4, the gas delivery device 3, and the liquid phase storage tank 6. This invention does not have special requirements for the material of the bracket; for example, it can be made of aluminum alloy.
[0031] The advantages of the present invention will be illustrated below by applying the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system of the present invention to zinc-based flow batteries. However, the present invention is not limited to zinc-based flow batteries. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system of the present invention is also applicable to other battery systems that require gas-liquid two-phase materials.
[0032] Specifically, in the field of flow batteries, alkaline systems are renowned for their high conductivity and high ion exchange rate, with traditional zinc-nickel flow batteries being the star performers. Traditional zinc-nickel flow battery systems are generally divided into single-flow and dual-flow systems, corresponding to single-liquid-line and dual-liquid-line stack operation systems, respectively. While previous researchers have made many attempts in liquid-line design, improvements in crucial performance and lifespan have been relatively minor. Furthermore, traditional flow batteries rely on ion exchange membranes for ion transport, resulting in high costs. Therefore, traditional zinc-nickel flow batteries, limited by performance and lifespan issues, have entered a period of relative inactivity.
[0033] In traditional zinc-nickel flow batteries, the main factors affecting performance and lifespan are the unavoidable zinc dendrites and zinc accumulation on the zinc electrode, while the nickel electrode is limited by its inherent capacity properties. To address these issues, traditional approaches typically focus on optimizing the liquid flow, zinc electrode materials, and nickel electrode materials. However, improvements are limited. Because zinc dendrites puncture the separator and nickel electrode active material is lost, the battery's coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency inevitably decrease sharply.
[0034] The inventors of this invention have discovered that oxygen can be introduced into a conventional zinc-nickel flow battery to consume zinc deposition. The specific electrode reaction equation is as follows: positive electrode:
[0035] positive electrode:
[0036] negative electrode:
[0037] Overall reaction: +
[0038] During charging, the positive electrode Oxidized Positive Oxidized negative electrode It is reduced to Zn; during discharge, the corresponding reverse reaction occurs. Microporous membranes are used in the battery to separate the positive and negative electrodes, ensuring that there are no cavities inside the battery. The current loop is formed by the free movement of ions inside the battery frame and the directional movement of electrons between the current collector and the external circuit between the electrodes.
[0039] However, most flow battery systems on the market are liquid-liquid systems, not gas-liquid systems. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system of this invention enables the zinc-nickel-air battery to operate stably. By introducing an air path system, it further solves the problem of zinc accumulation on the negative electrode, significantly improves cycle life, increases the stack surface capacity to a certain extent, and ensures high battery efficiency.
[0040] Increasing the stack's areal capacity refers to increasing the areal capacity of the positive electrode. In traditional liquid-liquid systems, the positive electrode exists only in the electrolyte. However, in gas-liquid systems, air is introduced into the positive electrode, meaning the positive electrode consists of both electrolyte and air. Therefore, the areal capacity of the stack's positive electrode is increased, which is equivalent to introducing a new reactant.
[0041] The gas-liquid two-phase single cell of this invention includes a battery frame and a zinc electrode, a separator, a nickel electrode, and a gas phase electrode formed by gas being supplied to the battery frame through a gas phase supply pipe 2. The gas-liquid two-phase battery system of this invention is compatible with a battery whose internal structure is not significantly affected; as long as the battery has an inlet, outlet, air inlet, and air outlet, it can be adapted to the system of this application.
[0042] Before operation, the electrolyte flows out from the bottom of the liquid phase storage tank 6 of this invention and is transported to the liquid phase inlet 13 (negative electrode side) via the circulation pump 4 and the liquid phase supply pipeline 5. Air is transported to the gas phase inlet 11 (positive electrode side) via the air compressor pump and the gas phase supply pipeline 2. After a period of time, the battery is started, and corresponding redox reactions occur between the positive and negative electrodes. The zinc-nickel-air composite flow battery adds air to the traditional zinc-nickel flow battery for chemical reactions. The entire battery system includes two chemical reactions: zinc-nickel and zinc-air. The zinc-nickel reaction is a chemical reaction produced by ion exchange between the liquid and solid phases. The zinc-air reaction involves oxygen from the air entering the three-phase interface to participate in ion exchange. Low-cost and large-volume air becomes a continuous nutrient for the oxygen electrode. In order to prevent impurities and other interfering gases in the air from damaging the three-phase interface, an air purification device is installed on the gas phase supply pipeline 2. This minimizes the damage of air to the three-phase interface and plays a significant role in extending the life of the oxygen electrode.
[0043] This invention overcomes the problems of zinc dendrites, zinc accumulation, low areal density capacity, short lifespan, and low battery efficiency in traditional zinc-nickel flow batteries. It develops an air-composite flow battery system by introducing an air path system to solve the problem of zinc accumulation at the negative electrode, significantly improve cycle life, increase the stack areal capacity to a certain extent, and ensure high battery efficiency.
[0044] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the inventive concept, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, including combinations of various specific technical features in any suitable manner. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately. However, these simple modifications and combinations should also be considered as the content disclosed in the present invention and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system, characterized in that, The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system includes: A gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack (1) includes one gas-liquid two-phase single cell or at least two gas-liquid two-phase single cells connected in series. The gas supply pipeline (2) is equipped with a gas delivery device (3) and is connected to the gas inlet (11) of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack (1); The liquid supply pipeline (5) is connected at both ends to the liquid inlet (13) and liquid outlet (14) of the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery group (1) to form a circulation pipeline. The liquid supply pipeline (5) is connected to a liquid storage tank (6) and is equipped with a circulation pump (4).
2. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gas purification device (8) is installed on the gas phase supply pipeline (2) downstream of the gas conveying device (3); and / or In the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack (1), the liquid phase outlet (14) is located above the liquid phase inlet (13), and the gas phase inlet (11) is located above the gas phase outlet (12).
3. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas phase outlet (12) is connected to the liquid phase storage tank (6), and the liquid phase storage tank (6) is provided with a top exhaust port (64), more preferably, the top exhaust port (64) is provided with an exhaust valve.
4. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two liquid phase outlets (14) and liquid phase inlets (13) are provided, and the liquid phase supply pipeline (5) has an inlet branch pipe and an outlet branch pipe connected to each liquid phase outlet (14) and liquid phase inlet (13).
5. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The liquid supply pipeline (5) includes a main inlet pipe and at least two inlet branch pipes extending from the main inlet pipe, each of the inlet branch pipes having the same structure and size; Preferably, the main inlet pipe is equipped with an inlet main valve; and / or Preferably, an inlet control valve is installed at the same position on all of the aforementioned inlet branch pipes.
6. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least four gas phase inlets (11) and four gas phase outlets (12) are provided. The gas phase outlets (12) are connected to the liquid phase storage tank (6) through a gas outlet pipeline. The gas outlet pipeline has a gas outlet branch connected to each of the gas phase outlets (12). The intake pipeline includes an intake main pipe connected in sequence, at least two intake branch pipes extending from the intake main pipe, a distribution pipe (9), and at least four intake branch pipes extending from the distribution pipe (9). Each intake branch pipe is connected to a corresponding gas phase inlet. Each intake branch pipe has the same structure and size.
7. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the gas flow direction, the main intake pipe is equipped with a gas delivery device (3) and a gas purification device (8).
8. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distribution pipe (9) includes a feed section (91) and at least two identical distribution sections (92) arranged in parallel at intervals. The ends of two adjacent distribution sections (92) are closed, and their beginning ends are connected through the feed section (91). Each distribution section (92) is connected to at least two intake branch pipes, and the feed section (91) is connected to each intake branch pipe; and / or The distribution pipe (9) has a square flow cross section.
9. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack (1), the gas phase supply pipeline (2) and the liquid phase supply pipeline (5) are installed in the bracket (7), and the gas-liquid two-phase flow battery pack (1) is located above the circulation pump (4), the gas delivery device (3) and the liquid phase storage tank (6).
10. The gas-liquid two-phase flow battery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid two-phase single cell includes a battery frame and a zinc electrode, a separator, a nickel electrode installed sequentially in the battery frame, and a gas phase electrode formed by gas being supplied to the battery frame through a gas phase supply pipeline (2).