Flow frame for flow battery

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of flow batteries, in particular to a flow frame for a flow battery, which comprises a plate body, a rectangular through hole for accommodating a porous electrode is arranged in the middle of the plate body, and electrolyte flow channels communicated with the rectangular through hole are respectively arranged on the upper side and the lower side of the rectangular through hole on the plate surface on one side of the plate body; a plurality of flow guide blocks are linearly arranged on one side line, communicated with the rectangular through hole, of the electrolyte flow channel at intervals, and a plurality of liquid separation flow channels communicated with the electrolyte flow channel and the rectangular through hole are formed among the flow guide blocks; a plurality of diversion blocks are linearly arranged on one side edge of a communicated rectangular through hole at intervals, so that a plurality of liquid separation runners are formed, the uniformity of electrolyte when the electrolyte enters and exits a porous electrode is improved, the uniformity of current density in a battery is improved, and the running reliability of the battery is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of flow batteries, and specifically relates to a flow frame for a flow battery. Background Art

[0002] A flow battery is a new type of storage battery based on electrochemical energy storage technology, which consists of a stack unit, an electrolyte, an electrolyte storage tank, etc.; among them, the stack unit is the core component of the flow battery, and the core component in the stack unit is the flow frame. The flow frame is the necessary flow domain for introducing the electrolyte into multiple electrodes. Therefore, the design of the flow frame is very important.

[0003] The flow rate and distribution uniformity of the electrolyte inside the flow battery are one of the important factors affecting internal mass transfer, heat transfer, momentum transfer, and reaction. A larger electrolyte flow rate can strengthen internal mass transfer in the battery and increase the reaction rate. A uniform electrolyte flow rate distribution can achieve a uniform current density and polarization distribution inside the battery; on the contrary, weakened internal mass transfer in the battery, slowed reaction rate, non-uniform current density and polarization distribution will cause phenomena such as high internal resistance of the battery and local aging of materials, resulting in a reduction in both the efficiency and lifespan of the battery. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] Aiming at the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present utility model is to provide one.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present utility model to solve its technical problems is:

[0006] A flow frame for a flow battery, including a plate body. A rectangular through-hole for accommodating a porous electrode is provided in the middle of the plate body. On one side surface of the plate body, an electrolyte flow channel communicating with the rectangular through-hole is provided on each of the upper and lower sides of the rectangular through-hole; on one side edge of the electrolyte flow channel communicating with the rectangular through-hole, a number of flow guiding blocks are linearly and spacedly arranged, and a number of sub-flow channels communicating the electrolyte flow channel and the rectangular through-hole are formed between the number of flow guiding blocks.

[0007] The present utility model adopting the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, its prominent feature is:

[0008] By linearly and spacedly arranging a number of flow guiding blocks on one side edge communicating with the rectangular through-hole, a number of sub-flow channels are formed, which is convenient for improving the uniformity of the electrolyte when entering and leaving the porous electrode, thereby improving the uniformity of the current density inside the battery and the reliability of the battery operation.

[0009] As a preference, a further technical solution of the present utility model is:

[0010] Preferably, the upper surface of the flow guiding block is flush with the surface of the plate body; so that the flow guiding block can play a certain supporting role for the adjacent flow frame on the side, preventing the electrolyte flow channel from being crushed due to uneven electrolyte flow rates in the flow frames on both sides of the diaphragm after the stack is assembled.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the electrolyte flow channel communicates with one side edge of the plate body, and the electrolyte flows into or out of the electrolyte flow channel from the end communicating with one side edge of the plate body; this greatly avoids the situation in the prior art where through holes are opened on the plate surface perpendicular to the liquid flow frame, and the through holes on several liquid flow frames are connected in series to form a channel. Once there is a blockage at one place, the entire fuel cell stack is damaged. Through the structure where one end of the electrolyte flow channel directly communicates with one side edge of the plate body, side liquid inlet is realized, enabling the electrolyte of each electrode in the fuel cell stack to form an independent cycle without mutual influence, avoiding the problem of uneven electrolyte flow rates among the electrodes in the fuel cell stack, and improving the overall power supply and charging efficiency of the flow battery.

[0012] The sides where the two electrolyte flow channels communicate with the plate body edge are arranged on the same side; since only one type of electrolyte (positive or negative electrolyte) enters and exits one plate body, arranging the communication sides on the same side can prevent the positive and negative electrolytes on the two plate bodies from being mixed and cross-contaminated when the connector is not firmly sealed and the electrolyte overflows, resulting in battery failure or self-discharge of the battery.

[0013] Preferably, a through groove is opened on the side edge of the plate body at the position of the electrolyte flow channel, and a through groove is also opened at the relative position on the opposite side of the side of the plate body provided with the through groove; after the entire fuel cell stack is encapsulated, the through grooves on each liquid flow frame together form an installation groove for installing the connector; the through grooves facilitate the connection of the connector and realize the inflow and outflow of the electrolyte.

[0014] Preferably, the spacing between several flow guiding blocks satisfies that the spacing from the side where the electrolyte flow channel communicates with the plate body edge to the opposite side is an increasing arithmetic progression; since the electrolyte flow rate is faster on the side closer to the liquid inlet than on the side farther from the liquid inlet in the electrolyte flow channel, the spacing of the flow guiding blocks is smaller on the side closer to the liquid inlet and larger on the side farther from the liquid inlet, thereby being able to balance the amount of electrolyte entering the porous electrode from each sub-electrolyte flow channel per unit time.

[0015] Preferably, when the width of the electrolyte flow channel is greater than or equal to 15 mm, several support blocks are linearly arranged at intervals along the long direction of the electrolyte flow channel in the electrolyte flow channel, and the upper surface of the support blocks is flush with the surface of the plate body; this prevents the electrolyte flow channel from being collapsed due to uneven electrolyte flow rates in the liquid flow frames on both sides of the diaphragm after the fuel cell stack is assembled.

[0016] Preferably, the support block has a parallel hexagonal structure, and two side edges of the support block are parallel to the electrolyte flow channel; when the electrode liquid flows through the support block, the support block plays a role in guiding the electrolyte, achieving a flow splitting effect through the tip of the support block. At the same time, since the flow channel becomes narrower, the liquid pressure further increases, accelerating the electrolyte flow rate, strengthening the mass transfer inside the fuel cell stack unit, and increasing the reaction rate.

[0017] Preferably, the support block is arranged in the middle of the electrolyte flow channel in the width direction; the support effect is better.

[0018] Preferably, the two top angles at the left and right ends of the support block are 30°-60° angles; when the electrolyte flows to the support block, the 30°-60° angle has a good transition effect, avoiding the obstruction of the electrolyte flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a flow frame for a flow battery in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional structural diagram at A-A in

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another flow frame for a flow battery in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 3 the cross-sectional structural diagram at B-B in

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 is another schematic structural diagram of the connector in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Description of the reference numerals: 1, plate body; 2, rectangular through hole; 3, electrolyte flow channel; 4, diversion block; 5, through groove; 6, connection hole; 7, support block; 8, connector; 801, groove; 802, liquid distribution pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The following further elaborates the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and the purpose is only to better understand the content of the present invention. Therefore, the examples given do not limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a flow frame for a flow battery, which includes a plate body 1. A rectangular through-hole 2 for accommodating a porous electrode is provided in the middle of the plate body 1. On one side surface of the plate body 1, an electrolyte flow channel 3 communicating with the rectangular through-hole 2 is arranged on each of the upper and lower sides of the rectangular through-hole 2. As in the flow frame and vanadium battery with the application number 202022177816.5, the plate body 1 is provided with a liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet hole. The liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole are respectively communicated with the rectangular through-hole 2 through two electrolyte flow channels 3. A plurality of flow guiding blocks 4 are linearly and spacedly arranged on one side edge of the electrolyte flow channel 3 communicating with the rectangular through-hole 2. A plurality of sub-liquid flow channels communicating the electrolyte flow channel 3 and the rectangular through-hole 2 are formed between the plurality of flow guiding blocks 4. The electrolyte flows into the electrolyte flow channel 3 connected thereto from the liquid inlet hole, then flows into the porous electrode through the sub-liquid flow channels for reaction, flows into another electrolyte flow channel 3 through the sub-liquid flow channels of another electrolyte flow channel 3, and finally flows out from the liquid outlet hole to complete the electrolyte exchange. In this embodiment, by linearly and spacedly arranging a plurality of flow guiding blocks 4 on one side edge communicating with the rectangular through-hole 2, a plurality of formed sub-liquid flow channels are convenient for improving the uniformity of the electrolyte when entering and leaving the porous electrode, thereby improving the uniformity of the current density inside the battery and the reliability of the battery operation.

[0028] Embodiment 2, as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a flow frame for a flow battery, which includes a plate body 1. A rectangular through-hole 2 for accommodating a porous electrode is provided in the middle of the plate body 1. On one side surface of the plate body 1, an electrolyte flow channel 3 communicating with the rectangular through-hole 2 is arranged on each of the upper and lower sides of the rectangular through-hole 2. One end of the electrolyte flow channel 3 is communicated with one side edge of the plate body 1. A plurality of flow guiding blocks 4 are linearly and spacedly arranged on one side edge of the electrolyte flow channel 3 communicating with the rectangular through-hole 2. A plurality of sub-liquid flow channels communicating the electrolyte flow channel 3 and the rectangular through-hole 2 are formed between the plurality of flow guiding blocks 4. One of the two electrolyte flow channels 3 serves as an inlet flow channel, and the other serves as an outlet flow channel. The connection point between the side edge of the plate body 1 and the inlet flow channel is the liquid inlet, and the connection point between the side edge of the plate body 1 and the outlet flow channel is the liquid outlet. The electrolyte flows into the electrolyte flow channel 3 serving as the inlet flow channel from the liquid inlet, then flows into the rectangular through-hole 2, that is, the porous electrode, through the sub-liquid flow channels for reaction, flows into another electrolyte flow channel 3 through the sub-liquid flow channels of another electrolyte flow channel 3, and finally flows out from the liquid outlet. Compared with Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the electrolyte enters and exits the flow frame from the side surface of the plate body 1, enabling the electrolyte of each electrode in the stack to form an independent cycle without mutual influence, improving the uniformity of the electrolyte flow rate of each electrode in the stack, and improving the overall power supply and charging efficiency of the flow battery.

[0029] On the basis of Embodiment 2, as Figure 1 、 Figure 3, on one side where the two electrolyte flow channels 3 communicate with the edge of the plate body 1, they are arranged on the same side. For example, on the left side where the two electrolyte flow channels 3 of the liquid flow frame for the positive electrode communicate with the edge of the plate body 1, and on the right side where the two electrolyte flow channels 3 of the liquid flow frame for the negative electrode communicate with the edge of the plate body 1; in this way, the electrolyte exchange ports for the positive and negative electrodes are located on both sides of the stack, which can avoid the problem that when the liquid flow frame and the connector 8 are not firmly sealed and the electrolyte overflows, the positive and negative electrolytes are mixed and cross - contaminated with each other, and avoid self - discharge of the battery.

[0030] Based on Embodiment 2, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 shown, a through - groove 5 is opened on the side edge of the plate body 1 at the position of the electrolyte flow channel 3, and a through - groove 5 is also opened at the relative position on the opposite side of the side edge of the plate body 1 where the through - groove 5 is provided; after the stack is integrally encapsulated, the through - grooves 5 on each liquid flow frame together form an installation groove for installing the connector 8. The setting of the through - groove 5 facilitates the connection of the connector 8 and realizes the inflow and outflow of the electrolyte; as shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 shown, the connector 8 includes a connecting plate adapted to the installation groove, and grooves 801 are provided corresponding to the liquid inlet and outlet of each single cell in the stack; a liquid distribution tube 802 is provided on the connecting plate corresponding to each groove 801. One end of the liquid distribution tube 802 is connected to the main pipeline, and the other end communicates with the groove 801; the electrolyte flows from the inlet pipe in the main pipeline into the liquid distribution tube 802, flows into the groove 801, and is distributed from the groove 801 to the liquid inlets of each single cell. When discharging, similarly, it flows from the liquid outlets of each single cell to the groove 801 and flows back to the outlet pipe in the main pipeline through the liquid distribution tube 802.

[0031] As Figure 1 , Figure 3 shown, the distance between several flow - guiding blocks 4 satisfies that the distance from the side where the electrolyte flow channel 3 communicates with the edge of the plate body 1 to the opposite side is an increasing arithmetic sequence; the distance an = a1+(n - 1)×d, where a1 is the first group of flow - guiding blocks 4 near the end where the electrolyte flow channel 3 communicates with the edge of the plate body 1, and d is the increasing length; since the electrolyte flow rate in the electrolyte flow channel 3 is faster on the side closer to the liquid inlet than on the side farther from the liquid inlet, the distance between the flow - guiding blocks 4 on the side closer to the liquid inlet is smaller, and the distance between the flow - guiding blocks 4 on the side farther from the liquid inlet is larger, so as to balance the amount of electrolyte entering the porous electrode from each liquid - dividing flow channel per unit time.

[0032] The upper surface of the flow - guiding block 4 is flush with the surface of the plate body 1; so that the flow - guiding block 4 can play a certain supporting role for the adjacent liquid flow frame, preventing the electrolyte flow channel 3 from being collapsed due to uneven electrolyte flow rates in the liquid flow frames on both sides of the diaphragm after the stack is assembled.

[0033] When the width of the electrolyte flow channel 3 is greater than or equal to 15 mm, since the width of the electrolyte flow channel 3 is relatively large and the electrolyte flow rate increases, in order to prevent the electrolyte flow channel 3 from being collapsed due to uneven electrolyte flow rates in the liquid flow frames on both sides of the diaphragm after the stack is assembled, a number of support blocks 7 are linearly and spaced along the length direction of the electrolyte flow channel 3, and the upper surface of the support block 7 is flush with the surface of the plate body 1; the length of the support block 7 is 30 mm - 100 mm, and the width is 2 mm - 10 mm.

[0034] The support block 7 has a parallelogonal structure, and two sides of the support block 7 are parallel to the electrolyte flow channel 3; when the electrode liquid flows through the support block 7, the support block 7 plays a guiding role in the electrolyte, and a shunting effect is achieved through the tip of the support block 7. At the same time, since the flow channel becomes narrower, the liquid pressure further increases, accelerating the electrolyte flow rate, strengthening the mass transfer inside the stack unit, and increasing the reaction rate.

[0035] To ensure the support effect, the support block 7 is arranged in the middle of the electrolyte flow channel 3 in the width direction.

[0036] To facilitate the smooth flow of the electrolyte from the electrolyte flow channel 3 to the diversion channel, the two top angles at the left and right ends of the support block 7 are 30° - 60° angles; when the electrolyte flows to the support block 7, the 30° - 60° angle has a good transition effect, avoiding the obstruction of the electrolyte flow.

[0037] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model that can be implemented, and do not limit the scope of the rights of the present utility model. Any equivalent changes made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present utility model are included in the scope of the rights of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flow frame for a flow battery, comprising a plate body (1). A rectangular through hole (2) for accommodating a porous electrode is provided in the middle of the plate body (1). On one side surface of the plate body (1), an electrolyte flow channel (3) communicating with the rectangular through hole (2) is provided on each of the upper and lower sides of the rectangular through hole (2); characterized in that: On one side of the electrolyte flow channel (3) communicating with the rectangular through-hole (2), a number of flow guiding blocks (4) are linearly arranged at intervals, and a number of liquid distribution channels communicating the electrolyte flow channel (3) and the rectangular through-hole (2) are formed between the a number of flow guiding blocks (4).

2. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the flow guiding block (4) is flush with the surface of the plate body (1).

3. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the electrolyte flow channel (3) communicates with one side edge of the plate body (1), and the electrolyte flows into or out of the electrolyte flow channel (3) from the end communicating with one side edge of the plate body (1).

4. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 3, wherein: The sides of the two electrolyte flow channels (3) communicating with the edge of the plate body (1) are arranged on the same side.

5. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 3, wherein: A through groove (5) is formed on the side edge of the plate body (1) at the position of the electrolyte flow channel (3), and a through groove (5) is also formed at the relative position on the opposite side of the side edge of the plate body (1) where the through groove (5) is provided; after the overall packaging of the stack, the through grooves (5) on each liquid flow frame together form an installation groove for installing the connector (8).

6. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 3, wherein: The distance between the a number of flow guiding blocks (4) satisfies that the distance from the side of the electrolyte flow channel (3) communicating with the edge of the plate body (1) to the opposite side is an increasing arithmetic progression.

7. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the width of the electrolyte flow channel (3) is greater than or equal to 15 mm, a number of support blocks (7) are linearly arranged at intervals along the length direction of the electrolyte flow channel (3) in the electrolyte flow channel (3), and the upper surface of the support block (7) is flush with the surface of the plate body (1).

8. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 7, wherein: The support block (7) has a parallel hexagonal structure, and two side edges of the support block (7) are parallel to the electrolyte flow channel (3).

9. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 7, wherein: The support block (7) is arranged in the middle of the electrolyte flow channel (3) in the width direction.

10. The flow frame for a flow battery according to claim 9, characterized in that: The two top angles at the left and right ends of the support block (7) are 30° - 60° angles.

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