Electrolyte storage tank

Abstract

The utility model provides an electrolyte storage tank which comprises a tank body, a gas collecting part, a gas flow pipeline and a chlorine treatment part, the gas collecting part is arranged on the side edge of the tank body and comprises at least two gas collecting pipes, a gas inlet of each gas collecting pipe is communicated to the tank body, gas outlets of all the gas collecting pipes are communicated to the gas flow pipeline, and the chlorine treatment part is arranged on the gas flow pipeline. All the gas collecting pipes are located at different heights, each gas collecting pipe is provided with a valve, a gas inlet of the gas flow pipeline is communicated to gas outlets of all the gas collecting pipes, a gas outlet of the gas flow pipeline is communicated to a gas inlet of the chlorine gas treatment part, and the chlorine gas treatment part is provided with a chlorine gas absorbent. According to the utility model, the by-product chlorine of the all-vanadium redox flow battery can be treated in time, and the positive pressure danger of the electrolyte storage tank is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model mainly relates to the technical field of liquid flow battery equipment, in particular to an electrolyte storage tank. Background Art

[0002] All-vanadium redox flow batteries are a new type of large-capacity energy storage battery. They offer high energy conversion efficiency, safe and reliable operation, independently configurable power and capacity, a long service life, and are environmentally friendly and pollution-free. They are a leading choice for large-scale energy storage technologies. They effectively address the issue of unstable renewable energy generation, achieving smooth output and effectively regulating the time difference between power generation and consumption, ensuring continuous and stable power supply. They hold a significant and growing share of the energy storage market.

[0003] The energy of an all-vanadium flow battery is stored as chemical energy in an electrolyte containing vanadium ions of varying valences. The electrolyte is pumped into the battery stack via an external pump and, under mechanical force, circulates through a closed loop between the electrolyte storage tanks at the positive and negative electrodes and the corresponding half-cells. The electrolyte flows over the electrode surfaces, undergoing an electrochemical reaction. The bipolar plates collect and conduct the current, converting the chemical energy stored in the solution into electrical energy. This reversible electrochemical reaction allows the all-vanadium flow battery to smoothly complete charging, discharging, and recharging. Specifically, during charging, the positive electrode loses electrons to oxidize tetravalent vanadium to pentavalent vanadium, while the negative electrode gains electrons to reduce trivalent vanadium to divalent vanadium. During discharge, the positive electrode gains electrons to reduce pentavalent vanadium to tetravalent vanadium, while the negative electrode loses electrons to reduce divalent vanadium to trivalent vanadium.

[0004] At present, the electrolyte commonly used in the market is composed of dilute sulfuric acid solution. Considering the limited solubility of vanadium ions in dilute sulfuric acid solution, this will result in a lower energy density. The electrolyte composed of a mixture of dilute sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid solution has attracted widespread commercial attention due to its extremely high solubility of vanadium ions. However, the mixed electrolyte of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid also has some shortcomings. For example, the hydrochloric acid in the mixed acid (sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid mixed electrolyte) system will undergo electrolysis during the charging process, generating chlorine on the positive electrode side, posing a safety hazard. Since the electrolyte storage tank cannot withstand positive pressure, the chlorine accumulated in the positive electrode storage tank needs to be discharged in time to prevent the electrolyte storage tank from bursting. In addition, chlorine is a highly toxic gas and needs to be handled in time to prevent chlorine from polluting the environment. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide an electrolyte storage tank, which can timely process chlorine gas, a byproduct of all-vanadium liquid flow batteries, and reduce the danger of positive pressure in the electrolyte storage tank.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, in the first aspect, the utility model provides an electrolyte storage tank, comprising: a tank body; a gas collecting part; the gas collecting part is arranged on the side of the tank body, and the gas collecting part includes at least two gas collecting pipes, the air inlet of each gas collecting pipe is connected to the tank body, and the air outlet of all the gas collecting pipes is connected to the air flow duct; and all the gas collecting pipes are at different heights, and each of the gas collecting pipes is provided with a valve; the air inlet of the air flow duct is connected to the air outlet of all the gas collecting pipes, and the air outlet of the air flow duct is connected to the air inlet of the chlorine treatment part; the chlorine treatment part has a chlorine absorbent.

[0007] Optionally, a liquid level detector is provided inside the tank body, the valve is an electric valve, and a control signal of the electric valve is derived from a detection signal of the liquid level detector.

[0008] Optionally, the chlorine treatment part is located below the tank body, and a bracket is provided below the chlorine treatment part. The tank body and the chlorine treatment part are an integrated structure or a split structure.

[0009] Optionally, the bottom of the chlorine treatment part is configured as a conical bottom, and the side of the chlorine treatment part has a feed port.

[0010] Optionally, the chlorine treatment part includes a supporting body and a material placement tray, the material placement tray is located in the supporting body and is slidably connected to the supporting body, and a sealing gasket or a sealing ring is provided at the sliding connection between the material placement tray and the supporting body.

[0011] Optionally, the chlorine absorbent is a solid type chlorine absorbent, including one or more of the following substances: activated carbon, silica gel and aluminum oxide.

[0012] Optionally, the chlorine absorbent is an alkaline solution, comprising one or more of the following substances: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and sodium carbonate.

[0013] Optionally, a pH sensor is provided inside the chlorine treatment unit.

[0014] In the second aspect, the utility model provides an electrolyte storage tank, comprising: a tank body; an air intake hose, wherein the air intake hose is placed in the tank body, and a float is fixed to the air inlet end of the air intake hose, and the air outlet of the air intake hose is connected to the air inlet of the chlorine treatment part; the chlorine treatment part has a chlorine absorbent.

[0015] Optionally, a vertical slide rail is provided on the inner wall of the tank body, and a slider is fixed to the air inlet end of the air intake hose, and the slider is placed on the slide rail.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following advantages: since gas collecting pipes are provided at different heights of the tank body, a suitable gas collecting pipe can be selected according to the different heights of the electrolyte, and the gas collecting pipe draws out the chlorine, thereby achieving the purpose of timely processing the chlorine gas, a by-product of the all-vanadium liquid flow battery, and reducing the positive pressure risk of the electrolyte storage tank; in addition, an air intake hose can also be provided. Since a float is fixed on the air inlet end of the air intake hose, the air inlet of the air intake hose will match different electrolyte heights and draw out chlorine in time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present application. They are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the present application. In the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electrolyte storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of an electrolyte storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a chlorine treatment unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a front view of another structure of an electrolyte storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a front view of an electrolyte storage tank according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 It is a front view of another structure of an electrolyte storage tank in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 100-electrolyte storage tank;

[0026] 110-tank;

[0027] 120-gas collecting part, 121-gas collecting pipe, 122-valve;

[0028] 130-airflow duct;

[0029] 140- chlorine treatment unit, 141- conical bottom, 142- feed port, 143- support body, 144- material tray;

[0030] 150-Stand;

[0031] 160-intake hose;

[0032] 170-float;

[0033] 180-slide rail;

[0034] 190-Slider. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without inventive effort. Unless otherwise apparent from the context or otherwise noted, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0036] As used in this application and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not intended to refer to the singular but may include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprises" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements specifically identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. A method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values ​​described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. At the same time, it should be understood that for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification.

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an electrolyte storage tank 100, whose structure mainly includes a tank body 110, a gas collecting section 120, an air flow pipeline 130 and a chlorine treatment section 140. The gas collecting section 120 is arranged on the side of the tank body 110, and the gas collecting section 120 includes at least two gas collecting pipes 121. The air inlet of each gas collecting pipe 121 is connected to the tank body 110, and the air outlet of all the gas collecting pipes 121 is connected to the air flow pipeline 130. All the gas collecting pipes 121 are at different heights, and each gas collecting pipe 121 is provided with a valve 122. The air inlet of the air flow pipeline 130 is connected to the air outlet of all the gas collecting pipes 121, and the air outlet of the air flow pipeline 130 is connected to the air inlet of the chlorine treatment section 140. The chlorine treatment section 140 has a chlorine absorbent.

[0039] In this embodiment, the gas collecting section 120 includes at least two gas collecting pipes 121, which can be three, four, five, or more, and all of the gas collecting pipes 121 are located at different heights. In other words, locations at different heights on the tank body 110 are connected to a gas collecting pipe 121. Thus, the gas collecting section 120 can collect chlorine gas at different heights. Of course, the more gas collecting pipes 121 there are, the more locations where chlorine gas can be collected, and the more timely the chlorine gas can be collected.

[0040] This is because the density of chlorine is relatively high, and the density under standard conditions is 3.21kg / m 3 , about 2.5 times denser than air, and therefore tends to sink in the air and accumulate at a lower position. To expel the chlorine gas as quickly as possible, the gas collecting pipe 121 needs to be positioned as low as possible. However, since the actual amount of electrolyte in the electrolyte storage tank 100 cannot be determined in advance, the height of the electrolyte in the electrolyte storage tank 100 cannot be determined in advance either. Therefore, the required low position of the gas collecting pipe 121 needs to take into account the height of the electrolyte.

[0041] In this embodiment, the electrolyte storage tank 100 is designed with gas collecting pipes 121 of different heights, which can cope with electrolytes of different heights. For example, taking two gas collecting pipes 121 as an example, refer to Figure 2 As shown, there are respectively a low gas collecting pipe 121 and a high gas collecting pipe 121. If the current height of the electrolyte is the L1 position in the figure, it is necessary to open the valve 122 corresponding to the gas collecting pipe 121 adjacent to the position, and the chlorine enters the air flow duct 130 through the gas collecting pipe 121. In fact, as long as the electrolyte position is below the air inlet position of the gas collecting pipe 121, chlorine can enter the air flow duct 130 through the gas collecting pipe 121. If the current height of the electrolyte is at the L2 position in the figure, the valve 122 on the low gas collecting pipe 121 is in a closed state, and the valve 122 corresponding to the gas collecting pipe 121 at the high position above the L2 position is in an open state, and chlorine can enter the air flow duct 130 through the gas collecting pipe 121. It can be seen that by opening the corresponding gas collecting pipe 121 according to different electrolyte heights, the byproduct chlorine of the all-vanadium liquid flow battery can be treated in time without waiting until the chlorine accumulates to a certain level before treatment. This is more timely and can reduce the risk of positive pressure in the electrolyte storage tank.

[0042] In one example, a liquid level detector (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the tank body 110 , and the valve 122 is an electric valve, and a control signal of the electric valve is derived from a detection signal of the liquid level detector.

[0043] In this embodiment, when valve 122 is an electric valve, automatic control can be used to open and close the valve. Different electrolyte level ranges correspond to different opening and closing combinations of valve 122, thereby achieving the purpose of opening corresponding gas collecting pipe 121 at different electrolyte levels. The control signal of the electric valve is derived from the detection signal of the liquid level detector. Therefore, the opening and closing of valve 122 through automatic control technology eliminates the need for human intervention and has a faster response speed.

[0044] In one example, the chlorine processing unit 140 is located below the tank body 110 , and a bracket 150 is disposed below the chlorine processing unit 140 . The tank body 110 and the chlorine processing unit 140 are an integrated structure or a split structure.

[0045] Since the density of chlorine is relatively large, the present embodiment can arrange the chlorine treatment unit 140 below the tank body 110. When the tank body 110 and the chlorine treatment unit 140 are an integrated structure, the tank body 110 and the chlorine treatment unit 140 cannot be disassembled after installation, and the structure is more stable. Designing the chlorine treatment unit 140 and the tank body 110 to be integrated up and down can effectively reduce the floor space of the electrolyte storage tank 100. When the tank body 110 and the chlorine treatment unit 140 are a split structure, the electrolyte storage tank 100 is more flexible in use. For example, when the chlorine treatment unit 140 is not needed, the chlorine treatment unit 140 can be removed, and the other components of the electrolyte storage tank 100 can still work normally. The bracket 150 is located below the chlorine treatment unit 140 and supports the entire electrolyte storage tank 100.

[0046] In one example, the bottom of the chlorine processing part 140 is configured as a conical bottom 141 , and a side surface of the chlorine processing part 140 has a feed port 142 .

[0047] The conical bottom 141 allows the material in the chlorine treatment section 140 to flow out naturally by gravity, reducing material accumulation at the bottom of the chlorine treatment section 140 and improving its flowability. The conical bottom 141 of the chlorine treatment section 140 facilitates replacement of the chlorine absorbent within the chlorine treatment section 140. The chlorine absorbent can be completely removed and fresh chlorine absorbent can be added through the side feed port 142. When the chlorine absorbent is a liquid, the conical bottom 141 of the chlorine treatment section 140 also facilitates replacement of the liquid solution within the chlorine treatment section 140. In this case, the screw cap of the conical bottom 141 can be replaced with a valve to prevent liquid splashing during drainage.

[0048] refer to Figure 4 As shown, in one example, the chlorine treatment unit 140 includes a supporting body 143 and a material tray 144. The material tray 144 is located in the supporting body 143 and is slidably connected to the supporting body 143. The sliding connection between the material tray 144 and the supporting body 143 has a sealing gasket or a sealing ring.

[0049] In this embodiment, the material tray 144 is used to store chlorine absorbent. When the chlorine treatment unit 140 is in use, the material tray 144 is removed from the support body 143, the chlorine absorbent is placed in the material tray 144, and the material tray 144 is returned to its operating position. Furthermore, a sealing gasket or ring is provided at the sliding connection between the material tray 144 and the support body 143 to prevent chlorine gas leakage and environmental contamination.

[0050] In one example, the chlorine absorbent is a solid type chlorine absorbent including one or more of the following substances: activated carbon, silica gel, and alumina.

[0051] For example, high-surface-area activated carbon can be used for desorption after absorbing chlorine. This allows for recyclable use while also allowing for subsequent chlorine processing. Other materials are not discussed here; in this embodiment, the appropriate chlorine absorbent can be selected based on the specific application scenario.

[0052] In one example, the chlorine absorbent is an alkaline solution including one or more of the following substances: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).

[0053] In one example, a pH sensor (not shown) is provided inside the chlorine treatment unit 140. The pH sensor is installed inside the chlorine absorption unit 140. When the pH value inside the chlorine treatment unit 140 reaches a set value (e.g., 7), a message or instruction to replace the chlorine absorbent is issued.

[0054] The electrolyte storage tank 100 of this embodiment has gas collecting pipes 121 at different heights of its tank body 110. Then, according to the different electrolyte heights, a suitable gas collecting pipe 121 can be selected to lead out the chlorine gas, so as to promptly treat the chlorine gas byproduct of the all-vanadium redox flow battery and reduce the risk of positive pressure in the electrolyte storage tank 100.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a front view of another embodiment of the electrolyte storage tank of the utility model, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the electrolyte storage tank 100 includes a tank body 110, an air intake hose 160, and a chlorine treatment unit 140. The air intake hose 160 is placed in the tank body 110, and a float 170 is fixed to the air inlet end of the air intake hose 160. The air outlet of the air intake hose 160 is connected to the air inlet of the chlorine treatment unit 140, and the chlorine treatment unit 140 has a chlorine absorbent.

[0056] In this embodiment, the float 170 floats on the surface of the electrolyte, ensuring that the air inlet of the air intake hose 160 remains above the electrolyte. Furthermore, the air intake hose 160 is flexible, allowing it to freely expand and contract within its maximum length. When the electrolyte in the electrolyte storage tank 100 is at different levels, the float 170 can adaptably move up and down with the varying levels of the electrolyte. This ensures that the air intake hose 160 remains above and adjacent to the electrolyte, enabling timely treatment of chlorine gas, a byproduct of the all-vanadium redox flow battery, while mitigating the risk of positive pressure buildup in the electrolyte storage tank 100.

[0057] In one example, a vertical slide rail 180 is provided on the inner wall of the tank body 110 , and a slider 190 is fixed to the air inlet end of the air intake hose 160 , and the slider 190 is placed on the slide rail 180 .

[0058] In order to make the movement of the air intake hose 160 (specifically, the air outlet of the air intake hose 160) smoother and avoid accidental factors that cause the electrolyte to flow into the air intake hose 160, this embodiment is provided with a slide rail slider structure, that is, the inner wall of the tank body 110 is provided with a vertical slide rail 180, and a slider 190 is fixed to the air inlet end of the air intake hose 160. The slider 190 is placed on the slide rail 180, and the slider 190 can only move in the direction restricted by the slide rail 180. In this way, the air outlet of the air intake hose 160 can only move in the restricted direction, thereby avoiding the situation where the electrolyte enters the air intake hose 160.

[0059] In one example, the chlorine processing unit 140 is located below the tank body 110 , and a bracket 150 is disposed below the chlorine processing unit 140 . The tank body 110 and the chlorine processing unit 140 are an integrated structure or a split structure.

[0060] In one example, the bottom of the chlorine processing part 140 is configured as a conical bottom 141 , and a side surface of the chlorine processing part 140 has a feed port 142 .

[0061] In one example, the chlorine treatment unit 140 includes a supporting body 143 and a material tray 144 . The material tray 144 is located in the supporting body 143 and is slidably connected to the supporting body 143 . A sealing gasket or a sealing ring is provided at the sliding connection between the material tray 144 and the supporting body 143 .

[0062] In one example, the chlorine absorbent is a solid type chlorine absorbent including one or more of the following substances: activated carbon, silica gel, and alumina.

[0063] In one example, the chlorine absorbent is an alkaline solution including one or more of the following substances: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).

[0064] In one example, a pH sensor is disposed inside the chlorine treatment unit 140 .

[0065] For more details of the components or assemblies in this embodiment that are the same as those in the previous embodiment, reference can be made to the previous embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0066] In the electrolyte storage tank 100 of this embodiment, an air intake hose 160 is provided. Since a float 170 is fixed to the air outlet end of the air intake hose 160, even if the electrolyte level changes, the air intake hose 160 can draw out chlorine at a suitable position, thereby promptly treating the chlorine byproduct of the all-vanadium redox flow battery and reducing the risk of positive pressure in the electrolyte storage tank 100.

[0067] The basic concepts have been described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above utility model disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and amendments to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and amendments are suggested in this application and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0068] In some embodiments, numbers are used to describe the quantity of components and attributes. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of the embodiments are modified by the modifiers "about", "approximately" or "substantially" in some examples. Unless otherwise stated, "about", "approximately" or "substantially" indicate that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the description and claims are approximate values, which may change according to the required features of individual embodiments. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should take into account the specified significant digits and adopt the general method of retaining digits. Although the numerical domains and parameters used to confirm the breadth of their range in some embodiments of the present application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, the settings of such numerical values ​​are as accurate as possible within the feasible range.

[0069] Although the present application has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, ordinary technicians in this technical field should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, as long as the changes and modifications to the above embodiments are within the scope of the essential spirit of the present application, they will fall within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrolyte storage tank, characterized in that: include: Tank; Gas collecting part; the gas collecting part is arranged on the side of the tank body, and the gas collecting part includes at least two gas collecting pipes, the air inlet of each gas collecting pipe is connected to the tank body, and the air outlets of all the gas collecting pipes are connected to the air flow duct; and all the gas collecting pipes are at different heights, and each gas collecting pipe is provided with a valve; The air inlet of the air flow duct is connected to the air outlet of all the air collecting pipes, and the air outlet of the air flow duct is connected to the air inlet of the chlorine treatment unit; The chlorine gas treatment unit includes a chlorine gas absorbent.

2. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that A liquid level detector is provided inside the tank body, and the valve is an electric valve. The control signal of the electric valve is derived from the detection signal of the liquid level detector.

3. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The chlorine treatment part is located below the tank body, and a bracket is provided below the chlorine treatment part. The tank body and the chlorine treatment part are an integrated structure or a split structure.

4. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that The bottom of the chlorine treatment part is configured as a conical bottom, and the side of the chlorine treatment part is provided with a feed port.

5. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The chlorine treatment part includes a supporting body and a material placing tray. The material placing tray is located in the supporting body and is slidably connected to the supporting body. A sealing gasket or a sealing ring is provided at the sliding connection between the material placing tray and the supporting body.

6. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The chlorine absorbent is activated carbon, silica gel or alumina.

7. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that The chlorine absorbent is sodium hydroxide solution, calcium hydroxide solution or sodium carbonate solution.

8. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that A pH sensor is provided inside the chlorine treatment unit.

9. An electrolyte storage tank, characterized in that: include: Tank; An air intake hose is placed in the tank body, and a float is fixed to the air inlet end of the air intake hose, and the air outlet of the air intake hose is connected to the air inlet of the chlorine treatment unit; The chlorine gas treatment unit includes a chlorine gas absorbent.

10. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 9, characterized in that: The inner wall of the tank body is provided with a vertical slide rail, and the air inlet end of the air intake hose is fixed with a slider, and the slider is placed on the slide rail.

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