Flow battery system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a flow battery system, which comprises a first storage tank, an electric pile, a first emptying storage tank and a first balance pipeline, and is characterized in that the first storage tank is used for accommodating a first electrolyte; the electric pile contains the first electrolyte from the first storage tank and is used for generating electric energy; the first emptying storage tank is arranged below the electric pile, and the first emptying storage tank is arranged to receive and store the first electrolyte flowing out of the electric pile when the flow battery system is shut down; the first balance pipeline is connected with the first emptying storage tank and the first storage tank and used for balancing the air pressure of the first emptying storage tank and the first storage tank. When the system is shut down, the first electrolyte flows out of the galvanic pile under the action of gravity and is received and stored by the first emptying storage tank. At the moment, proton exchange cannot be performed through the proton exchange membrane due to lack of the first electrolyte in the electric pile, and self-discharge cannot be performed. The self-discharge of the flow battery system is reduced, and the problem that the internal structure of the electric pile is burnt out due to overhigh self-discharge temperature is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow batteries, and more specifically to a flow battery system. Background Technology

[0002] In a horizontally arranged flow battery system, the electrolyte tank and the stack are positioned at the same level, with the electrolyte level in the tank often higher than the stack height within the power tank. Therefore, when the flow battery system shuts down, the electrolyte will fill the stack and the entire liquid piping system under pressure. After shutdown, the electrolyte on both sides of the proton exchange membrane within the stack will undergo mass transfer, generating a self-discharge effect. Since the electrolyte is stationary after shutdown, the heat generated by self-discharge is difficult to dissipate, causing the temperature inside the stack to gradually rise. If the temperature rises to a certain level, it will burn out the internal components of the stack.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to take certain measures to prevent or slow down the self-discharge within the fuel cell stack after shutdown, so as to prevent the fuel cell stack from being damaged due to excessively high local temperatures. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a flow battery system that can prevent self-discharge of the flow battery.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a flow battery system, comprising: a first storage tank, a battery stack, a first venting tank, and a first balancing pipe, wherein the first storage tank is used to contain a first electrolyte; the battery stack contains the first electrolyte from the first storage tank and is used to generate electrical energy; the first venting tank is disposed below the battery stack and is configured to receive and store the first electrolyte flowing out of the battery stack when the flow battery system is shut down; the first balancing pipe connects the first venting tank and the first storage tank and is used to balance the gas pressure of the first venting tank and the first storage tank.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the flow battery system further includes a second storage tank, a second venting tank, and a second balancing pipe; the second storage tank is used to contain a second electrolyte; the second venting tank is disposed below the battery stack and is configured to receive and store the second electrolyte flowing out of the battery stack when the flow battery system is shut down; the second balancing pipe connects the second venting tank and the second storage tank and is used to balance the gas pressure of the second venting tank and the second storage tank.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the flow battery system further includes a first venting pipe, a first venting valve located in the first venting pipe, a second venting pipe, and a second venting valve located in the second venting pipe; the first venting pipe connects the fuel cell stack and the first venting tank, and the first venting valve is configured to open when the flow battery system is shut down; the second venting pipe connects the fuel cell stack and the second venting tank, and the second venting valve is configured to open when the flow battery system is shut down.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the flow battery system further includes a first vent tank recovery pipe, a first recovery device located on the first vent tank recovery pipe, a second vent tank recovery pipe, and a second recovery device located on the second vent tank recovery pipe; the first vent tank recovery pipe connects the first vent tank and the first tank, and the connection point between the first vent tank recovery pipe and the first tank is higher than the liquid level of the first electrolyte in the first tank; the first recovery device is used to pump the first electrolyte in the first vent tank to the first tank; the second vent tank recovery pipe connects the second vent tank and the second tank, and the connection point between the second vent tank recovery pipe and the second tank is higher than the liquid level of the second electrolyte in the second tank; the second recovery device is used to pump the second electrolyte in the second vent tank to the second tank.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the flow battery system further includes a first recovery valve located in the recovery pipe of the first vented tank and a second recovery valve located in the recovery pipe of the second vented tank; the first recovery valve is configured to open when the first vented tank is filled with the first electrolyte or when the flow battery system is running, and the first recovery device pumps the first electrolyte in the first vented tank to the first tank; the second recovery valve is configured to open when the second vented tank is filled with the second electrolyte or when the flow battery system is running, and the second recovery device pumps the second electrolyte in the second vented tank to the second tank.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, a first liquid level detection device is provided in the first venting tank recovery pipe, and a second liquid level detection device is provided in the second venting tank recovery pipe; the first liquid level detection device is configured to activate the first recovery device when the liquid level of the first venting tank is higher than a first threshold; the second liquid level detection device is configured to activate the second recovery device when the liquid level of the second venting tank is higher than a second threshold.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the bottom of the first venting tank has a first liquid collection tank, and the first venting tank recovery pipe is connected to the first liquid collection tank and the first tank; the bottom of the second venting tank has a second liquid collection tank, and the second venting tank recovery pipe is connected to the second liquid collection tank and the second tank.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the flow battery system further includes a first inlet pipe, a first inlet valve located in the first inlet pipe, and a first inlet device; the first inlet pipe connects a first storage tank and a first vent pipe; the first inlet valve is configured to open when the flow battery system is in operation; the first inlet device is used to pump electrolyte to the battery stack.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the flow battery system further includes a second inlet pipe, a second inlet valve located in the second inlet pipe, and a second inlet device; the second inlet pipe is connected to a second storage tank and a second vent pipe; the second inlet valve is configured to open when the flow battery system is in operation; the second inlet device is used to pump the second electrolyte into the battery stack.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the first electrolyte is a positive electrolyte and the second electrolyte is a negative electrolyte.

[0015] This application involves placing a first venting tank below the fuel cell stack and connecting the first venting tank and the first storage tank via a first balancing pipe. When the system shuts down, the first electrolyte flows out of the fuel cell stack under gravity and is received and stored by the first venting tank. At this time, due to the lack of the first electrolyte, the fuel cell stack cannot exchange protons through the proton exchange membrane, thus preventing self-discharge. This helps reduce the self-discharge of the flow battery system and avoids the problem of the internal structure of the fuel cell stack being burned due to excessively high self-discharge temperatures. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow battery system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a first use case provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a second use case provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a third use case provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure Labels

[0022] 101, First Storage Tank;

[0023] 102, First liquid inlet device;

[0024] 103, First Recycling Unit;

[0025] 104, First vented storage tank,

[0026] 105, First recovery valve;

[0027] 106, First vent tank recovery pipe;

[0028] 107, First inlet valve;

[0029] 108, First vent valve;

[0030] 109, First Balancing Pipe;

[0031] 110, First outlet pipe;

[0032] 111, First vent pipe;

[0033] 112, First inlet pipe;

[0034] 113, First collection tank;

[0035] 300, fuel cell stack;

[0036] 301, power supply box;

[0037] 302, container;

[0038] 201, Second Storage Tank;

[0039] 202, Second liquid inlet device;

[0040] 203, Second recovery unit;

[0041] 204, Second Vent Tank

[0042] 205, Second recovery valve;

[0043] 206, Second vent tank recovery pipe;

[0044] 207, Second inlet valve;

[0045] 208, Second vent valve;

[0046] 209, Second balancing pipe;

[0047] 210, Second liquid outlet pipe;

[0048] 211, Second vent pipe;

[0049] 212, Second inlet pipe;

[0050] 213, Second collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0053] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0054] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application's specification may have been chosen by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Moreover, this application should be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0056] The embodiments of this application are described below based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of flow battery systems used to embody the technical concept of this application, and the flow battery system of this application is not specifically defined as follows. Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of the claims, the components corresponding to the components shown in the embodiments are assigned numbers to the components shown in the "Claims" and "Utility Model Content" columns. However, the components shown in the claims are not intended to be specific to the components of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application unless specifically stated, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0057] However, the dimensions or positional relationships of the components shown in the accompanying drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, in the following description, detailed descriptions of the same names and symbols representing the same or homogeneous components are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the elements constituting this application may be multiple elements composed of the same components, thus allowing one component to function as multiple elements; conversely, multiple components may share the function of one component. Additionally, the content described in some embodiments and implementations can be applied to other embodiments and implementations. Furthermore, in this specification, "upper" is not limited to the case of being formed in contact with an upper surface, but also includes the case of being formed separately on top, and also includes the meaning of an intermediate layer between layers.

[0058] This application provides a flow battery system suitable for vanadium redox flow batteries, zinc-bromine flow batteries, and iron / chromium flow batteries, etc. Figure 1 As shown, the flow battery system includes a first storage tank 101, a stack 300, a first vent tank 104, and a first balancing pipe 109. The first storage tank 101 is used to contain a first electrolyte. The stack 300 contains the first electrolyte from the first storage tank 101 and is used to generate electrical energy. The first vent tank 104 is located below the stack 300 and is configured to receive and store the first electrolyte flowing out of the stack 300 when the flow battery system is shut down. The first balancing pipe 109 connects the first vent tank 104 and the first storage tank 101 to balance the gas pressure of the first vent tank 104 and the first storage tank 101.

[0059] According to the flow battery system of this application, the first balancing conduit 109 connects the gas phase space above the first venting tank 104 with the gas phase space of the first tank 101, so that the first electrolyte in the fuel cell stack 300 can flow back to the first venting tank 104 when the flow battery system is shut down. A venting tank is provided below the first tank 104 to receive the electrolyte flowing out of the fuel cell stack 300 when the system is shut down. Since the venting tank is located below the fuel cell stack 300, the electrolyte can flow in automatically under gravity without the need for other power devices. In practical applications, only a conduit needs to be installed to connect the venting tank and the fuel cell stack 300, and a valve needs to be installed on the conduit. The valve can be opened when the system is shut down. When there is no electrolyte inside the fuel cell stack 300, the fuel cell stack 300 will not self-discharge, avoiding the problem of excessive self-discharge temperature burning the internal structure of the fuel cell stack 300.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the flow battery system also includes a second storage tank 201, a second venting tank 204, and a second balancing pipe 209; the second storage tank 201 is used to contain the second electrolyte; the second venting tank 204 is disposed below the fuel cell stack 300, and the second venting tank 204 is configured to receive and store the second electrolyte flowing out of the fuel cell stack 300 when the flow battery system is shut down; the second balancing pipe 209 connects the second venting tank 204 and the second storage tank 201, and is used to balance the gas pressure of the second venting tank 204 and the second storage tank 201.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow battery system can have a symmetrical structure. The first electrolyte in the first storage tank 101 and the second electrolyte in the second storage tank 201 are simultaneously input into the battery stack 300, where the stack 300 can convert energy to generate electrical energy. As mentioned earlier, during shutdown, the first and second electrolytes will also exchange matter and energy. At this time, the first electrolyte in the battery stack 300 can be transferred to the first venting tank 104, or the second electrolyte can be transferred to the second venting tank 204, or both can be transferred simultaneously. It is understood that when the battery stack 300 lacks either the first or second electrolyte, self-discharge cannot occur. Preferably, by introducing both the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte in the fuel cell stack 300 into the corresponding first venting tank 104 and second venting tank 204, damage to the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell stack 300 due to pressure imbalance can be avoided and water molecule imbalance can be prevented.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first storage tank 101 and the second storage tank 201 are cuboids. The volume of the first venting tank 104 is smaller than the volume of the first storage tank 101, but larger than the volume of the first electrolyte, the first venting tank recovery pipe, and other related pipelines that can be contained in one or more fuel cell stacks 300. The first venting tank 104 is elongated and flat to be positioned below the fuel cell stacks 300. Similarly, the volume and shape of the second venting tank 204 are similar to those of the first venting tank 104. The number of fuel cell stacks 300 can be increased according to the capacity and power of the flow battery system; this application does not limit the number of fuel cell stacks 300.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the flow battery system also includes a first vent pipe 111, a first vent valve 108 located in the first vent pipe 111, a second vent pipe 211, and a second vent valve 208 located in the second vent pipe 211; the first vent pipe 111 connects the fuel cell stack 300 and the first vent storage tank 104, and the first vent valve 108 is configured to open when the flow battery system is shut down; the second vent pipe 211 connects the fuel cell stack 300 and the second recovery valve 205, and the second vent valve 208 is configured to open when the flow battery system is shut down.

[0064] The first vent valve 108 and the second vent valve 208 can be electrically operated valves and are each connected to a controller, which can be a microcontroller (MCU) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), to control the first vent valve 108 and the second vent valve 208 when the flow battery system is shut down. Alternatively, the first vent valve 108 and the second vent valve 208 can be manually operated valves, controlled by maintenance personnel. When the flow battery system is operating normally, the first vent valve 108 and the second vent valve 208 are in the closed state.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow battery system also includes a first vent tank recovery pipe 106, a first recovery device 103 located on the first vent tank recovery pipe 106, a second vent tank recovery pipe 206, and a second recovery device 203 located on the second vent tank recovery pipe 206; the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 connects the first vent tank 104 and the first tank 101, and the connection point between the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 and the first tank 101 is higher than the first vent tank 101. The electrolyte level; the first recovery device 103 is used to pump the first electrolyte in the first vented storage tank 104 to the first storage tank 101; the second vented storage tank recovery pipe 206 connects the second vented storage tank 204 and the second storage tank 201, and the connection point between the second vented storage tank recovery pipe 206 and the second storage tank 201 is higher than the second electrolyte level in the second storage tank 201; the second recovery device 203 is used to pump the second electrolyte in the second vented storage tank 204 to the second storage tank 201.

[0066] When the flow battery system shuts down, the first electrolyte in the stack 300 flows into the first vent tank 104. If the first vent tank 104 is full, it cannot continue to store the first electrolyte. Furthermore, during normal operation of the flow battery system, the electrolyte in the vent tank also needs to be returned to the tank to participate in electrolyte circulation, in order to avoid depletion of the flow battery's capacity and improve the system's efficiency. The vent tank is located below the stack 300, therefore a power unit is required to pump the electrolyte into the tank. The first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203 can be circulation pumps, each connected to an MCU or FPGA for automatic control. The first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203 can also be operated by maintenance personnel, who can open or close them accordingly. After opening the first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203, the electrolytes from the first vent tank 104 and the second vent tank 204 are pumped to the first storage tank 101 and the second storage tank 201 respectively through the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 and the second vent tank recovery pipe 206. The connection point between the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 and the first storage tank 101 is higher than the liquid level of the first electrolyte in the first storage tank 101 to prevent the first electrolyte from flowing into the first vent tank 104 through the first vent tank recovery pipe 106. Here, the liquid level of the first electrolyte refers to the highest liquid level that the first storage tank 101 can reach during operation. In actual applications, the first storage tank 101 is equipped with a margin, so the highest liquid level will not be the highest point of the first storage tank 101. Similarly, the connection point between the second vent tank recovery pipe 206 and the second storage tank 201 is higher than the liquid level of the second electrolyte in the second storage tank 201.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the head of the first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203 can be set according to the battery capacity of the liquid flow system, the electrolyte level in the storage tank, and the resistance of the venting tank recovery pipe. The flow rate of the first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203 depends on the preset working time, which refers to the time it takes for the first recovery device 103 to pump the first electrolyte from the first venting tank 104 and the first venting tank recovery pipe 106 to the first storage tank 101 in a single operation. In some embodiments, the working time is set to 5-15 minutes. Specifically, the working time can also be set to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 minutes.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the diameters of the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 and the second vent tank recovery pipe 206 are determined based on the preset working time and pumping liquid volume. The diameters of the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 and the second vent tank recovery pipe 206 should not be too large to reduce the amount of electrolyte that does not participate in the circulation within the vent tank recovery pipes.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow battery system also includes a first recovery valve 105 located in the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 and a second recovery valve 205 located in the second vent tank recovery pipe 206; the first recovery valve 105 is configured to open when the first vent tank 104 is filled with the first electrolyte or when the flow battery system is running, and the first recovery device 103 pumps the first electrolyte in the first vent tank 104 to the first tank 101; the second recovery valve 205 is configured to open when the second recovery valve 205 is filled with the second electrolyte or when the flow battery system is running, and the second recovery device 203 pumps the second electrolyte in the second vent tank 204 to the second tank 201.

[0070] The first recovery valve 105 and the second recovery valve 205 can be electrically operated valves, and are respectively connected to an MCU and an FPGA for control. Alternatively, the first recovery valve 105 and the second recovery valve 205 can be manually operated valves, controlled by maintenance personnel.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first vent tank recovery pipe 106 is provided with a first liquid level detection device (not shown), and the second vent tank recovery pipe 206 is provided with a second liquid level detection device (not shown); the first liquid level detection device is configured to: activate the first recovery device 103 when the liquid level of the first vent tank 104 is higher than a first threshold; the second liquid level detection device is configured to: activate the second recovery device 203 when the liquid level of the second recovery valve 205 is higher than a second threshold.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first liquid level detection device and the second liquid level detection device may be float valves, which are respectively arranged at the inlets of the first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203. The first liquid level detection device and the second liquid level detection device may be respectively connected to an MCU or an FPGA to achieve linkage control with the first recovery device 103 and the second recovery device 203. The first threshold and the second threshold can be set according to the actual application situation of the flow battery system, which is not limited herein. The first threshold and the second threshold can be stored in the MCU or FPGA in the form of data codes. When the float valve detects that the liquid level height of the first emptying storage tank 104 is higher than the first threshold, a signal is transmitted to the MCU. After receiving the signal, the MCU will activate the first recovery device 103 to pump the electrolyte into the first storage tank 101. When the liquid level height is lower than the first threshold, it means that the first emptying storage tank 104 still has space to store the first electrolyte flowing out of the stack 300, and there is no need to control the first recovery device 103 to work. Similarly, the installation position and use of the second liquid level detector are similar to those of the first liquid level detector. The first liquid level detector and the second liquid level detector may also be a pressure water level sensor, a resistive liquid level sensor, a non-contact ultrasonic liquid level sensor, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, the bottom of the first emptying storage tank 104 has a first liquid collecting tank 113, and the first emptying storage tank recovery pipe 106 is connected to the first liquid collecting tank 113 and the first storage tank 101; the bottom of the second emptying storage tank 104 has a second liquid collecting tank 213, and the second emptying storage tank recovery pipe 206 is connected to the second liquid collecting tank and the second storage tank 201.

[0074] If the bottom of the first emptying storage tank 104 is flat, since the connection between the first emptying storage tank recovery pipe 106 and the first emptying storage tank 104 is higher than the bottom surface of the first emptying storage tank 104, some of the first electrolyte cannot participate in the electrolyte circulation of the flow battery system, reducing the capacity of the flow battery system. In practical applications, for the convenience of installation, the first emptying storage tank recovery pipe 106 is usually not arranged at the bottom of the first emptying storage tank 104, so it may cause the first electrolyte not to be completely pumped out. By arranging the first liquid collecting tank 113 at the bottom of the first emptying storage tank 104, the first liquid collecting tank 113 is connected to the first emptying storage tank 104 and is in a downward convex shape. The arrangement of the second liquid collecting tank 213 is similar to that of the first liquid collecting tank 113. Since the bottom of the first liquid collecting tank 113 and the bottom of the second liquid collecting tank 213 are respectively lower than the bottom of the first emptying storage tank 104 and the bottom of the second emptying storage tank 204, and the first emptying storage tank recovery pipe 106 is connected to the first liquid collecting tank 113 and the second emptying storage tank recovery pipe 206 is connected to the second liquid collecting tank 213, it is beneficial to pump out as much electrolyte in the first emptying storage tank 104 and the second emptying storage tank 204 as possible, and it will not accumulate at the bottom of the emptying storage tank.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the first collection tank 113 is located on the left side of the first venting tank 104, and the second collection tank 213 is located on the right side of the second venting tank 204, serving a support function similar to a bracket. In some embodiments, the first venting tank 104 and the second venting tank 204 may be integrally formed, with a partition in the middle to separate them into two independent spaces, and the downwardly protruding first collection tank 113 and second collection tank 213 serve to support the first venting tank 104 and the second venting tank 204.

[0076] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a first liquid inlet pipe 112, a first liquid inlet valve 107 located on the first liquid inlet pipe 112, and a first liquid inlet device 102; the first liquid inlet pipe 112 is connected to the first storage tank 101 and the first vent pipe 111; the first liquid inlet valve 107 is configured to open when the flow battery system is working; the first liquid inlet device 102 is used to pump the electrolyte to the stack 300.

[0077] When the flow battery system is operating normally, the first vent valve 108 is closed, and the first inlet valve 107 and the first inlet device 102 are opened to deliver the first electrolyte from the first storage tank 101 into the fuel cell stack 300. Simultaneously, the second vent valve 208 is closed, and the second inlet valve 207 and the second inlet device 202 are opened to deliver the second electrolyte from the second storage tank 201 into the fuel cell stack 300. With the first and second electrolytes, the fuel cell stack 300 can exchange matter and energy to generate electrical energy. The flow battery system also includes a first outlet pipe 110 and a second outlet pipe 210. The first outlet pipe 110 connects the fuel cell stack 300 and the first storage tank 101. Preferably, the first outlet pipe 110 is connected to the top of the first storage tank 101. Similarly, the second outlet pipe 210 is configured similarly to the first outlet pipe 110. The first electrolyte flowing into the fuel cell stack 300 flows into the first storage tank 101 through the first outlet pipe 110, forming an electrolyte circulation; the second electrolyte flowing into the fuel cell stack 300 flows into the second storage tank 201 through the second outlet pipe 210, forming an electrolyte circulation. The first and second electrolytes form a continuous cycle within the fuel cell stack 300, allowing the flow battery system to operate normally and continuously generate electrical energy for external use.

[0078] The first liquid inlet device 102 and the second liquid inlet device 202 can be pumps such as circulation pumps, and are connected to an MCU and an FPGA to achieve automatic control. The first liquid inlet pipe 112 and the first liquid inlet device 102 are set separately and independently from the first venting tank recovery pipe 106 and the first recovery device 103, which can reduce the complexity of the pipeline, avoid mutual interference between the liquid inlet pipe and the venting tank recovery pipe, and improve the stability of the flow battery system.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first liquid inlet pipe 112 and the second liquid inlet pipe 212 are directly connected to the fuel cell stack 300 without being connected to the first vent pipe 111. Similarly, the arrangement of the second liquid inlet pipe 212 is similar to that of the first liquid inlet pipe 112. This application does not limit the diameter of the pipes such as the liquid inlet pipe, liquid outlet pipe, and vent pipe; the pipe diameter can be adaptively selected according to the battery capacity of the flow battery system.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first electrolyte is a positive electrolyte and the second electrolyte is a negative electrolyte. Accordingly, the first storage tank 101 is a positive storage tank and the second storage tank 201 is a negative storage tank.

[0081] This application involves placing a first venting tank below the fuel cell stack, and connecting the first venting tank 104 and the first storage tank 101 via a first balancing pipe 109. When the system shuts down, the first electrolyte flows out of the fuel cell stack 300 under gravity and is received and stored by the first venting tank 104. At this time, due to the lack of the first electrolyte, the fuel cell stack 300 cannot exchange protons through the proton exchange membrane, thus preventing self-discharge. This helps reduce the self-discharge of the flow battery system and avoids the problem of burning out the internal structure of the fuel cell stack due to excessively high self-discharge temperatures.

[0082] The following provides several application scenarios and layout structures for flow battery systems. To make the diagrams simple and easy to understand, the related pipes and pipelines are omitted from the attached diagrams.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the first vent tank 104, the second vent tank 204, and several fuel cell stacks 300 are placed in the same power box 301, with the first vent tank 104 and the second vent tank 204 positioned below the fuel cell stacks 300. The volume of the first vent tank is greater than... Figure 2 The diagram shows the volume of the first electrolyte contained in all the fuel cells 300. The first storage tank 101 and the second storage tank 201 are arranged side-by-side in the same container 302. The power unit 301 and the container 302 are located outdoors and on the same level.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the first storage tank 101, the second storage tank 201, several fuel cell stacks 300, the first venting tank 104, and the second venting tank 204 are all located indoors on the same floor. The several fuel cell stacks 300, the first venting tank 104, and the second venting tank 204 are positioned between the first storage tank 101 and the second storage tank 201, and the first venting tank 104 and the second venting tank 204 are positioned below the several fuel cell stacks 300.

[0085] like Figure 4As shown, the first storage tank 101, the second storage tank 201, several electric stacks 300, the first vent tank 104, and the second vent tank 204 are all housed in the same container 302 and placed outdoors. The several electric stacks 300, the first vent tank 104, and the second vent tank 204 are positioned between the first storage tank 101 and the second storage tank 201, and the first vent tank 104 and the second vent tank 204 are positioned below the several electric stacks 300, and the entire assembly is on the same level.

[0086] While the foregoing disclosure has discussed various examples of embodiments that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the substance and scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, although the system components described above can be implemented by hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely by software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0087] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the present application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the present application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0088] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of range in some embodiments of this application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such numerical values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

Claims

1. A flow battery system, characterized by, The system comprises: a first tank, an electric pile, a first emptying tank and a first balance pipeline, wherein, the first tank is used for containing a first electrolyte; the electric pile contains the first electrolyte from the first tank and is used for generating electric energy; the first emptying tank is arranged below the electric pile, and the first emptying tank is arranged to receive and store the first electrolyte flowing out of the electric pile when the flow battery system is shut down; the first balance pipeline connects the first emptying tank and the first tank, and is used for balancing the air pressure of the first emptying tank and the first tank.

2. The flow battery system of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a second tank, a second emptying tank and a second balance pipeline; the second tank is used for containing a second electrolyte; the second emptying tank is arranged below the electric pile, and the second emptying tank is arranged to receive and store the second electrolyte flowing out of the electric pile when the flow battery system is shut down; the second balance pipeline connects the second emptying tank and the second tank, and is used for balancing the air pressure of the second emptying tank and the second tank.

3. The flow battery system of claim 2, wherein, Further comprising a first emptying pipeline, a first emptying valve located in the first emptying pipeline, a second emptying pipeline and a second emptying valve located in the second emptying pipeline; the first emptying pipeline connects the electric pile and the first emptying tank, and the first emptying valve is arranged to be opened when the flow battery system is shut down; the second emptying pipeline connects the electric pile and the second emptying tank, and the second emptying valve is arranged to be opened when the flow battery system is shut down.

4. The flow battery system of claim 2, wherein, Further comprising a first emptying tank recovery pipeline, a first recovery device located on the first emptying tank recovery pipeline, a second emptying tank recovery pipeline and a second recovery device located on the second emptying tank recovery pipeline; the first emptying tank recovery pipeline connects the first emptying tank and the first tank, and the connection of the first emptying tank recovery pipeline with the first tank is higher than the liquid level of the first electrolyte in the first tank; the first recovery device is used for pumping the first electrolyte in the first emptying tank to the first tank; the second emptying tank recovery pipeline connects the second emptying tank and the second tank, and the connection of the second emptying tank recovery pipeline with the second tank is higher than the liquid level of the second electrolyte in the second tank; the second recovery device is used for pumping the second electrolyte in the second emptying tank to the second tank.

5. The flow battery system of claim 4, wherein, Further comprising a first recovery valve located in the first emptying tank recovery pipeline and a second recovery valve located in the second emptying tank recovery pipeline; the first recovery valve is arranged to be opened when the first emptying tank is full of the first electrolyte or the flow battery system is running, and the first recovery device pumps the first electrolyte in the first emptying tank to the first tank; the second recovery valve is arranged to be opened when the second emptying tank is full of the second electrolyte or the flow battery system is running, and the second recovery device pumps the second electrolyte in the second emptying tank to the second tank.

6. The flow battery system of claim 5, wherein, The first vent tank recovery pipe is provided with a first liquid level detection device, and the second vent tank recovery pipe is provided with a second liquid level detection device; The first liquid level detection device is configured to start the first recovery device when the liquid level of the first vent tank is higher than a first threshold value; The second liquid level detection device is configured to start the second recovery device when the liquid level of the second vent tank is higher than a second threshold value.

7. The flow battery system of claim 5, wherein, The bottom of the first vent tank is provided with a first liquid collecting groove, and the first vent tank recovery pipe is connected to the first liquid collecting groove and the first tank; The bottom of the second vent tank is provided with a second liquid collecting groove, and the second vent tank recovery pipe is connected to the second liquid collecting groove and the second tank.

8. The flow battery system of claim 3, wherein, The first liquid inlet pipeline, a first liquid inlet valve located in the first liquid inlet pipeline, and a first liquid inlet device are further included; The first liquid inlet pipeline is connected to the first tank and the first vent pipeline; The first liquid inlet valve is configured to be opened when the flow battery system is working; The first liquid inlet device is used to pump the electrolyte to the stack.

9. The flow battery system of claim 3, wherein, The second liquid inlet pipeline, a second liquid inlet valve located in the second liquid inlet pipeline, and a second liquid inlet device are further included; The second liquid inlet pipeline is connected to the second tank and the second vent pipeline; The second liquid inlet valve is configured to be opened when the flow battery system is working; The second liquid inlet device is used to pump the second electrolyte to the stack.

10. The flow battery system of claim 2, wherein, The first electrolyte is a positive electrolyte, and the second electrolyte is a negative electrolyte.

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