Integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an integrated energy storage structure system of an all-vanadium redox flow battery, and belongs to the technical field of energy storage. Comprising a shell which is internally provided with an upper box body and a lower box body. A water tank is arranged in the upper box body, a galvanic pile is arranged in the lower box body and is communicated with the anode electrolyte storage tank and the cathode electrolyte storage tank through pipelines, valves, filters and pump systems are arranged on the pipelines, electric heaters are arranged at the bottoms of the storage tanks, water cooling systems are sleeved on the pipelines on two sides of the galvanic pile, and heat dissipation mechanisms are arranged on two sides of the lower box body. The system is high in integration degree and compact in structure, and the occupied area is reduced. The water cooling system and the heat dissipation mechanism work cooperatively, the electric heater is combined, the temperature is effectively controlled, stable operation of the battery at different environment temperatures is ensured, and the service life of the battery is prolonged. The pump system and the filter guarantee stable and efficient electrolyte circulation, are convenient to monitor and maintain, can monitor the system state in real time, timely position and solve problems, improve the system safety, reliability and operation and maintenance efficiency, and are suitable for various energy storage scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing global emphasis on renewable energy and the continuous growth of electricity demand, energy storage technology has become crucial for addressing the intermittency and instability of energy supply. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs), as an emerging electrochemical energy storage technology, have broad application prospects in large-scale energy storage due to their advantages such as high safety, long cycle life, and large energy storage capacity. However, existing VRB energy storage systems have some shortcomings in their structural design. For example, the dispersed layout of components leads to a large system footprint, complex connections, and increased installation and maintenance costs; temperature control is not precise or efficient enough, affecting battery performance and lifespan; and electrolyte circulation management is not refined enough, making it impossible to monitor and adjust the electrolyte state in real time. Therefore, it is necessary to design an integrated, efficient, and easily manageable VRB energy storage system. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system to solve problems such as unreasonable structural layout, insufficient precision and efficiency in temperature control and electrolyte management in existing vanadium redox flow battery energy storage systems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system, including a shell. The shell is internally divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A water tank is installed in the upper chamber, and a battery stack is installed in the lower chamber. The battery stack is connected to a positive electrolyte storage tank and a negative electrolyte storage tank via pipelines. A water cooling system connected to the water tank is installed on the pipelines on both sides of the battery stack. Valves, filters, and pump systems are also installed on the pipelines. Electric heaters are installed at the bottom of both the positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks. Heat dissipation mechanisms are installed on both sides of the lower chamber.

[0005] Preferably, the positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the outlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank via the pipe, the positive electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the inlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank via the pipe, the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the outlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank via the pipe, and the negative electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack is connected to the inlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank via the pipe.

[0006] Preferably, the pump system includes an inlet pump and a return pump, wherein the inlet pump is disposed on the pipeline connecting the positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack to the outlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank and the pipeline connecting the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack to the outlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank;

[0007] The return pump is installed on the pipeline connecting the positive electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack to the inlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank and on the pipeline connecting the negative electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack to the inlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank.

[0008] Preferably, the water cooling system includes water cooling pipes that connect the water tank and the water cooling coils, and the water cooling coils located on the same side are connected by the water cooling pipes. The water cooling coils are also connected by the water cooling pipes to a liquid outlet pipe located at the bottom of the lower tank. The portion of the liquid outlet pipe located on the outside of the lower tank is provided with a liquid outlet valve.

[0009] Preferably, the top of the water tank is provided with an inlet pipe that runs through the center of the upper tank body, and the portion of the inlet pipe located on the outside of the upper tank body is provided with an inlet valve.

[0010] Preferably, both the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank are equipped with thermometers.

[0011] Preferably, the heat dissipation mechanism includes a plurality of windows opened on both sides of the lower housing, the plurality of windows located on the same side are arranged vertically, and each window is provided with a cooling fan inside.

[0012] Therefore, the integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system of this utility model, which adopts the above-described structure, has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] (1) This utility model integrates the water tank, fuel cell stack, electrolyte storage tank, pump system, water cooling system, and heat dissipation mechanism into a single housing, and is divided into an upper housing and a lower housing, achieving a highly compact structure. This design greatly reduces the system's footprint and improves space utilization. In urban centers, industrial parks, and other areas with limited land resources, it can effectively save space, facilitate the installation and deployment of energy storage systems, and enable limited space to accommodate larger capacity energy storage devices, thereby improving the applicability and flexibility of energy storage systems.

[0014] (2) This utility model is equipped with a water cooling system and a heat dissipation mechanism for dual heat dissipation protection, as well as an electric heater at the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank, forming a comprehensive and precise temperature control system. At the same time, the electric heater can heat the electrolyte in a timely manner in low-temperature environments according to the electrolyte temperature monitored by the thermometer, ensuring that the electrolyte is in a suitable reaction temperature range, enabling the battery system to operate stably in a wide range of ambient temperatures, improving the battery's performance consistency and cycle life, and enhancing the system's adaptability to different environmental conditions.

[0015] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolyte storage tank structure of an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower casing of an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system according to this utility model.

[0019] Figure Labels

[0020] 1. Outer casing; 2. Fuel cell stack; 3. Positive electrolyte storage tank; 4. Negative electrolyte storage tank; 5. Inlet pump; 6. Return pump; 7. Pipeline; 8. Pipeline valve; 9. Filter; 10. Water cooling pipeline; 11. Water cooling valve; 12. Water cooling circuit; 13. Outlet pipeline; 14. Outlet valve; 15. Water tank; 16. Inlet pipeline; 17. Inlet valve; 18. Window; 19. Cooling fan; 20. Electric heater; 21. Thermometer; 101. Upper casing; 102. Lower casing. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this utility model shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0023] Example

[0024] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides an integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system, which mainly includes the following structure:

[0025] The outer shell 1 is an integral protective structure, and the interior is divided into an upper box 101 and a lower box 102.

[0026] The water tank 15 is located inside the upper housing 101 and is used to provide water for the water cooling system. Its top is provided with an inlet pipe 16 that runs through the center of the upper housing 101. An inlet valve 17 is provided on the outer part of the inlet pipe 16 to control the water inlet.

[0027] The battery stack 2 is located inside the lower housing 102 and is the core component of battery energy storage. It is connected to the positive electrolyte storage tank 3 and the negative electrolyte storage tank 4 through the pipeline 7 to realize the circulation supply of electrolyte to support the storage and release of electrical energy through electrochemical reactions.

[0028] Both the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 3 and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 4 are located within the lower casing 102, storing sulfuric acid electrolytes with vanadium ions in different valence states, serving as the source of the positive and negative electrode active materials for the battery. Both the positive electrode electrolyte storage tank 3 and the negative electrode electrolyte storage tank 4 are equipped with electric heaters 20 at their bottoms to heat the electrolytes in low-temperature environments, ensuring the normal operation of the battery system. Each tank is also equipped with a thermometer 21 for real-time monitoring of the electrolyte temperature.

[0029] The positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack 2 is connected to the outlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank 3 via pipe 7, and the positive electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack 2 is connected to the inlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank 3 via pipe 7; the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack 2 is connected to the outlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank 4 via pipe 7, and the negative electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack 2 is connected to the inlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank 4 via pipe 7, forming a complete electrolyte circulation loop.

[0030] The pump system includes an inlet pump 5 and a return pump 6. The inlet pump 5 is installed on the pipeline 7 connecting the positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack 2 to the outlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank 3 and on the pipeline 7 connecting the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack 2 to the outlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank 4. It is responsible for transporting the electrolyte from the storage tank to the fuel cell stack. The return pump 6 is installed on the pipeline 7 connecting the positive electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack 2 to the inlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank 3 and on the pipeline 7 connecting the negative electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell stack 2 to the inlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank 4. It returns the electrolyte after the reaction in the fuel cell stack to the storage tank.

[0031] The water cooling system includes water cooling pipes 10, water cooling coils 12, and outlet pipes 13. Water cooling pipes 10 connect the water tank 15 and the water cooling coils 12, and the water cooling coils 12 located on the same side are connected by water cooling pipes 10. The water cooling coils 12 are fitted onto the pipes 7 on both sides of the fuel cell stack 2 to cool the electrolyte pipes and remove the heat generated during fuel cell stack operation. The water cooling coils 12 are also connected to the outlet pipes 13 located at the bottom of the lower housing 102 via water cooling pipes 10. The portion of the outlet pipe 13 located outside the lower housing 102 is equipped with an outlet valve 14 to control the discharge of coolant. A water cooling valve 11 is installed at the end of the water cooling pipe 10 connected to the water tank 15 to control the water flow rate within the water cooling pipe 10.

[0032] The heat dissipation mechanism includes several windows 18 on both sides of the lower housing 102. The windows 18 on the same side are arranged vertically, and each window 18 is equipped with a cooling fan 19 to further enhance the air circulation in the lower housing 102, assist in heat dissipation, and ensure that the fuel cell stack 2 operates within a suitable temperature range.

[0033] The working principle is as follows:

[0034] Charging process

[0035] (1) Electrolyte supply

[0036] The feed pump starts, delivering the positive electrolyte from the positive electrolyte storage tank to the positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack via pipeline. Simultaneously, the negative electrolyte from the negative electrolyte storage tank is delivered to the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell stack. During this process, pipeline valves control the flow of electrolyte, and filters remove impurities from the electrolyte to prevent them from entering the fuel cell stack and affecting the reaction.

[0037] (2) Electrochemical reaction

[0038] The positive and negative electrode electrolytes entering the fuel cell stack undergo redox reactions on the electrode surfaces. At this time, an external power source provides electrical energy, causing vanadium ions to gain or lose electrons at the electrodes. Vanadium ions at the positive electrode (such as VO²⁺) gain electrons and are reduced to lower valence states (such as V³⁺), while vanadium ions at the negative electrode (such as V²⁺) lose electrons and are oxidized to higher valence states (such as V³⁺). Electrical energy is converted into chemical energy and stored.

[0039] (3) Temperature control

[0040] As the battery stack generates heat during charging, the water cooling system activates. Water from the tank flows through water-cooling pipes into the water-cooling cooling coil, cooling the electrolyte lines on both sides of the battery stack, removing heat, and preventing the stack temperature from overheating and affecting battery performance and lifespan. After heat exchange, the water is discharged through the outlet pipe; the outlet valve controls the drainage speed and flow rate, maintaining stable operation of the water cooling system. Simultaneously, the cooling fan also starts, enhancing airflow within the lower casing to further assist in heat dissipation, ensuring the battery stack operates within a suitable temperature range.

[0041] (4) Electrolyte reflux

[0042] After the reaction, the electrolyte (at which the valence state of vanadium ions in the positive and negative electrolytes has changed) flows back to the positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks respectively through the positive and negative electrolyte outlets of the battery stack, completed by the return pump, thus completing one charging cycle. Throughout the charging process, the electric heater at the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank is activated as needed based on the electrolyte temperature monitored by the thermometer to heat the electrolyte, ensuring the electrolyte temperature remains within a suitable range and guaranteeing the normal progress of the battery reaction.

[0043] Discharge process

[0044] (1) Electrolyte supply

[0045] Similar to the charging process, the inlet pump delivers the electrolyte from the storage tank to the fuel cell stack, but this time the electrolyte containing chemical energy (vanadium ions in the positive and negative electrode electrolytes are in different valence states) enters the fuel cell stack.

[0046] (2) Electrochemical reaction

[0047] Inside the fuel cell stack, vanadium ions in the positive and negative electrode electrolytes undergo a reverse reaction. Low-valence vanadium ions (such as V³⁺) at the positive electrode lose electrons and are oxidized to high-valence vanadium ions (such as VO²⁺), while high-valence vanadium ions (such as V³⁺) at the negative electrode gain electrons and are reduced to low-valence vanadium ions (such as V²⁺). Chemical energy is converted into electrical energy, and current is output through the electrodes of the fuel cell stack and external circuits to power the load.

[0048] (3) Temperature control

[0049] During discharge, the battery stack also generates heat. The water cooling system and cooling fans continue to work together to dissipate heat from the stack and maintain a stable temperature. The water circulation in the water cooling system removes heat, and the cooling fans enhance air convection to ensure that the battery stack operates under optimal temperature conditions, thus guaranteeing discharge efficiency and battery life.

[0050] (4) Electrolyte reflux

[0051] After discharge, the electrolyte is returned to its respective storage tank via the stack outlet and a return pump, ready for the next charge-discharge cycle. During this process, a thermometer in the electrolyte storage tank continuously monitors the electrolyte temperature, and the electric heater adjusts accordingly to ensure a suitable electrolyte temperature, preparing for the next charge-discharge cycle.

[0052] Therefore, this utility model adopts the aforementioned integrated vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system. By integrating the water tank, fuel cell stack, electrolyte storage tank, pump system, water cooling system, and heat dissipation mechanism into a single casing, and dividing it into an upper and lower casing layout, a highly compact structure is achieved. This design significantly reduces the system's footprint and improves space utilization. In areas with limited land resources, such as urban centers and industrial parks, it effectively saves space, facilitates the installation and deployment of energy storage systems, and allows limited space to accommodate larger capacity energy storage devices, thus improving the applicability and flexibility of the energy storage system.

[0053] This invention features a dual heat dissipation system consisting of a water-cooling system and a heat dissipation mechanism, along with an electric heater at the bottom of the electrolyte storage tank, forming a comprehensive and precise temperature control system. Simultaneously, the electric heater can promptly heat the electrolyte in low-temperature environments based on the temperature monitored by the thermometer, ensuring the electrolyte remains within a suitable reaction temperature range. This allows the battery system to operate stably over a wide range of ambient temperatures, improving battery performance consistency and cycle life, and enhancing the system's adaptability to different environmental conditions.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solution of this utility model, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solution to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. An integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structure system, characterized in that: The application relates to a fuel cell system, which comprises a shell, an upper box and a lower box in the shell, a water tank arranged in the upper box, a fuel cell arranged in the lower box, a pipeline for connecting the fuel cell with a positive electrolyte storage tank and a negative electrolyte storage tank, a water cooling system arranged on the pipeline on the two sides of the fuel cell and connected with the water tank, a valve, a filter and a pump system arranged on the pipeline, an electric heater arranged at the bottom of the positive electrolyte storage tank and the negative electrolyte storage tank, and a heat dissipation mechanism arranged at the two sides of the lower box.

2. The integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structural system of claim 1, wherein: The positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell is connected with the outlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank through the pipeline, the positive electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell is connected with the inlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank through the pipeline, the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell is connected with the outlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank through the pipeline, and the negative electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell is connected with the inlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank through the pipeline.

3. The integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structural system of claim 2, wherein: The pump system comprises an inlet pump and a return pump, the inlet pump is arranged on the pipeline connecting the positive electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell with the outlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank and the pipeline connecting the negative electrolyte inlet of the fuel cell with the outlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank; The return pump is arranged on the pipeline connecting the positive electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell with the inlet of the positive electrolyte storage tank and the pipeline connecting the negative electrolyte outlet of the fuel cell with the inlet of the negative electrolyte storage tank.

4. The integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structural system of claim 1, wherein: The water cooling system comprises a water cooling pipeline, the water cooling pipeline connects the water tank with water cooling circle pipelines, the water cooling circle pipelines on the same side are connected through the water cooling pipeline, the water cooling circle pipelines are connected with an outlet pipeline arranged at the bottom of the lower box through the water cooling pipeline, an outlet valve is arranged on the part of the outlet pipeline outside the lower box, and a water cooling valve is arranged on the end of the water cooling pipeline connected with the water tank.

5. The integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structural system of claim 1, wherein: An inlet pipeline is arranged on the top of the water tank and penetrates the center of the upper box, and an inlet valve is arranged on the part of the inlet pipeline outside the upper box.

6. The integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structural system of claim 1, wherein: The positive electrolyte storage tank and the negative electrolyte storage tank are embedded with thermometers.

7. The integrated all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage structural system of claim 1, wherein: The heat dissipation mechanism comprises a plurality of windows arranged on the two sides of the lower box, the windows on the same side are vertically arranged, and a heat dissipation fan is arranged in each window.

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