Electrolyte storage tank and flow battery system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electrolyte storage tank and a flow battery system, and the electrolyte storage tank comprises a tank body, a liquid inlet is formed in the position, close to the top, of the tank body, and a liquid outlet is formed in the position, close to the bottom, of the tank body; the liquid inlet pipe group comprises a liquid inlet guide pipe, a liquid distribution main pipe, a plurality of liquid distribution branch pipes axially distributed around the liquid distribution main pipe and a flow uniformizing pipe extending downwards, and a plurality of liquid distribution holes distributed at intervals are formed in the side face of the flow uniformizing pipe; after the electrolyte is sprayed out from the liquid distribution holes, impact force is generated and acts on the electrolyte in the tank so as to form a stirring effect; and a liquid outlet pipe. According to the utility model, an electrolyte in the tank body can be stirred, so that the electrolyte is more uniformly distributed in the tank body, and meanwhile, the electrolyte can be more uniformly distributed in the vertical direction due to the arrangement of the liquid distribution holes, so that the concentration gradient and the temperature gradient of the electrolyte are effectively relieved, and the stability of a flow battery system is further improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid flow battery, especially to an electrolyte storage tank and a liquid flow battery system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The liquid flow battery is a long-life electrochemical energy storage device, uses mutually isolated positive and negative electrolytes, is a high-performance storage battery with respective circulation, has the advantages of capacity and power decoupling, wide use field and belongs to new energy. The liquid flow battery system comprises an electric pile, a liquid storage tank and a circulating pump and the like. The electrolytes in the positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks enter the positive and negative electrodes of the electric pile through the positive and negative circulating pumps, respectively, and flow back to the positive and negative electrolyte storage tanks after reaction on the electrodes. The active ion concentration and temperature of the electrolytes after reaction are different from those of the electrolytes in the electrolyte tank, and there is no stirring device in the traditional storage tank, so that the active ion concentration gradient and temperature gradient are easily generated in the storage tank, the open-circuit voltage of the reference battery and the reading of the temperature control system sensor are affected, the charging and discharging depth and the start and stop of the heat exchanger are further affected, and finally the energy efficiency of the liquid flow battery and the stability of the electrolyte are affected. SUMMARY

[0003] In order to overcome the defects of the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide an electrolyte storage tank and a liquid flow battery system which can effectively alleviate the electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature gradient and improve the stability of the battery system.

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is achieved by the following technical scheme:

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrolyte storage tank is provided, comprising:

[0006] A tank body is provided with a liquid inlet near the top position and a liquid outlet near the bottom position;

[0007] A liquid inlet pipe group connected to the liquid inlet comprises a liquid inlet guide pipe connected to the liquid inlet, a liquid distribution main pipe connected to the end of the liquid inlet guide pipe, a plurality of liquid distribution branch pipes distributed axially around the liquid distribution main pipe and radially along the radius of the tank body, and a uniform flow pipe connected to the end of the liquid distribution branch pipe and extending downward, the side surface of the uniform flow pipe is provided with a plurality of liquid distribution holes, and the electrolyte sprayed from the liquid distribution holes acts on the electrolyte in the tank to form a stirring effect; and

[0008] A liquid outlet pipe connected to the liquid outlet.

[0009] The electrolyte is driven by the circulating pump to flow out of the liquid outlet pipe, and after electrochemical reaction in the battery stack, the electrolyte flows back to the tank from the liquid inlet. The electrolyte enters the liquid inlet pipe first, and then flows through the liquid distribution main pipe, the liquid distribution branch pipe and the flow uniformizing pipe in sequence, and then flows back to the tank from the liquid distribution hole. Since the electrolyte driven by the circulating pump has a certain power when flowing, the electrolyte is sprayed at a certain angle when flowing out of the liquid distribution hole, which generates a propelling force on the electrolyte in the tank, forming a stirring effect, so that the electrolyte is more evenly distributed in the tank. At the same time, the arrangement of the liquid distribution hole can also make the electrolyte more evenly distributed in the vertical direction, thereby effectively relieving the electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature gradient, and further improving the stability of the flow battery system.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid distribution branch pipe extends to near the inner wall of the tank, and the flow uniformizing pipe is close to the inner wall of the tank and is fixed to the tank by a plurality of clamping members.

[0011] The above technical solution is realized, which facilitates the installation and fixation of the flow uniformizing pipe and ensures the stability of the installation of the liquid inlet pipe group.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, at least two liquid distribution holes are located above the designed liquid level.

[0013] The above technical solution is realized, which can break the negative pressure remaining in the tank when the pump is stopped.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the bottom wall of the tank is provided with a connecting bracket, and the liquid inlet end of the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the connecting bracket.

[0015] The above technical solution is realized, which can conveniently fix the liquid outlet pipe through the connecting bracket, and make the pipe opening of the liquid outlet pipe be at a certain distance from the tank bottom, so as to facilitate the discharge of the electrolyte.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid inlet end of the liquid outlet pipe is provided as a flared opening.

[0017] The above technical solution is realized, which can more conveniently discharge the electrolyte.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, a spoiler is arranged on one side of the flow uniformizing pipe in the tank, and the spoiler is arranged obliquely and the oblique direction is consistent with the flow direction of the electrolyte.

[0019] The above technical solution is realized, which can buffer the kinetic energy of the electrolyte through the spoiler and reduce the impact of the electrolyte on the flow uniformizing pipe.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the liquid distribution hole is 5-10mm, the distance between adjacent liquid distribution holes is 50-200mm, and the liquid distribution hole is arranged in a direction deviated from the tangent direction of the tank body.

[0021] The electrolyte sprayed from the liquid distribution hole can impact the electrolyte in the tank body at a certain angle, thereby improving the stirring effect.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the top of the tank body is provided with a plurality of connecting ports.

[0023] The above technical solution can be achieved by connecting different detection devices through the connecting port.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the tank body is further provided with a liquid level display meter.

[0025] The above technical solution can facilitate observation of the liquid level of the electrolyte.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a liquid flow battery system is provided, comprising:

[0027] A battery stack, two sides of the battery stack are respectively a positive electrode connection side and a negative electrode connection side;

[0028] At least two groups of electrolyte storage tanks as described in the first aspect are used to store positive electrolyte and negative electrolyte respectively, and the positive electrode connection side and the negative electrode connection side are respectively connected to at least one electrolyte storage tank; and,

[0029] A conveying unit for circulating electrolyte.

[0030] The above technical solution can be achieved by using two electrolyte storage tanks to store positive electrolyte and negative electrolyte respectively, and connecting them to the positive electrode connection side and the negative electrode connection side respectively, circulating the electrolyte into the battery stack through the conveying unit, thereby generating electric energy through electrochemical reaction, and forming a stirring effect in the electrolyte circulation process through the structure of the liquid inlet pipe group arranged therein, so that the electrolyte is more evenly distributed in the tank body, effectively alleviating the electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature gradient, and thereby improving the stability of the liquid flow battery system.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0032] This utility model provides an electrolyte storage tank and a flow battery system. The electrolyte storage tank includes: a tank body with an inlet near the top and an outlet near the bottom; an inlet pipe assembly connected to the inlet, the inlet pipe assembly including: an inlet guide pipe connected to the inlet, a main distribution pipe connected to the end of the inlet guide pipe, several branch distribution pipes axially distributed around the main distribution pipe and radiating along the radius of the tank body, and a flow equalization pipe connected to the end of the branch distribution pipes and extending downwards. The flow equalization pipe has several spaced distribution holes on its side, and the electrolyte sprayed from the distribution holes generates an impact force acting on the electrolyte inside the tank to form a stirring effect; and an outlet pipe connected to the outlet. Driven by a circulating pump, the electrolyte is discharged from the outlet pipe to the battery stack. After undergoing an electrochemical reaction in the battery stack, it flows back into the tank through the inlet. After entering through the inlet, the electrolyte first enters the inlet conduit, then passes through the main distribution pipe, branch distribution pipe, and equalization pipe in sequence, before flowing back into the tank through the distribution hole. Because the circulating pump has a certain force driving the electrolyte flow, it is sprayed out at a certain angle when flowing out of the distribution hole, generating a driving force on the electrolyte in the tank and creating a stirring effect. This makes the electrolyte more evenly distributed in the tank. At the same time, the distribution hole also makes the electrolyte more evenly distributed in the vertical direction, thereby effectively mitigating the electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature gradient, and thus improving the stability of the flow battery system. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolyte storage tank in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 Sectional view along the AA direction.

[0035] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 Sectional view along the BB direction.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow battery system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The numbers and letters in the diagram represent the names of the corresponding components:

[0038] 10. Tank body; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. Connection port; 14. Local liquid level indicator; 15. First inlet pipe; 16. First return pipe; 17. Second inlet pipe; 18. Second return pipe; 20. Inlet pipe assembly; 21. Inlet conduit; 22. Main distribution pipe; 23. Branch distribution pipe; 24. Flow equalization pipe; 25. Mounting component; 26. Baffle plate; 30. Outlet pipe; 31. Connecting bracket; 32. Flare mouth; 40. Battery stack; 41. Positive electrode connection side; 42. Negative electrode connection side; 51. First conveying unit; 52. Second conveying unit. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a first aspect of the present invention provides an electrolyte storage tank, comprising: a tank body 10, an inlet 11 near the top of the tank body 10, an outlet 12 near the bottom of the tank body 10; an inlet pipe assembly 20 connected to the inlet 11; and an outlet pipe 30 connected to the outlet 12.

[0041] Specifically, the liquid inlet pipe assembly 20 includes: a liquid inlet conduit 21 connected to the liquid inlet 11, a main liquid distribution pipe 22 connected to the end of the liquid inlet conduit 21, several branch liquid distribution pipes 23 axially distributed around the main liquid distribution pipe 22 and radiating along the radial direction of the tank body 10, and a flow equalization pipe 24 connected to the end of the branch liquid distribution pipes 23 and extending downward. The side of the flow equalization pipe 24 is provided with several spaced liquid distribution holes. After the electrolyte is sprayed out from the liquid distribution holes, it generates an impact force that acts on the electrolyte in the tank to form a stirring effect.

[0042] The liquid inlet conduit 21 is horizontally arranged, with one end connected to the liquid inlet 11 and the other end extending to the middle of the tank 10. The liquid distribution main pipe 22 is vertically arranged, and the axis of the liquid distribution main pipe 22 is consistent with the central axis of the tank 10. The liquid distribution branch pipes 23 can be set in 3-8 groups according to actual needs. In this embodiment, 4 groups of liquid distribution branch pipes 23 are set. Adjacent liquid distribution branch pipes 23 are arranged vertically, and the liquid distribution branch pipes 23 extend to the inner wall of the tank 10. The flow equalization pipe 24 is close to the inner wall of the tank 10 and is fixed to the tank 10 by several clamping parts 25 to facilitate the installation and fixation of the flow equalization pipe 24 and ensure the stability of the liquid inlet pipe group 20 installation. The clamping parts 25 can be, for example, clamps, and are fixed to the tank 10 by welding. The flow equalization pipe 24 extends downward to at least the middle of the tank 10 to ensure that the electrode liquid is dispersed as evenly as possible.

[0043] In this embodiment, the diameter of the liquid distribution hole is 5-10 mm, preferably 6 mm, and the spacing between adjacent liquid distribution holes is 50-200 mm, preferably 100 mm. The direction of the liquid distribution hole is offset from the tangential direction of the tank 10, and is usually preferably at an angle of 30-45° with the tangential direction of the tank 10, so that the electrolyte sprayed from the liquid distribution hole can impact the electrolyte in the tank 10 at a certain angle, thereby improving the stirring effect; and at least two liquid distribution holes are located above the designed liquid level, which can break the negative pressure remaining in the tank 10 when the pump stops.

[0044] Furthermore, a baffle plate 26 is provided inside the tank 10 on one side of the flow equalization tube 24. The baffle plate 26 is inclined and the inclination direction is consistent with the flow direction of the electrolyte. The baffle plate 26 can be fixed to the inner wall of the tank 10 by welding. The baffle plate 26 can buffer the kinetic energy of the electrolyte and reduce the impact of the electrolyte on the flow equalization tube 24.

[0045] A connecting bracket 31 is provided on the bottom wall of the tank 10. The inlet end of the outlet pipe 30 is connected to the connecting bracket 31. The connecting bracket 31 is an annular frame. The outlet pipe 30 can be easily fixed by the connecting bracket 31, and the pipe opening of the outlet pipe 30 is a certain distance from the bottom of the tank to facilitate the discharge of electrolyte. Preferably, the inlet end of the outlet pipe 30 is set as a flared mouth 32 to reduce the liquid absorption resistance and facilitate the discharge of electrolyte.

[0046] Several connection ports 13 are provided on the top of the tank 10. These ports facilitate the connection of different detection devices. In this embodiment, the connection ports 13 may include, for example, a radar level detector interface, a pressure detector interface, and a temperature detector interface, for connecting to the radar level detector, pressure detector, and temperature detector, respectively. In some embodiments, the connection ports 13 may also have a structure similar to the inlet 11 for replenishing electrolyte into the tank 10. Furthermore, a local level indicator 14 may be provided on the outside of the tank 10 to facilitate observation of the electrolyte level, prevent errors in the radar level detector, and serve as a calibration basis for the radar level detector.

[0047] Driven by a circulating pump, the electrolyte is discharged from the outlet pipe 30 to the battery stack 40. After undergoing an electrochemical reaction in the battery stack 40, it flows back into the tank 10 through the inlet 11. After entering through the inlet 11, the electrolyte first enters the inlet conduit 21, then passes through the main distribution pipe 22, the branch distribution pipe 23, and the equalization pipe 24 in sequence, before flowing back into the tank 10 through the distribution hole. Because the circulating pump has a certain force when driving the electrolyte flow, it will be sprayed out at a certain angle when flowing out of the distribution hole, generating a driving force on the electrolyte in the tank and forming a stirring effect. This makes the electrolyte more evenly distributed in the tank 10. At the same time, the distribution hole can also make the electrolyte more evenly distributed in the vertical direction, thereby effectively mitigating the electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature gradient, and thus improving the stability of the flow battery system.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, a second aspect of the present invention provides a flow battery system, comprising: a battery stack 40, with a positive electrode connection side 41 and a negative electrode connection side 42 on both sides of the battery stack 40; at least two sets of electrolyte storage tanks as in the first aspect, for storing positive electrode electrolyte and negative electrode electrolyte respectively, with at least one electrolyte storage tank connected to each of the positive electrode connection side 41 and the negative electrode connection side 42; and a transport unit for realizing electrolyte circulation.

[0049] Specifically, at least one electrolyte storage tank is connected to the positive electrode connection side 41 via a first inlet pipe 15 and a first return pipe 16, and at least one electrolyte circulation tank is connected to the negative electrode connection side 42 via a second inlet pipe 17 and a second return pipe 18. In this embodiment, a positive electrode storage tank for storing positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode storage tank for storing negative electrode electrolyte are provided. The conveying unit includes a first conveying unit 51 connected to the positive electrode connection side 41 and a second conveying unit 52 connected to the negative electrode connection side 42. The first conveying unit 51 is connected to the first inlet pipe 15 and / or the first return pipe 16, and the second conveying unit 52 is connected to the second inlet pipe 17 and / or the second return pipe 18. In this embodiment, both the first conveying unit 51 and the second conveying unit 52 are inlet pumps. The first conveying unit 51 is connected to the first inlet pipe 15, and the second conveying unit 52 is connected to the second inlet pipe 17.

[0050] In use, two electrolyte storage tanks store positive and negative electrolytes respectively, and are connected to the positive electrode connection side 41 and the negative electrode connection side 42 respectively. The electrolyte is circulated into the battery stack 40 through the delivery unit, thereby generating electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. Through the liquid inlet pipe group 20 and other structures, a stirring effect is formed during the electrolyte circulation process, which makes the electrolyte more evenly distributed in the tank 10, effectively mitigating the electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature gradient, thereby improving the stability of the flow battery system.

[0051] The above embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of this utility model. These are all equivalent modifications and improvements made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of this utility model, and all of these fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electrolyte storage tank, characterized in that, include: The tank body has a liquid inlet near the top and a liquid outlet near the bottom. An inlet pipe assembly connected to the inlet port includes: an inlet conduit connected to the inlet port; a main distribution pipe connected to the end of the inlet conduit; several branch distribution pipes axially distributed around the main distribution pipe and radiating along the radial direction of the tank; and a flow equalization pipe connected to the end of the branch distribution pipes and extending downward. The flow equalization pipe has several spaced-apart distribution holes on its side. After the electrolyte is ejected from the distribution holes, it generates an impact force that acts on the electrolyte inside the tank to create a stirring effect; and... The liquid outlet pipe is connected to the liquid outlet.

2. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid distribution branch extends close to the inner wall of the tank, and the flow equalization tube is close to the inner wall of the tank and fixed to the tank by several fasteners.

3. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the liquid distribution holes are located above the designed liquid level height.

4. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the tank is provided with a connecting bracket, and the inlet end of the outlet pipe is connected to the connecting bracket.

5. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inlet end of the outlet pipe is configured as a flared opening.

6. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle plate is provided inside the tank on one side of the flow equalization pipe. The baffle plate is inclined and the inclination direction is consistent with the electrolyte flow direction.

7. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the liquid distribution hole is 5-10mm, the spacing between adjacent liquid distribution holes is 50-200mm, and the direction of the liquid distribution hole is offset from the tangential direction of the tank body.

8. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the tank is provided with several connection ports.

9. The electrolyte storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank body is also equipped with a local liquid level display.

10. A flow battery system, characterized in that, include: A battery stack, wherein the two sides of the battery stack are a positive electrode connection side and a negative electrode connection side, respectively; At least two sets of electrolyte storage tanks as described in any one of claims 1-9, for storing positive electrolyte and negative electrolyte respectively, wherein at least one of the electrolyte storage tanks is connected to the positive electrode connection side and the negative electrode connection side respectively; and, A delivery unit used to realize electrolyte circulation.

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