Pole plate with fishbone-shaped flow channel for flow battery

Abstract

The utility model discloses a polar plate with fishbone-shaped flow channels for a flow battery, and relates to the technical field of flow batteries. The electrode plate comprises an electrode plate A and an electrode plate B. A fishbone-shaped flow channel is carved on one surface of the electrode plate A, fishbone-shaped flow channels with symmetrical structures are carved on two opposite surfaces of the electrode plate B. A graphite felt is arranged on one surface of each fishbone-shaped flow channel, and each fishbone-shaped flow channel is divided into a liquid inlet flow channel and a liquid outlet flow channel. The liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel are respectively divided into a first-stage flow channel, a second-stage flow channel and a third-stage flow channel, and the third-stage flow channel of the liquid inlet flow channel and the third-stage flow channel of the liquid outlet flow channel are parallel and staggered. According to the utility model, the liquid inlet and outlet flow channels on the same plane of the polar plate are matched with each other to form a multi-branch parallel pipeline system; the fishbone-shaped flow channel not only can reduce the flow resistance of the electrolyte in the electrode area, but also can ensure the uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the electrode area, and reduces the flow dead zone of the electrolyte in the electrode area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of flow battery technology, and in particular relates to an electrode plate with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for flow batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Flow batteries are a novel energy storage technology. Their principle involves storing the positive and negative electrode electrolytes in separate reservoirs. A circulating pump draws the electrolyte into the battery stack through pipes. The battery stack, as a power unit, mainly consists of components such as frames, plates, a separator, and electrodes. Ions in the electrolyte on both sides of the separator move directionally, generating an electric current. The plates collect and conduct this current, thus converting chemical energy into electrical energy.

[0003] The electrolyte enters the fuel cell stack through pipes, first flowing into the common inlet channel, then evenly into the inlet channels of each frame plate, and finally into the electrodes through the distribution channels, where an electrochemical reaction occurs. After the reaction is complete, the electrolyte flows through the distribution channels into the outlet channels, and finally into the common outlet channel, exiting the fuel cell stack through pipes and returning to the storage tank.

[0004] In a flow battery energy storage system, a circulation pump drives the electrolyte to flow through pipelines and the battery stack. The flow resistance of the electrolyte in the flow battery energy storage system determines the power selection of the circulation pump and its energy consumption, directly affecting the initial installation cost and energy efficiency of the flow battery energy storage system.

[0005] In flow battery energy storage systems, the fuel cell stack is the most critical component affecting flow resistance. And within the fuel cell stack, the electrode region is the most critical component affecting flow resistance.

[0006] Therefore, reducing the flow resistance of the electrolyte in the electrode region inside the fuel cell stack is very important.

[0007] In existing flow battery technology, graphite felt is generally used as the electrode. One side of the graphite felt contacts the electrode plate, and the other side contacts the separator. The electrolyte enters the stack through a circulating pump, flowing from bottom to top through the graphite felt. As a porous medium, the carbon felt is compressed inside the stack, which results in significant flow resistance for the electrolyte as it passes through the graphite felt.

[0008] In existing patents, flow channels are engraved on the side of the electrode plate that contacts the graphite felt. After the electrolyte enters the fuel cell stack, most of the electrolyte first flows into the electrode plate flow channels and then through the graphite felt, reducing the flow resistance of the electrolyte.

[0009] Current flow channel structures are relatively simple or poorly designed. While they can reduce flow resistance to some extent, in practical applications, they can lead to electrolyte flowing out of the stack too quickly and uneven electrolyte velocity distribution in the electrode region, resulting in excessive concentration polarization inside the stack and directly affecting the electrochemical performance of the stack.

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, we propose an electrode plate with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for flow batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrode plate with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for a flow battery, thereby solving the existing problems.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0013] This utility model relates to an electrode plate with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for a flow battery, comprising electrode plates A at both ends of the flow battery stack and electrode plate B in the middle of the flow battery stack. One surface of electrode plate A is engraved with a fishbone-shaped flow channel, and both opposite surfaces of electrode plate B are engraved with symmetrically structured fishbone-shaped flow channels. A graphite felt is disposed on one surface of the fishbone-shaped flow channel. The fishbone-shaped flow channel is divided into an inlet flow channel and an outlet flow channel. The inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel are each divided into a primary flow channel, a secondary flow channel, and a tertiary flow channel. The tertiary flow channel of the inlet flow channel and the tertiary flow channel of the outlet flow channel are parallel and staggered.

[0014] Furthermore, the primary flow channel, secondary flow channel, and tertiary flow channel are interconnected.

[0015] Furthermore, the angle between the tertiary flow channel and the secondary flow channel is 45°.

[0016] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] In this invention, the inlet and outlet liquid channels on the same plane of the electrode plate cooperate to form a multi-branch parallel pipeline system, transforming the traditional long flow area of ​​electrolyte into a short flow area of ​​electrolyte between the three-stage flow channels of the inlet and outlet liquid channels.

[0018] In this invention, the fishbone-shaped flow channel can reduce the flow resistance of the electrolyte in the electrode area, ensure the uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the electrode area, and reduce the dead zone of the electrolyte flow in the electrode area.

[0019] Of course, any product implementing this utility model does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an electrode plate with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for a flow battery;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode plate and graphite felt in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle section;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the electrolyte flow direction when the electrode plate is in use in this utility model.

[0025] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0026] 1. Electrode plate; 2. Graphite felt; 3. Inlet channel; 4. Outlet channel; 5. Primary channel; 6. Secondary channel; 7. Tertiary channel. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "middle", "outer", "inner", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements 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 of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Please see Figures 1-4 As shown, this utility model is an electrode plate 1 with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for a flow battery, including electrode plates A at both ends of the flow battery stack and electrode plate B in the middle of the flow battery stack. One surface of electrode plate A is engraved with a fishbone-shaped flow channel, and both opposite surfaces of electrode plate B are engraved with symmetrically structured fishbone-shaped flow channels. A graphite felt 2 is disposed on one surface of the fishbone-shaped flow channel. The side of electrode plate 1 with the fishbone-shaped flow channel contacts and cooperates with the graphite felt 2. Figure 2 As shown; the fishbone-shaped flow channel is divided into an inlet flow channel 3 and an outlet flow channel 4. Both the inlet flow channel 3 and the outlet flow channel 4 are further divided into a primary flow channel 5, a secondary flow channel 6, and a tertiary flow channel 7. The tertiary flow channel 7 of the inlet flow channel and the tertiary flow channel 7 of the outlet flow channel are parallel and staggered. Figure 3 As shown.

[0031] In one embodiment, the primary flow channel 5, the secondary flow channel 6, and the tertiary flow channel 7 are connected.

[0032] In one embodiment, the angle between the tertiary flow channel 7 and the secondary flow channel 6 is 45°, which conforms to the laws of fluid dynamics.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment is a method of using an electrode plate with a fishbone-shaped flow channel for a flow battery: In use, after the electrolyte enters the stack, it first enters the primary flow channel 5 of the liquid inlet flow channel 3, then is evenly distributed to the secondary flow channel 6, and then evenly distributed to the tertiary flow channel 7.

[0034] After the electrolyte fills the entire inlet channel 3, under the pressure of the circulating pump, a large amount of electrolyte first overflows from the tertiary channel 7 of the inlet channel 3, flows through the graphite felt 2 in contact with it, and re-enters the tertiary channel 7 of the outlet channel 4, such as... Figure 4 As shown;

[0035] The electrolyte flowing into the tertiary channel 7 of the outlet channel 4 converges into the secondary channel 6 of the outlet channel, then converges into the primary channel 5 of the outlet channel, and finally flows out of the fuel cell stack through the primary channel 5.

[0036] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," and "specific example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0037] The preferred embodiments of this utility model disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present utility model. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the utility model to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of this utility model, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize it. This utility model is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A polar plate with a fishbone shaped flow channel for a flow battery comprising polar plates A at both ends of a flow battery stack and polar plates B in the middle of a flow battery stack, characterized in that: The electrode plate A has a fishbone-shaped flow channel engraved on one surface, and the electrode plate B has symmetrically engraved fishbone-shaped flow channels on both opposite surfaces. A graphite felt is provided on one surface of the fishbone-shaped flow channel. The fishbone-shaped flow channel is divided into an inlet flow channel and an outlet flow channel. The inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel are each divided into a primary flow channel, a secondary flow channel, and a tertiary flow channel. The tertiary flow channel of the inlet flow channel and the tertiary flow channel of the outlet flow channel are parallel and staggered.

2. A fish-bone flow channel-equipped electrode plate for a liquid flow battery according to claim 1, characterized by The primary flow channel, the secondary flow channel, and the tertiary flow channel are interconnected.

3. A fish-bone flow channel polar plate for a liquid flow battery according to claim 1, wherein, The angle between the tertiary flow channel and the secondary flow channel is 45°.

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