Monitor of flow battery

Abstract

The utility model provides a monitor for a flow battery, the monitor comprises a shell and a plurality of pipelines, an accommodating cavity is arranged in the shell, the plurality of pipelines are arranged in the accommodating cavity, the plurality of pipelines comprise a flow guide pipeline, a pressure guide pipeline and a wire pipeline, and the flow guide pipeline, the pressure guide pipeline and the wire pipeline are arranged in the accommodating cavity. The flow guide pipeline and the pressure guide pipeline are communicated with an electrolyte pipeline in the flow battery, and the monitor is provided with a temperature and pressure detection part, a concentration and flow velocity detection part and a signal processing part. And the temperature and pressure detection part, the concentration and flow velocity detection part and the signal processing part are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the monitor. The monitor provided by the embodiment of the utility model realizes real-time monitoring of multiple parameters such as running temperature, pressure, electrolyte concentration and flow velocity of the flow battery, and has the characteristics of high integration level, high precision, small volume, simple structure, capability of realizing synchronous measurement of multiple parameters, convenience in calibration and the like.

Description

A monitor for a flow battery Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow battery monitoring, and in particular to a flow battery monitor. Background Technology

[0002] For current flow batteries, the battery's performance and lifespan are highly dependent on the real-time and accurate monitoring and control of key electrolyte state parameters. Taking the most mature vanadium redox flow battery as an example, temperature changes directly affect battery capacity, internal resistance, efficiency, and lifespan. Pressure fluctuations may cause concentration polarization, sealing failure, or component structural deformation. Vanadium ion concentration deviations directly affect the accuracy of battery state of charge (SOC) estimation. Insufficient flow rate will reduce reaction kinetics performance and may even lead to local side reactions. Moreover, there are coupled negative effects between various parameters, which will exacerbate the degradation of battery performance and lifespan and even cause safety risks.

[0003] However, existing technologies are insufficient to meet the requirements of multi-parameter collaborative sensing and system integration, resulting in inherent defects in battery systems in terms of space, time, maintenance, and data fusion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, a monitor is proposed to provide a solution to overcome or at least partially resolve the above problems, including:

[0005] A monitor for a flow battery includes a housing 1 and a plurality of pipes. The housing 1 has a accommodating cavity, and the plurality of pipes are disposed within the accommodating cavity. The plurality of pipes include a flow guide pipe 15, a pressure guide pipe 16, and a wire pipe 17. The flow guide pipe 15 and the pressure guide pipe 16 are connected to the electrolyte pipe in the flow battery.

[0006] The monitor is provided with a temperature and pressure detection unit 11, a concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and a signal processing unit 13, and the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and the signal processing unit 13 are arranged sequentially along the length of the monitor;

[0007] The temperature and pressure detection unit 11 includes a temperature sensor 111 and a pressure sensor 112. The temperature sensor 111 is disposed in a temperature sensor placement groove 113 opened in the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15, and the pressure sensor 112 is disposed in a pressure sensor placement groove 114 opened in the inner wall of the pressure guide pipe 16.

[0008] The concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 includes a concentration sensor 121 and a flow rate sensor 122. The concentration sensor 121 is disposed in a concentration sensor placement slot 123 opened on the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15, and the flow rate sensor 122 is disposed in a flow rate sensor placement slot 124 opened on the outer wall of the housing 1.

[0009] The signal processing unit 13 includes a signal processing chip housing 131, which is electrically connected to the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 and the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 via data transmission wires in the wire conduit 17.

[0010] Optionally, the monitor further includes a tail disassembly portion 14 disposed along the length direction of the monitor, the tail disassembly portion 14 including a threaded structure 141 disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing 1 and a rotating body 142 connected to the threaded structure 141.

[0011] Optionally, a sealing washer 143 is provided between the threaded structure 141 and the rotating body 142.

[0012] Optionally, a flow guiding structure 115 is provided at one end of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11.

[0013] Optionally, the flow guiding pipe 15 includes an electrolyte inlet 151 disposed in the flow guiding structure 115, and the pressure guiding pipe 16 includes a pressure guiding hole 161 disposed in the flow guiding structure 115.

[0014] Optionally, the housing 1 is a columnar structure, the flow guiding structure 115 is a streamlined hemisphere, and the flow guiding pipe 15 is disposed on the central axis of the housing 1.

[0015] Optionally, the flow guide pipe 15 includes an electrolyte outlet 152 located in the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and the electrolyte outlet 152 is disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing 1.

[0016] Optionally, the wire conduit 17 includes a first wire inlet 171 disposed at one end of the signal processing unit 13 and a first wire outlet 172 disposed at the other end of the signal processing unit 13.

[0017] Optionally, the first wire inlet 171 is connected to one end of the signal processing chip housing 131, and the first wire outlet 172 is connected to the other end of the signal processing chip housing 131.

[0018] Optionally, the wire conduit 17 further includes a second wire inlet 173 disposed at one end of the tail disassembly portion 14, and a second wire outlet 174 disposed at the other end of the tail quick-release portion, the second wire outlet 174 being disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing 1.

[0019] Optionally, the housing 1 has a columnar structure, and the first wire inlet 171, the first wire outlet 172, the second wire inlet 173, and the second wire outlet 174 are located on the central axis of the housing 1.

[0020] Optionally, a filter structure 18 is provided on one side of the opening of the pressure sensor placement slot 114, the temperature sensor placement slot 113, the concentration sensor placement slot 123, and the flow rate sensor placement slot 124.

[0021] Optionally, the filter structure 18 includes a porous polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and a hydrophobic microstructure.

[0022] This utility model embodiment has the following advantages: It provides a monitor for a flow battery, the monitor including a housing 1 and multiple pipes. A receiving cavity is provided inside the housing 1, and the multiple pipes are disposed within the receiving cavity. The multiple pipes include a flow guide pipe 15, a pressure guide pipe 16, and a wire pipe 17. The flow guide pipe 15 and the pressure guide pipe 16 are connected to the electrolyte pipe in the flow battery. The monitor is provided with a temperature and pressure detection unit 11, a concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and a signal processing unit 13, and the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and the signal processing unit 13 are arranged sequentially along the length of the monitor. The temperature and pressure detection unit 11 includes a temperature sensor 111 and a pressure sensor 112. The temperature sensor 111 is disposed in a temperature sensor placement slot 113 opened in the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15. The pressure sensor 112 is disposed in the pressure sensor placement slot 114 opened on the inner wall of the pressure guiding pipe 16. The concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 includes a concentration sensor 121 and a flow rate sensor 122. The concentration sensor 121 is disposed in the concentration sensor placement slot 123 opened on the inner wall of the flow guiding pipe 15. The flow rate sensor 122 is disposed in the flow rate sensor placement slot 124 opened on the outer wall of the housing 1. The signal processing unit 13 includes a signal processing chip receiving compartment 131. The signal processing chip receiving compartment 131 is electrically connected to the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 and the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 through the data transmission wire in the wire conduit 17. This enables real-time monitoring of multiple parameters such as operating temperature, pressure, electrolyte concentration and flow rate of the flow battery. It features high integration, high accuracy, small size, simple structure, ability to achieve simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters, and easy calibration. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of this utility model 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.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow battery monitor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the temperature and pressure detection unit of a flow battery monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the concentration and flow rate detection unit of a flow battery monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the signal processing unit structure of a flow battery monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the tail disassembly section of a flow battery monitor provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Housing, 11-Temperature and pressure detection unit, 12-Concentration and flow rate detection unit, 13-Signal processing unit, 14-Tail disassembly unit, 15-Flow guide pipe, 16-Pressure guide pipe, 17-Wire guide pipe, 18-Filter structure, 19-Fluorosilicone, 111-Temperature sensor, 112-Pressure sensor, 113-Temperature sensor placement slot, 114-Pressure sensor placement slot, 115-Flow guide structure, 121-Concentration sensor, 122-Flow rate sensor, 123-... 124-Concentration sensor placement slot, 131-Flow rate sensor placement slot, 141-Signal processing chip housing, 142-Threaded structure, 143-Rotating body, 144-Sealing gasket, 151-Electrolyte inlet, 152-Electrolyte outlet, 153-Internal electrolyte outlet, 154-Internal electrolyte inlet, 161-Pressure guide hole, 171-First wire inlet, 172-First wire outlet, 173-Second wire inlet, 174-Second wire outlet, 175-Internal wire outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0031] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this utility model can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0032] It should be understood that the phrase "some embodiments" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, "some embodiments" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0033] Flow battery energy storage technology has significant advantages in large-scale, long-term electrochemical energy storage due to its decoupling of system capacity and power, fast response speed, safety and reliability, long cycle life, and recyclable electrolyte. It can play an important supporting role in ensuring the consumption of new energy sources, grid peak shaving, and power safety. Its operating performance and lifespan are highly dependent on the real-time and accurate monitoring and control of key electrolyte state parameters (temperature, pressure, concentration, and flow rate).

[0034] Taking the most mature vanadium redox flow battery as an example, temperature changes directly affect battery capacity, internal resistance, efficiency, and lifespan. Pressure fluctuations may cause concentration polarization, sealing failure, or component structural deformation. Deviations in vanadium ion concentration directly affect the accuracy of battery state of charge (SOC) estimation. Insufficient flow rate will reduce reaction kinetics performance and may even lead to localized side reactions. Furthermore, the negative effects of coupling between various parameters will exacerbate the degradation of battery performance and lifespan, and may even pose safety risks.

[0035] Current methods for monitoring the state of flow batteries primarily involve collecting parameters using independently distributed sensors. For example, temperature parameters are acquired using external platinum resistance thermometers or thermocouples, pressure data is obtained from piezoresistive transmitters installed at the pump outlet, concentration detection requires indirect calculation using offline conductivity meters or bypass spectral analysis units, and flow rate measurement relies on invasive turbine flow meters or electromagnetic flow meters.

[0036] While such methods can achieve real-time acquisition of basic parameters, they have inherent drawbacks in practical applications, including:

[0037] 1. Split-type sensors need to be installed independently in multiple locations such as storage tanks, main pipelines, and fuel cell inlets. Non-integrated modular layouts lead to complex piping structures and numerous lines in the fluid flow system, and the multi-interface design increases the risk of electrolyte leakage.

[0038] 2. Due to the dispersed installation locations of the sensors, there is a time difference when the electrolyte flows through each monitoring point, which makes it impossible to correlate parameters such as temperature, pressure, and concentration in real time, affecting the diagnostic accuracy of SOC and State of Health (SOH).

[0039] 3. Invasive sensors are severely corroded in strong acid environments and are prone to deposit blockage. They require regular disassembly, cleaning, and manual calibration, which increases the difficulty and cost of operation and maintenance.

[0040] Overall, existing technologies employing single-parameter independent measurement and split-space layout designs struggle to meet the demands for multi-parameter collaborative sensing and system integration, resulting in inherent deficiencies in battery systems across spatial, temporal, maintenance, and data fusion aspects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design and develop integrated multi-parameter sensing sensors to overcome the technological barriers to high precision, high reliability, and low maintenance costs in flow battery state monitoring.

[0041] In one embodiment of this utility model, the monitor integrates sensors for real-time monitoring of multiple parameters such as electrolyte temperature, electrolyte pressure, electrolyte concentration and electrolyte flow rate. It is used for multi-parameter sensing of flow battery status monitoring. Through special structural designs such as flow guidance, monitoring, signal processing and installation fixation, it realizes real-time monitoring of multiple parameters such as operating temperature, pressure, electrolyte concentration and flow rate of flow battery.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow battery monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the monitor includes a housing 1 and multiple pipes. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity, and the multiple pipes are disposed in the receiving cavity. The multiple pipes include a flow guiding pipe 15, a pressure guiding pipe 16, and a wire pipe 17. The flow guiding pipe 15 and the pressure guiding pipe 16 are connected to the electrolyte pipe in the flow battery.

[0043] In practical applications, the cavity inside the housing 1 can be used to place the sensor, the flow guide pipe 15 and the pressure guide pipe 16 can be connected to the electrolyte pipe in the flow battery for electrolyte flow, and the wire pipe 17 can be used to place the data transmission wire of the sensor.

[0044] The monitor is provided with a temperature and pressure detection unit 11, a concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and a signal processing unit 13, and the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and the signal processing unit 13 are arranged sequentially along the length of the monitor.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the monitor is arranged along its length as follows: temperature and pressure detection unit 11, concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and signal processing unit 13.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the monitor further includes a tail disassembly portion 14 disposed along the length direction of the monitor. The tail disassembly portion 14 includes a threaded structure 141 disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing 1 and a rotating body 142 connected to the threaded structure 141.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the monitor may also include a tail disassembly section 14 arranged along the length direction, that is, the monitor may also include a tail disassembly section 14 behind the signal processing section 13.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the tail disassembly part 14 may include a threaded structure 141 provided on the outer wall of the housing 1 and a rotating body 142 connected to the threaded structure 141.

[0049] In practical applications, the tail disassembly part 14 can be used for the installation and fixation of the monitor. It can replace existing pipeline flanges or tee interfaces without modifying the original pipeline, facilitating the disassembly and maintenance of the monitor. The threaded structure 141 of the tail disassembly part 14 also facilitates matching and integration with the electrolyte transfer management system. By inserting the tail quick-release part 14 into the pipeline to be connected and turning the rotating body 142, the monitor and electrolyte transfer management system can be matched and fixed.

[0050] In some embodiments of this utility model, a sealing gasket 143 is provided between the threaded structure 141 and the rotating body 142.

[0051] In practical applications, in order to prevent electrolyte leakage, a sealing gasket 143 is placed between the rotating body 142 and the threaded structure 141. This sealing gasket can be an acid-resistant fluororubber O-ring.

[0052] In addition, it should be noted that the accommodating cavity may include different accommodating cavity regions corresponding to the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, the signal processing unit 13, and the tail disassembly unit 14. The different accommodating cavity regions may be independent of each other with intervals, or they may be completely connected. No specific limitation is made here.

[0053] The temperature and pressure detection unit 11 includes a temperature sensor 111 and a pressure sensor 112. The temperature sensor 111 is disposed in a temperature sensor placement slot 113 opened in the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15, and the pressure sensor 112 is disposed in a pressure sensor placement slot 114 opened in the inner wall of the pressure guide pipe 16.

[0054] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 may include a temperature sensor 111 and a pressure sensor 112. The temperature sensor 111 is disposed in a temperature sensor placement slot 113 opened on the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15, and the pressure sensor 112 is disposed in a pressure sensor placement slot 114 opened on the inner wall of the pressure guide pipe 16.

[0055] Temperature sensor 111 measures the electrolyte temperature by measuring the electrolyte in the flow channel, and pressure sensor 112 measures the electrolyte pressure by measuring the electrolyte in the pressure channel.

[0056] In practical applications, the temperature sensor 111 can be an FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor encapsulated in a capillary glass tube, which features small size and resistance to electromagnetic interference. The pressure sensor 112 can be a MESE (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) pressure sensor, which is small in size and lightweight, making it easy to embed and fabricate into miniature sensors.

[0057] In some embodiments of this utility model, a flow guiding structure 115 is provided at one end of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11.

[0058] In practical applications, in order to reduce the impact after contact with the electrolyte fluid, as shown in Figure 2, a flow guiding structure 115 is provided at one end of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, that is, the housing at one end of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 is set as a flow guiding structure.

[0059] As an example, the material of the flow guiding structure 115 can be a material resistant to strong acids, such as titanium alloy.

[0060] In some embodiments of this utility model, the flow guiding pipe 15 includes an electrolyte inlet 151 disposed in the flow guiding structure 115, and the pressure guiding pipe 16 includes a pressure guiding hole 161 disposed in the flow guiding structure 115.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the flow guiding pipe 15 includes an electrolyte inlet 151 disposed on the flow guiding structure 115, and the pressure guiding pipe 16 includes a pressure guiding hole 161 disposed on the flow guiding structure 115. The flow guiding pipe can penetrate the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, so the flow guiding pipe also includes an internal electrolyte outlet 153 located at the other end of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11. The pressure guiding pipe can be entirely located inside the temperature and pressure detection unit 11.

[0062] In this way, the electrolyte can enter the guide pipe 15 through the electrolyte inlet 151, thereby leading the electrolyte to the downstream temperature sensing area, facilitating contact measurement by the temperature sensor in the temperature and pressure detection unit 11. Similarly, the electrolyte can enter the pressure guiding pipe 16 through the pressure guiding hole 161, thereby leading the electrolyte to the downstream pressure sensing area, facilitating contact measurement by the pressure sensor.

[0063] In some embodiments of this utility model, the housing 1 is a columnar structure, the flow guiding structure 115 is a streamlined hemisphere, and the flow guiding pipe 15 is disposed on the central axis of the housing 1.

[0064] To reduce the impact after contact with the electrolyte fluid, as shown in Figure 2, the shell 1 can be a columnar structure, and the flow guiding structure 115 can be a streamlined hemispherical shape. Additionally, the flow guiding pipe 15 can be positioned on the central axis of the shell 1.

[0065] In one example, in order to optimize the flow field, reduce turbulence, balance the velocity distribution, and reduce the impact of turbulence and uneven velocity on the sensor probe measurement, a spiral guide groove (not shown in Figure 2) can also be engraved on the guide structure 115. Through the above design, the liquid can be smoothly guided to the sensing measurement area at the rear end.

[0066] Furthermore, the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 has both a flow guiding function and a temperature and pressure measurement function.

[0067] In some embodiments of this utility model, a filter structure 18 is provided on the opening side of both the pressure sensor placement slot 114 and the temperature sensor placement slot 113.

[0068] To prevent particulate matter from clogging and to maintain self-cleaning, as shown in Figure 2, a filter structure 18 can be provided on one side of the opening of the pressure sensor placement slot 114 and the temperature sensor placement slot 113. That is, a filter structure 18 can be provided in the contact area between the electrolyte and the temperature sensor 111 and the pressure sensor 112.

[0069] In some embodiments of this utility model, the filter structure 18 includes a porous polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and a hydrophobic microstructure.

[0070] In practical applications, the filter structure 18 may include a porous PTFE mesh and hydrophobic microstructures. The porous PTFE mesh can prevent solid particles in the electrolyte (such as undissolved vanadium compounds) from impacting or depositing on the surface of the temperature sensor and clogging the interface between the temperature sensor and the electrolyte. At the same time, hydrophobic microstructures can be designed on the surface of the porous PTFE mesh, such as a composite structure of micron-sized protrusions and nano-sized fibers, forming a superhydrophobic surface. This can reduce electrolyte retention on the mesh surface, prevent vanadium particle adhesion, thereby preventing particulate matter clogging and maintaining self-cleaning.

[0071] In one example, to prevent the electrolyte from corroding the pressure sensor 112, a fluorosilicone 19 can be provided between the MEMS pressure sensor and the PTFE mesh and hydrophobic microstructure. Its resistance to strong acids can isolate the electrolyte from direct contact with the MEMS pressure sensor, while transmitting the fluid pressure to the MEMS pressure sensor to perform fluid pressure measurement.

[0072] The concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 includes a concentration sensor 121 and a flow rate sensor 122. The concentration sensor 121 is disposed in a concentration sensor placement slot 123 opened on the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15, and the flow rate sensor 122 is disposed in a flow rate sensor placement slot 124 opened on the outer wall of the housing 1.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 includes a concentration sensor 121 and a flow rate sensor 122. The concentration sensor 121 is disposed in a concentration sensor placement slot 123 opened on the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15, and the flow rate sensor 122 is disposed in a flow rate sensor placement slot 124 opened on the outer wall of the housing 1. The concentration sensor 121 measures the electrolyte concentration by measuring the electrolyte in the flow guide pipe, and the flow rate sensor 122 measures the electrolyte flow rate by measuring the electrolyte in the electrolyte pipe of the flow battery.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow guide pipe 15 includes an electrolyte outlet 152 located in the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and the electrolyte outlet 152 is disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing 1.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, the flow guide pipe 15 may also include an internal electrolyte inlet 154 located at one end of the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12.

[0076] In practical applications, the internal electrolyte inlet 154 can be connected to the internal electrolyte outlet 153. After the temperature is measured in the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 in the guide pipe, the electrolyte flows out from the internal electrolyte outlet 153 located at the other end of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 in the guide pipe 15. Then, it enters the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 from the internal electrolyte inlet 154. After being measured by the concentration sensor 121, it flows out from the electrolyte outlet 152 and returns to the electrolyte pipeline in the flow battery, that is, back to the main channel of the electrolyte pipeline.

[0077] To avoid electromagnetic interference and for ease of integration due to its small size, the concentration sensor 121 used can be a fiber optic concentration sensor, such as a dual-mode fiber optic interferometer (DMFI). The electrolyte of the vanadium redox flow battery mainly consists of vanadium ions in different valence states (such as V²). + V³ + VO² + Vanadium ions (etc.) dissolve in sulfuric acid solution. Changes in vanadium ion concentration significantly alter the refractive index of the electrolyte (refractive index is approximately linearly related to ion concentration).

[0078] Therefore, the total concentration of vanadium ions in the electrolyte can be indirectly measured by detecting changes in the refractive index of the electrolyte. To adapt to the measurement in the strong acid environment of the flow battery electrolyte, a corrosion-resistant layer can be coated on the interferometer section of the DMFI, such as an ultrathin (<100 nm) silicon nitride (Si3N4) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer, to protect the fiber core from corrosion by sulfuric acid and vanadium ions.

[0079] Similarly, in order to resist electromagnetic interference and achieve the purpose of small size and easy integration, the flow velocity sensor 122 used can be an optical fiber flow velocity sensor. It adopts thermal pulse mark-optical time domain reflection (OTDR) technology, integrates a heating film on the surface of distributed optical fiber for flow velocity measurement, sputters a platinum thin film on the surface of the optical fiber, and forms a serpentine heating circuit through photolithography. A pulse current is applied through the electrode leads to generate a local temperature rise. When the electrolyte flows through, it carries away the heat. The temperature decay process along the optical fiber is monitored by an optical time domain reflectometer, and the flow velocity of the electrolyte can be deduced by calculating the thermal pulse propagation speed.

[0080] It should be noted that the flow rate measurement sensor 122 installed in the concentration and flow rate sensing unit 12 is installed in the flow rate sensor placement slot 124 opened on the outer wall of the housing 1 so that the measured electrolyte flow rate is close to the main electrolyte fluid in the electrolyte pipeline. However, in actual use, it can also be installed on the inner wall of the flow guide channel according to the actual situation. In practical application, a more suitable sensing scheme can be selected according to actual needs.

[0081] In one example, the lead conduit 17 may include an internal lead outlet 175 located at the other end of the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12. The internal lead outlet 175 may be used to lead out data transmission leads from the front-end temperature, pressure, flow rate, and concentration sensors.

[0082] In some embodiments of this utility model, a filter structure 18 is provided on the opening side of both the concentration sensor placement slot 123 and the flow rate sensor placement slot 124.

[0083] Similarly, in order to prevent particulate matter from clogging and to maintain self-cleaning, as shown in Figure 3, a filter structure 18 can be provided on one side of the opening of the concentration sensor placement slot 123 and the flow rate sensor placement slot 124. That is, a filter structure 18 can also be provided in the contact area between the electrolyte and the concentration sensor 121 and the flow rate sensor 122.

[0084] Specifically, the filter structure 18 may include a porous polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and a hydrophobic microstructure.

[0085] In practical applications, this filter structure 18 can prevent solid particles (such as undissolved vanadium compounds) in the electrolyte from impacting or depositing on the fiber surface, thus providing protection and self-cleaning. The pore size of the porous PTFE mesh is typically 10~100μm, much larger than the ion size, so ions can freely diffuse and contact the concentration sensor 121 or the flow rate sensor 122, thereby measuring the concentration or flow rate.

[0086] The signal processing unit 13 includes a signal processing chip housing 131, which is electrically connected to the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 and the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 via data transmission wires in the wire conduit 17.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the signal processing unit 13 may include a signal processing chip receiving compartment 131. The processing unit disposed in the signal processing chip receiving compartment 131 may be an integrated chip, thereby achieving the purpose of small size, light weight and compact structure.

[0088] The signal processing chip housing 131 can be electrically connected to the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 and the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 via data transmission wires within the wire conduit 17. That is, the processing unit installed in the signal processing chip housing 131 can be connected to the pressure sensor 112 and temperature sensor 111 of the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, and the concentration sensor 121 and flow rate sensor 122 of the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 via data transmission wires (i.e., data transmission wires of multiple sensors) within the wire conduit 17.

[0089] In practical applications, the processing unit housed within the signal processing chip housing 131 can perform noise reduction and amplification on the signals transmitted from the sensor, improving signal quality and measurement accuracy. Simultaneously, it can integrate multiple signals and perform analog-to-digital conversion; the specific chip model is selected based on actual requirements.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wire conduit 17 includes a first wire inlet 171 disposed at one end of the signal processing unit 13 and a first wire outlet 172 disposed at the other end of the signal processing unit 13.

[0091] As shown in FIG4, the wire conduit 17 may include a first wire inlet 171 disposed at one end of the signal processing unit 13 and a first wire outlet 172 disposed at the other end of the signal processing unit 13.

[0092] In practical applications, the first wire inlet 171 can be connected to the internal wire outlet 175. The data transmission wires of the front-end temperature, pressure, flow rate and concentration sensors can be led out through the internal wire outlet 175, then introduced into the signal processing unit 13 through a wire inlet 171, and then led out through the first wire outlet 172.

[0093] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first wire inlet 171 is connected to one end of the signal processing chip housing 131, and the first wire outlet 172 is connected to the other end of the signal processing chip housing 131.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, the first wire inlet 171 can be connected to one end of the signal processing chip housing 131, and the first wire outlet 172 can be connected to the other end of the signal processing chip housing 131.

[0095] In practical applications, the sensor's data transmission wire enters the signal processing unit through the first wire inlet 171, and then enters the signal processing chip housing 131 from one end, connecting with the processing unit inside the signal processing chip housing 131. The data transmission wire then exits the signal processing chip housing 131 from the other end and is led out through the first wire outlet 172.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present invention, the wire conduit 17 further includes a second wire inlet 173 disposed at one end of the tail disassembly portion 14 and a second wire outlet 174 located at the other end of the tail quick-release portion. The second wire outlet 174 is disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing 1, and the first wire outlet 172 communicates with the second wire inlet 173.

[0097] As shown in Figure 5, the wire conduit 17 may further include a second wire inlet 173 located at one end of the tail disassembly portion 14, and a second wire outlet 174 located at the other end of the tail quick-release portion. The second wire outlet 174 may be located on the outer wall of the housing 1. That is, the wire conduit 17 passes through the tail disassembly portion 14.

[0098] In practical applications, the first wire outlet 172 can be connected to the second wire inlet 173. The data transmission wire led out through the first wire outlet 172 can enter the tail disassembly part 14 through the second wire inlet 173, and then be led out through the second wire outlet 174 to connect with the external acquisition device.

[0099] In some embodiments of this utility model, the housing 1 is a columnar structure, and the first wire inlet 171, the first wire outlet 172, the second wire inlet 173, and the second wire outlet 174 are located on the central axis of the housing 1.

[0100] Specifically, the housing 1 can be a columnar structure, and the internal wire outlet 175 can also be on the central axis of the housing 1. That is, the wire conduit located in the signal processing section and the tail disassembly section can be located on the central axis of the housing 1.

[0101] This utility model embodiment has the following advantages: It provides a monitor for a flow battery, the monitor including a housing 1 and multiple pipes. A receiving cavity is provided inside the housing 1, and the multiple pipes are disposed within the receiving cavity. The multiple pipes include a flow guide pipe 15, a pressure guide pipe 16, and a wire pipe 17. The flow guide pipe 15 and the pressure guide pipe 16 are connected to the electrolyte pipe in the flow battery. The monitor is provided with a temperature and pressure detection unit 11, a concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and a signal processing unit 13, and the temperature and pressure detection unit 11, the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12, and the signal processing unit 13 are arranged sequentially along the length of the monitor. The temperature and pressure detection unit 11 includes a temperature sensor 111 and a pressure sensor 112. The temperature sensor 111 is disposed in a temperature sensor placement slot 113 opened in the inner wall of the flow guide pipe 15. The pressure sensor 112 is disposed in the pressure sensor placement slot 114 opened on the inner wall of the pressure guiding pipe 16. The concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 includes a concentration sensor 121 and a flow rate sensor 122. The concentration sensor 121 is disposed in the concentration sensor placement slot 123 opened on the inner wall of the flow guiding pipe 15. The flow rate sensor 122 is disposed in the flow rate sensor placement slot 124 opened on the outer wall of the housing 1. The signal processing unit 13 includes a signal processing chip receiving compartment 131. The signal processing chip receiving compartment 131 is electrically connected to the temperature and pressure detection unit 11 and the concentration and flow rate detection unit 12 through the data transmission wire in the wire conduit 17. This enables real-time monitoring of multiple parameters such as operating temperature, pressure, electrolyte concentration and flow rate of the flow battery. It features high integration, high accuracy, small size, simple structure, ability to achieve simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters, and easy calibration.

[0102] In addition, some embodiments of this utility model have the advantage of being easy to install and disassemble.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0104] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A monitor for a flow battery, characterized in that, The monitor includes a housing (1) and multiple pipes. A receiving cavity is provided inside the housing (1), and the multiple pipes are disposed within the receiving cavity. The multiple pipes include a flow guide pipe (15), a pressure guide pipe (16), and a wire guide pipe (17). The flow guide pipe (15) and the pressure guide pipe (16) are connected to the electrolyte pipe in the flow battery. The monitor is provided with a temperature and pressure detection unit (11), a concentration and flow rate detection unit (12), and a signal processing unit (13), and the temperature and pressure detection unit (11), the concentration and flow rate detection unit (12), and the signal processing unit (13) are arranged sequentially along the length of the monitor. The temperature and pressure detection unit (11) includes a temperature sensor (111) and a pressure sensor (112). The temperature sensor (111) is disposed within the flow guide pipe (15). The temperature sensor placement slot (113) is opened on the inner wall of the pressure-conducting pipe (16), and the pressure sensor (112) is placed in the pressure sensor placement slot (114) opened on the inner wall of the pressure-conducting pipe (16). The concentration and flow rate detection unit (12) includes a concentration sensor (121) and a flow rate sensor (122). The concentration sensor (121) is placed in the concentration sensor placement slot (123) opened on the inner wall of the flow-conducting pipe (15), and the flow rate sensor (122) is placed in the flow rate sensor placement slot (124) opened on the outer wall of the housing (1). The signal processing unit (13) includes a signal processing chip receiving compartment (131). The signal processing chip receiving compartment (131) is electrically connected to the temperature and pressure detection unit (11) and the concentration and flow rate detection unit (12) through the data transmission wire in the wire conduit (17).

2. The monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitor also includes a tail disassembly part (14) arranged along the length direction of the monitor. The tail disassembly part (14) includes a threaded structure (141) arranged on the outer wall of the housing (1) and a rotating body (142) connected to the threaded structure (141).

3. The monitor according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing gasket (143) is provided between the threaded structure (141) and the rotating body (142).

4. The monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow guiding structure (115) is provided at one end of the temperature and pressure detection unit (11).

5. The monitor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow guiding pipe (15) includes an electrolyte inlet (151) disposed in the flow guiding structure (115), and the pressure guiding pipe (16) includes a pressure guiding hole (161) disposed in the flow guiding structure (115).

6. The monitor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shell (1) is a columnar structure, the flow guiding structure (115) is a streamlined hemisphere, and the flow guiding pipe (15) is located on the central axis of the shell (1).

7. The monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guide pipe (15) includes an electrolyte outlet (152) located in the concentration and flow rate detection unit (12), and the electrolyte outlet (152) is disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing (1).

8. The monitor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wire conduit (17) includes a first wire inlet (171) disposed at one end of the signal processing unit (13) and a first wire outlet (172) disposed at the other end of the signal processing unit (13).

9. The monitor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first wire inlet (171) is connected to one end of the signal processing chip housing (131), and the first wire outlet (172) is connected to the other end of the signal processing chip housing (131).

10. The monitor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The wire conduit (17) further includes a second wire inlet (173) disposed at one end of the tail disassembly part (14) and a second wire outlet (174) located at the other end of the tail quick-release part, the second wire outlet (174) being disposed on the outer wall surface of the housing (1).

11. The monitor according to claim 10, characterized in that, The housing (1) is a columnar structure, and the first wire inlet (171), the first wire outlet (172), the second wire inlet (173) and the second wire outlet (174) are located on the central axis of the housing (1).

12. The monitor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter structure (18) is provided on one side of the opening of the pressure sensor placement slot (114), the temperature sensor placement slot (113), the concentration sensor placement slot (123), and the flow rate sensor placement slot (124).

13. The monitor according to claim 12, characterized in that, The filter structure (18) includes a porous polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and a hydrophobic microstructure.

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