A nitrogen control cabinet for flow batteries

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of flow battery technology, and in particular to a nitrogen control cabinet for flow batteries. It includes a cabinet body, a gas distribution block, a pressure sensor, a solenoid valve, a high-pressure reducing valve, a low-pressure reducing valve, a gas distribution block mounting base, a solenoid valve mounting base, a reducing valve mounting base, a nitrogen outlet connector, a nitrogen inlet connector, and a gland, all connected by stainless steel pipes. This utility model integrates the gas distribution block, pressure sensor, solenoid valve, high-pressure reducing valve, low-pressure reducing valve, gas distribution block mounting base, solenoid valve mounting base, reducing valve mounting base, nitrogen outlet connector, nitrogen inlet connector, and gland within the cabinet body, thereby achieving the goals of protecting instruments, improving aesthetics, facilitating maintenance by personnel, improving work efficiency, and allowing for arbitrary adjustment of the installation position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flow battery technology, and in particular to a nitrogen control cabinet for flow batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Flow batteries are a large-scale energy storage technology based on redox reactions using liquid electrolytes, with vanadium redox flow batteries being a prime example. Their core safety advantages lie in the decoupling of power and capacity, and the non-flammable nature of aqueous electrolytes, fundamentally avoiding the chain reaction risks associated with thermal runaway, similar to lithium batteries.

[0003] However, under prolonged system operation or abnormal conditions (such as overcharging due to stack imbalance or control failure), the battery voltage may exceed the theoretical decomposition voltage of water (1.23V), triggering an electrolytic side reaction that produces hydrogen (H2) on the negative electrode side and oxygen (O2) on the positive electrode side. Although the production rate is usually slow, hydrogen has a wide explosion limit range (4%–75% volume concentration) and extremely strong diffusivity and flammability. Once it accumulates in a confined space, it poses a potential explosion risk.

[0004] To eliminate this risk, flow battery manufacturers fill the negative electrode with nitrogen to isolate H2 from the electrolyte and prevent explosion. The nitrogen cylinder and instruments are placed in a relatively fixed location, and nitrogen needs to be continuously supplied, requiring frequent checks by maintenance personnel. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a nitrogen control cabinet for flow batteries. By monitoring the nitrogen input pressure, it can determine faults such as insufficient nitrogen or leakage. The centralized installation of the instrument, along with its protection, facilitates maintenance and allows for adjustments to the installation location by repair personnel.

[0006] A nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery includes a cabinet body (1), a gas distribution block (2), a pressure sensor (3), a solenoid valve (4), a high-pressure reducing valve (5), a low-pressure reducing valve (6), a solenoid valve mounting seat (7), a reducing valve mounting seat (8), a gas distribution block mounting seat (9), a stainless steel pipe 1 (10), a nitrogen inlet connector (11), a stainless steel pipe 2 (12), a nitrogen outlet connector (13), a gland (14), and a plug (15). Structural Part: The remaining parts are integrated through the cabinet (1) to achieve the purpose of protecting the instrument, aesthetics, and easy disassembly and repositioning. The gas distribution block (2) is located above the nitrogen inlet connector (11), and the two are connected by stainless steel pipe 2 (12); the solenoid valve (4) is located above the gas distribution block (2) and to the right of the high pressure reducing valve (5), the high pressure reducing valve (5) is located above the low pressure reducing valve (6), and the low pressure reducing valve (6) is located above the nitrogen outlet connector (13). The gas distribution block (2), solenoid valve (4), high pressure reducing valve (5), low pressure reducing valve (6), and nitrogen outlet connector (13) are connected in sequence by stainless steel pipe 1 (10); the gas distribution block (2) and the cabinet (1) are connected by the gas distribution block installation. The mounting base (9) is connected, the solenoid valve (4) is connected to the cabinet (1) through the solenoid valve mounting base (7), the high pressure reducing valve (5) is connected to the cabinet (1) through the pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), the low pressure reducing valve (6) is connected to the cabinet (1) through the pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the nitrogen outlet connector (13) are directly connected to the cabinet (1); the pressure sensor (3) and the plug (15) are installed on the gas distribution block (2), and the lead wires of the pressure sensor (3) and the solenoid valve (4) are connected to the external controller through the gland (14).

[0007] Principle control section: Nitrogen enters from nitrogen inlet connector (11), flows through pressure sensor (3) for pressure detection, then flows through solenoid valve (4) and high pressure reducing valve (5) for pressure reduction, then flows through low pressure reducing valve (6) for two-stage pressure reduction, and finally flows out from nitrogen outlet connector (13) to electrolyte storage tank.

[0008] Furthermore, the cabinet (1) is sealed by welding; the material of the cabinet (1) is stainless steel or the surface of the cabinet (1) is rust-proofed or both of the above are met; the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the nitrogen outlet connector (13) are located on the same side, and the cabinet (1) and the connector are installed with the connection surface facing down to ensure that water will not enter and that it can be used outdoors.

[0009] Furthermore, the connection methods of the cabinet (1) with the solenoid valve mounting seat (7), the pressure reducing valve mounting seat (8), the gas distribution block mounting seat (9), the connection method of the solenoid valve (4) with the solenoid valve mounting seat (7), the connection method of the high pressure reducing valve (5), the low pressure reducing valve with the pressure reducing valve mounting seat (8), the connection method of the gas distribution block (2) with the gas distribution block mounting seat (9), the connection method of the stainless steel pipe 1 (10) with the gas distribution block (2), the solenoid valve (4), the high pressure reducing valve (5), the low pressure reducing valve (6), the nitrogen outlet connector (13), and the connection method of the stainless steel pipe 2 (12) with the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the gas distribution block (2) are all threaded connections, which facilitate disassembly and maintenance.

[0010] Furthermore, the control cabinet controls the height of the solenoid valve mounting base (7), the pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), and the gas distribution block mounting base (9) to keep the mounting holes of the gas distribution block (2), the solenoid valve (4), the high pressure reducing valve (5), and the low pressure reducing valve (6) on the same axis, so that the stainless steel pipe 1 (10) can be on the same axis, which is convenient for connection and aesthetics; the pipeline connection and component connection before the nitrogen cylinder to the high pressure reducing valve (5) need to be sealed with a gasket or liquid PTFE tape to ensure overall sealing and prevent leakage; the thread specifications of the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the stainless steel pipe 2 (12) need to be consistent and are determined by the thread specifications of the nitrogen inlet.

[0011] Furthermore, the thread specifications of stainless steel pipe 1 (10), solenoid valve (4), high pressure reducing valve (5), low pressure reducing valve (6), and nitrogen outlet connector (13) need to be consistent and determined by the thread specifications of gas distribution block (2).

[0012] Furthermore, the pressure resistance of the nitrogen inlet connector (11), stainless steel pipe 2 (12), gas distribution block (2), stainless steel pipe 1 (10), solenoid valve (4), and high pressure reducing valve (5) must be greater than the nitrogen inlet pressure to prevent damage to parts, leakage, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, there are reinforcing ribs inside the cabinet (1), and parts are installed on the reinforcing ribs to prevent the cabinet (1) from deforming.

[0014] Furthermore, its thread specifications can be one or two, or even multiple, and the thread specifications should be consistent with the thread specifications of stainless steel pipe 1 (10), pressure sensor (3), stainless steel pipe 2 (12), and plug (15); the number of holes in the gas distribution block (2) is the sum of the number of nitrogen inlet connectors, pressure sensors, nitrogen outlets, and plugs.

[0015] Furthermore, its input voltage and function are optional and determined by actual needs; its form can be mechanical or digital display; its range is greater than the nitrogen inlet pressure; its accuracy needs to meet the condition that the value changes significantly when the pressure changes. Its function is to detect the nitrogen input pressure and feed it back to the control system, so that the control system can determine whether there is insufficient nitrogen or leakage, and notify maintenance personnel to carry out maintenance.

[0016] Furthermore, the input voltage of the solenoid valve (4) is optional; it is normally closed; its function is: when nitrogen needs to be filled into the electrolyte storage tank, it is opened by the control system, and after it is filled, it is closed by the control system.

[0017] Furthermore, the high-pressure pressure reducing valve (5) can be mechanical or digital; its range is greater than the nitrogen inlet pressure; and its accuracy needs to meet the condition that the value changes significantly when the pressure changes.

[0018] Furthermore, the low-pressure pressure reducing valve (6) can be mechanical or digital; its range is greater than the required input nitrogen pressure; and its accuracy needs to meet the condition that the value changes significantly when the gas pressure changes.

[0019] Furthermore, the interface dimensions of the solenoid valve mounting base (7), pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), and gas distribution block mounting base (9) need to match the mounting hole dimensions of the corresponding mounting parts and the mounting dimensions of the cabinet (1). The interface shape can be one or more forms such as circular or oblong holes.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solutions, centralized installation can be achieved, protecting the instruments, facilitating maintenance and adjustment of installation positions by staff, improving work efficiency, and achieving the goal of cost savings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the nitrogen control cabinet for the flow battery in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Diagram of the middle cabinet structure.

[0023] Figure label: 1. Cabinet; 2. Gas distribution block; 3. Pressure sensor; 4. Solenoid valve; 5. High-pressure pressure reducing valve; 6. Low-pressure pressure reducing valve; 7. Solenoid valve mounting base; 8. Pressure reducing valve mounting base; 9. Gas distribution block mounting base; 10. Stainless steel pipe 1; 11. Nitrogen inlet connector; 12. Stainless steel pipe 2; 13. Nitrogen outlet connector; 14. Gland; 15. Plug. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-2 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0025] This utility model provides a nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery. (See reference...) Figure 1-2 It includes a cabinet, gas distribution block, pressure sensor, solenoid valve, high-pressure reducing valve, low-pressure reducing valve, nitrogen inlet connector, nitrogen outlet connector, stainless steel pipe, gas distribution block mounting base, solenoid valve mounting base, reducing valve mounting base, and gland.

[0026] The nitrogen control cabinet is connected to the nitrogen inlet and outlet connectors by welding. The nitrogen inlet connector is connected to a three-position five-way manifold via stainless steel pipe 2. The pressure sensor and plug are mounted on the three-position five-way manifold. The three-position five-way manifold is connected to a solenoid valve via stainless steel pipe 1. The solenoid valve is connected to a pressure reducing valve (0-25MPa) via stainless steel pipe 1. The pressure reducing valve (0-25MPa) is connected to a pressure reducing valve (0-0.16MPa) via stainless steel pipe 1. The pressure reducing valve (0-0.16MPa) is connected to the nitrogen outlet connector via stainless steel pipe 1. The three-position five-way manifold, solenoid valve, pressure reducing valve (0-25MPa), pressure reducing valve (0-0.16MPa), and cabinet are connected to the manifold mounting base, solenoid valve mounting base, and pressure reducing valve mounting base by bolts. The leads of the solenoid valve and pressure sensor are connected to the outside via glands.

[0027] After the above assembly is completed, the control system monitors the nitrogen pressure through a pressure sensor. If the pressure is too low, a warning is issued; if the pressure is too high, the solenoid valve is closed and the inflation is stopped.

[0028] The above are all preferred embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape and principle of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery, characterized in that, Includes cabinet (1), gas distribution block (2), pressure sensor (3), solenoid valve (4), high pressure reducing valve (5), low pressure reducing valve (6), solenoid valve mounting base (7), pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), gas distribution block mounting base (9), stainless steel pipe 1 (10), nitrogen inlet connector (11), stainless steel pipe 2 (12), nitrogen outlet connector (13), gland (14), plug (15); Structural components: The gas distribution block (2) is located above the nitrogen inlet connector (11), and the two are connected by a stainless steel pipe 2 (12); the solenoid valve (4) is located above the gas distribution block (2) and to the right of the high-pressure reducing valve (5), the high-pressure reducing valve (5) is located above the low-pressure reducing valve (6), and the low-pressure reducing valve (6) is located above the nitrogen outlet connector (13). The gas distribution block (2), solenoid valve (4), high-pressure reducing valve (5), low-pressure reducing valve (6), and nitrogen outlet connector (13) are connected in sequence by a stainless steel pipe 1 (10); the gas distribution block (2) and the cabinet (1) are connected by a gas distribution block. The block mounting base (9) is connected, the solenoid valve (4) is connected to the cabinet (1) through the solenoid valve mounting base (7), the high pressure reducing valve (5) is connected to the cabinet (1) through the pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), the low pressure reducing valve (6) is connected to the cabinet (1) through the pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the nitrogen outlet connector (13) are directly connected to the cabinet (1); the pressure sensor (3) and the plug (15) are installed on the gas distribution block (2), and the lead wires of the pressure sensor (3) and the solenoid valve (4) are connected to the external controller through the gland (14).

2. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) is sealed by welding; the material of the cabinet (1) is stainless steel or the surface of the cabinet (1) is rust-proofed or both of the above are met; the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the nitrogen outlet connector (13) are located on the same side, and the cabinet (1) and the connector are installed with the connection surface facing down to ensure that water will not enter and that it can be used outdoors.

3. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection methods of the cabinet (1) with the solenoid valve mounting seat (7), the pressure reducing valve mounting seat (8), the gas distribution block mounting seat (9), the connection method of the solenoid valve (4) with the solenoid valve mounting seat (7), the connection method of the high pressure reducing valve (5), the low pressure reducing valve with the pressure reducing valve mounting seat (8), the connection method of the gas distribution block (2) with the gas distribution block mounting seat (9), the connection method of the stainless steel pipe 1 (10) with the gas distribution block (2), the solenoid valve (4), the high pressure reducing valve (5), the low pressure reducing valve (6), the nitrogen outlet connector (13), and the connection method of the stainless steel pipe 2 (12) with the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the gas distribution block (2) are all threaded connections, which facilitate disassembly and maintenance.

4. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control cabinet controls the height of the solenoid valve mounting base (7), the pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), and the gas distribution block mounting base (9) to keep the mounting holes of the gas distribution block (2), the solenoid valve (4), the high pressure reducing valve (5), and the low pressure reducing valve (6) on the same axis, so that the stainless steel pipe 1 (10) can be on the same axis, which is convenient for connection and aesthetics. The pipeline connection and parts connection from the nitrogen cylinder to the high pressure reducing valve (5) need to be sealed with a gasket or liquid PTFE tape to ensure overall airtightness and prevent leakage. The thread specifications of the nitrogen inlet connector (11) and the stainless steel pipe 2 (12) need to be consistent and are determined by the thread specifications of the nitrogen inlet.

5. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thread specifications of the stainless steel pipe 1 (10), solenoid valve (4), high pressure reducing valve (5), low pressure reducing valve (6), and nitrogen outlet connector (13) need to be consistent and are determined by the thread specifications of the gas distribution block (2).

6. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure resistance of the nitrogen inlet connector (11), stainless steel pipe 2 (12), gas distribution block (2), stainless steel pipe 1 (10), solenoid valve (4), and high pressure reducing valve (5) needs to be greater than the nitrogen inlet pressure; the cabinet (1) has reinforcing ribs inside, and parts are installed on the reinforcing ribs to prevent the cabinet (1) from deforming; the thread specification of the gas distribution block (2) is consistent with the thread specification of stainless steel pipe 1 (10), pressure sensor (3), stainless steel pipe 2 (12), and plug (15); the number of holes in the gas distribution block (2) is the sum of the number of nitrogen inlet connectors, pressure sensors, nitrogen outlets, and plugs.

7. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor (3) is either mechanical or digital, and its range needs to be greater than the nitrogen inlet pressure. Its accuracy needs to meet the condition that the value changes significantly when the pressure changes. The solenoid valve (4) is normally closed. The high-pressure pressure reducing valve (5) is either mechanical or digital, and its range needs to be greater than the nitrogen inlet pressure. Its accuracy needs to meet the condition that the value changes significantly when the pressure changes. The low-pressure pressure reducing valve (6) is either mechanical or digital, and its range needs to be greater than the input nitrogen pressure. Its accuracy needs to meet the condition that the value changes significantly when the pressure changes.

8. The nitrogen control cabinet for a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface dimensions of the solenoid valve mounting base (7), pressure reducing valve mounting base (8), and gas distribution block mounting base (9) need to match the mounting hole dimensions of the corresponding mounting parts and the mounting dimensions of the cabinet (1). The interface shape can be circular, oblong, or one or more forms.

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