Flow fuel cell stack and flow battery system

Abstract

This application provides a flow battery stack, including a first manifold component for flowing a first electrolyte, a second manifold component for flowing a second electrolyte, and a battery cell consisting of at least two battery packs. The first manifold component includes a first manifold and a second manifold having a main pipe and multiple branch pipes, forming interconnected main and branch channels. Each battery pack has an inlet, an outlet, and a liquid flow channel. By connecting the first manifold for the first electrolyte to the inlet of the battery pack and the second manifold to the outlet, a closed-loop circulation path is formed. The second manifold component includes a third manifold and a fourth manifold, through which the second electrolyte forms another independent circulation path within the battery pack, achieving efficient distribution and circulation of the two electrolytes within the battery pack. This application also provides a flow battery system with the above-described flow battery stack, which has the advantages of high efficiency and low loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to a flow battery stack and flow battery system. Background Technology

[0002] Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are an electrochemical energy storage technology that has shown great potential in large-scale and long-term energy storage applications, such as renewable energy grid integration and grid peak shaving, due to their advantages of scalability, safety, long lifespan, and rapid response. However, current flow batteries suffer from problems such as uneven electrolyte distribution caused by unreasonable electrolyte pipeline design and high delays and low accuracy in charging status monitoring, leading to reduced efficiency and increased operating costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this application is to provide a liquid flow stack that aims to solve the problem of low efficiency caused by uneven electrolyte distribution.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a liquid flow fuel cell stack, comprising: A first manifold component for circulating a first electrolyte includes a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold includes a first main pipe and at least two first branch pipes connected to the first main pipe. The first main pipe forms a first main channel, and each first branch pipe forms at least one first branch channel, and the first branch channel communicates with the first main channel. The second manifold includes a second main pipe and at least two second branch pipes connected to the second main pipe. The second main pipe forms a second main channel, and each second branch pipe forms at least one second branch channel, and the second branch channel communicates with the second main channel. The second manifold component is used for the flow of the second electrolyte, and the second manifold component includes a third manifold and a fourth manifold; A battery unit, the battery unit comprising at least two battery packs, each battery pack having a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a first liquid flow channel connecting the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet, a second liquid outlet, and a second liquid flow channel connecting the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet; Each of the first liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the first diverter pipes, and each of the first liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the second diverter pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the first liquid channel, and through the first liquid channel to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack from the second main channel; Each of the battery packs is connected to the third manifold via the second inlet and to the fourth manifold via the second outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the second liquid channel and through the second liquid channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the current battery pack from the fourth manifold.

[0005] Optionally, the third manifold includes a third main pipe and at least two third branch pipes connected to the third main pipe, the third main pipe forming a third main channel, each of the third branch pipes forming at least one third branch channel, and the third branch channel communicating with the third main channel; the fourth manifold includes a fourth main pipe and at least two fourth branch pipes connected to the fourth main pipe, the fourth main pipe forming a fourth main channel, each of the fourth branch pipes forming at least one fourth branch channel, and the fourth branch channel communicating with the fourth main channel; Each of the second liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the third diversion pipes, and each of the second liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the fourth diversion pipes, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third main channel to the second liquid channel, and through the second liquid channel to the fourth diversion channel and through the fourth diversion channel to the fourth main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack from the fourth main channel.

[0006] Optionally, the battery pack includes a first electrode plate, a first separator, and a second electrode plate, wherein the first separator is disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; The first liquid inlet, the first liquid outlet, and the first liquid flow channel are formed on the first electrode plate; the second liquid inlet, the second liquid outlet, and the second liquid flow channel are formed on the second electrode plate; The battery pack further includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on the first electrode plate and is at least partially located in the first liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the first electrode when it flows through the first liquid flow channel. The second electrode is disposed on the second electrode plate and is at least partially located within the second liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the second electrode when flowing through the second liquid flow channel.

[0007] Optionally, the battery cell further includes a first current collector and a second current collector, wherein the first current collector is disposed on the side of the first electrode plate away from the second electrode plate and is connected to the first electrode; The second current collector is disposed on the side of the second electrode plate away from the first electrode plate and is connected to the second electrode.

[0008] Optionally, the flow stack further includes a measurement battery pack connected to the battery cell for measuring the battery parameters of the battery cell, wherein the battery parameters include at least one of voltage and current.

[0009] Optionally, the measuring battery pack has a third liquid inlet, a third liquid outlet, a third liquid flow channel connecting the third liquid inlet and the third liquid outlet, a fourth liquid inlet, a fourth liquid outlet, and a fourth liquid flow channel connecting the fourth liquid inlet and the fourth liquid outlet; Each of the third liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the first diverter pipes, and each of the third liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the second diverter pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the third liquid channel, and through the third liquid channel to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the measuring battery pack from the second main channel; Each of the measuring battery packs is connected to the third manifold via the fourth inlet and to the fourth manifold via the fourth outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the fourth liquid channel and through the fourth liquid channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the measuring battery pack from the fourth manifold.

[0010] Optionally, the measuring battery pack includes a detection module and a battery module. The detection module is used to collect and output electrical signals. The battery module includes a third electrode plate, a second separator, and a fourth electrode plate. The second separator is disposed between the third electrode plate and the fourth electrode plate. The third liquid inlet, the third liquid outlet, and the third liquid flow channel are formed on the third electrode plate; the fourth liquid inlet, the fourth liquid outlet, and the fourth liquid flow channel are formed on the fourth electrode plate; The battery module further includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The third electrode is disposed on the third electrode plate and is at least partially located in the third liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the third electrode when it flows through the third liquid flow channel. The fourth electrode is disposed on the fourth electrode plate and is at least partially located within the fourth liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the fourth electrode when flowing through the fourth liquid flow channel.

[0011] Optionally, it includes at least two battery cells, and the first manifold component and the second manifold component corresponding to each of the two adjacent battery cells can be detachably connected.

[0012] Optionally, the flow stack further includes a first end plate and a second end plate, with the battery cell sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0013] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the flow battery stack provided by the first aspect of this application improves the uneven distribution of electrolyte in multiple battery packs through the design of the first manifold component and the second manifold component, thereby ensuring that each battery pack obtains a stable electrolyte flow rate, realizing uniform distribution and pressure management of electrolyte in the battery pack, and thus improving the working performance of the flow battery.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a flow battery system, comprising: First liquid storage tank, second liquid storage tank, power unit and liquid flow stack in the aforementioned examples; The first liquid storage tank is connected to the liquid flow battery stack and is used to provide the first electrolyte to the liquid flow battery stack; The second liquid storage tank is connected to the liquid flow battery stack and is used to provide the liquid flow battery stack with a second electrolyte; The power unit provides power for the liquid flow between the first liquid storage tank, the second liquid storage tank, and the liquid flow stack.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the flow battery system provided in the second aspect of this application improves the uniformity of electrolyte distribution and further enhances the efficiency of the flow battery by using the aforementioned flow stack. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow battery system provided in one or more embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid flow fuel cell provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a first manifold component provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the first electrode plate of the battery pack; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional view of the second electrode plate of the battery pack; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the measurement battery pack and battery cells provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the measurement battery pack and battery cells provided in another embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the battery pack being measured; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the third electrode plate of the battery pack. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the fourth electrode plate of the battery pack.

[0018] Figure label: 100. Flow battery system; 10. First liquid storage tank; 11. Second liquid storage tank; 12. Power unit; 13. Flow battery stack; 14. First manifold assembly; 141. First main pipe; 142. First branch pipe; 143. Second main pipe; 144. Second branch pipe; 16. First electrolyte inlet main pipe; 17. First electrolyte discharge main pipeline; 18. Second electrolyte inlet main pipeline; 19. Second electrolyte discharge main pipe; 20. Battery cell; 21. Battery pack; 211. First liquid inlet; 212. First liquid outlet; 213. First liquid flow channel; 214. Second liquid inlet; 215. Second liquid outlet; 216. Second liquid flow channel; 217. First electrode plate; 218. Second electrode plate; 219. First diaphragm; 220. First electrode; 221. Second electrode; 22. First current collector; 23. Second current collector; 24. First end plate; 25. Second end plate; 26. Insulating plate; 27. Measuring battery pack; 271. Third electrode plate; 272. Fourth electrode plate; 273. Third electrode; 274. Fourth electrode; 275. Second diaphragm; 276. Third liquid flow channel; 277. Fourth liquid flow channel; 278. Third liquid inlet; 279. Third liquid outlet; 280. Fourth liquid inlet; 281. Fourth liquid outlet; 28. Third manifold; 29. ​​Fourth manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "connection" are used interchangeably. The term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] It is understood that descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0022] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a flow battery system 100, including a first liquid storage tank 10, a second liquid storage tank 11, a power unit 12, and a flow battery stack 13. The first liquid storage tank 10 and the second liquid storage tank 11 are respectively connected to the flow battery stack 13 and are used to provide the flow battery stack 13 with a first electrolyte and a second electrolyte, respectively. The power unit 12 provides power for the liquid flow between the first liquid storage tank 10, the second liquid storage tank 11, and the flow battery stack 13.

[0024] It is understood that if the first electrolyte can be either a positive or negative electrolyte, then the corresponding second electrolyte can also be either a negative or positive electrolyte, without any limitation.

[0025] Furthermore, in some specific examples, the flow battery system 100 also includes a first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16, a first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17, a second electrolyte inlet main pipe 18, and a second electrolyte outlet main pipe 19. The first electrolyte flows at least partially from the first storage tank 10 via the power unit 12, enters the flow battery stack 13 via the first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16, and returns at least partially to the first storage tank 10 via the first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17. The second electrolyte flows at least partially from the second storage tank 11 via the power unit 12, enters the flow battery stack 13 via the second electrolyte inlet main pipe 18, and returns at least partially to the second storage tank 11 via the second electrolyte outlet main pipe 19.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flow stack 13 includes a first manifold component 14 for flowing a first electrolyte, a second manifold component for flowing a second electrolyte, and a battery cell 20.

[0027] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first manifold component 14 includes a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold includes a first main pipe 141 and at least two first branch pipes 142 connected to the first main pipe 141. The first main pipe 141 forms a first main channel, and each first branch pipe 142 forms at least one first branch channel, and the first branch channel communicates with the first main channel. The second manifold includes a second main pipe 143 and at least two second branch pipes 144 connected to the second main pipe 143. The second main pipe 143 forms a second main channel, and each second branch pipe 144 forms at least one first branch channel. The flow tube 144 has at least one second branch channel, and the second branch channel is connected to the second main flow channel. The second manifold component includes a third manifold and a fourth manifold.

[0028] The battery cell 20 includes at least two battery packs 21, each battery pack 21 having a first liquid inlet 211, a first liquid outlet 212, a first liquid flow channel 213 connecting the first liquid inlet 211 and the first liquid outlet 212, a second liquid inlet 214, a second liquid outlet 215, and a second liquid flow channel 216 connecting the second liquid inlet 214 and the second liquid outlet 215.

[0029] Each first liquid inlet 211 is connected to at least one first diverter pipe 142, and each first liquid outlet 212 is connected to at least one second diverter pipe 144, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the first liquid channel 213, and through the first liquid channel 213 to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack 21 from the second main channel.

[0030] Each battery pack 21 is connected to the third manifold via the second inlet 214 and to the fourth manifold via the second outlet 215, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the second liquid channel 216 and through the second liquid channel 216 to the fourth manifold, so that the current battery pack 21 can flow out from the fourth manifold.

[0031] For example, as shown in Figure 3, taking the positive electrolyte as the first electrolyte, the positive electrolyte flows out of the first storage tank 10 and flows into each battery group 21 of the battery unit 20 through the first main pipe 141 of the first manifold. At the same time, part of the positive electrolyte flows into a single battery group 21 through the first inlet 211 connected to the first branch pipe 142, flows through the first liquid flow channel 213 and the first outlet 212 and flows out of the battery group 21. Then, it flows back to the first storage tank 10 through the second branch pipe 144 connected to the first outlet 212 via the second main pipe 143. It can be understood that the second main pipe 143 in this application has the same structure as the first main pipe 141 in the aforementioned embodiment, and the second branch pipe 144 provided on the second main pipe 143 is also the same as the aforementioned first branch pipe 142, which will not be described again here.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 quickly realize the flow distribution of the first electrolyte among the battery packs 21 inside the battery unit 20, so that each battery pack 21 can quickly and stably obtain a stable electrolyte flow rate and uniform pressure distribution during the flow circulation of the first electrolyte in the first storage tank 10 and the battery unit 20. At the same time, the first diversion pipe 142 provided on the first main pipe 141 and the second diversion pipe 144 provided on the second main pipe 143 can achieve uniform distribution of the first electrolyte in each independent battery pack 21.

[0033] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the third manifold includes a third main pipe and at least two third branch pipes connected to the third main pipe. The third main pipe forms a third main channel, and each third branch pipe forms at least one third branch channel, and the third branch channels communicate with the third main channel. The fourth manifold includes a fourth... The main pipe and at least two fourth branch pipes connected to the fourth main pipe, the fourth main pipe forming a fourth main channel, each fourth branch pipe forming at least one fourth branch channel, and the fourth branch channel communicating with the fourth main channel.

[0034] Each second liquid inlet 214 is connected to at least one third diverter pipe, and each second liquid outlet 215 is connected to at least one fourth diverter pipe, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third main channel to the second liquid channel 216, and through the second liquid channel 216 to the fourth diverter channel and through the fourth diverter channel to the fourth main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack 21 from the fourth main channel.

[0035] It is understandable that by designing the third and fourth manifolds with the same piping design as the first and second manifolds, the second electrolyte can be efficiently distributed in each individual battery pack 21.

[0036] In this embodiment, the graded flow channel design of the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component works together to achieve efficient distribution and circulation of the two electrolytes in the liquid flow stack 13, avoiding uneven distribution of electrolyte in the liquid flow stack 13, which could cause local overcharging or over-discharging and thus reduce battery efficiency and lifespan.

[0037] Specifically, in some embodiments, the diameters of the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 are significantly larger than the diameters of the first shunt pipe 142 and the second shunt pipe 144, in order to achieve uniform distribution and pressure management among the half-cells of all battery packs 21, reducing the risk of battery performance issues caused by pressure imbalance. More specifically, in some examples, the ratio of the inner diameter of the first shunt pipe 142 to the inner diameter of the first main pipe 141, and the ratio of the inner diameter of the second shunt pipe 144 to the inner diameter of the second main pipe 143, is 1:15 to 1:25.

[0038] It should be noted that, taking the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 as examples, the first main pipe 141 and the second main pipe 143 can be directly connected to the first storage tank 10, or the first main pipe 141 can be connected to the first storage tank 10 through the first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16, and the second main pipe 143 can be connected to the first storage tank 10 through the first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17. The connection is such that the inner and outer diameters of the first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16 and the first main pipe 141 are the same, or the inner diameter of the first electrolyte inlet main pipe 16 is larger than the inner diameter of the first main pipe 141. Similarly, the inner and outer diameters of the first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17 and the second main pipe 143 are the same, or the inner diameter of the first electrolyte outlet main pipe 17 is larger than the inner diameter of the second main pipe 143. This configuration avoids the situation where the first electrolyte flows from the first storage tank 10 through the first main pipe 141 into the battery unit 20, through multiple branch pipes into multiple battery packs 21, and finally flows out of the battery packs 21 through the second main pipe 143 and back to the first storage tank 10. In this process, the large difference in diameter between the external pipes and the main pipes of the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component inside the stack would lead to excessive pressure drop in the pipes, thereby increasing pump power loss and reducing system efficiency.

[0039] Similarly, the second manifold component has the same structural design, piping parameters, and related beneficial effects as the first manifold component 14 in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here. For detailed descriptions, please refer to the foregoing. Implementation methods. For example, the specific structure and function of the first main pipe 141 and the first branch pipe 142, and the second main pipe 143 and the second branch pipe 144 in the first manifold component 14 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing implementation methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] Furthermore, because the electrolyte is highly acidic and oxidizing, it can easily lead to pipe corrosion, resulting in electrolyte contamination. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component are made of corrosion-resistant materials, including but not limited to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thereby ensuring that the flow battery has a long service life and high safety and reliability in corrosive environments.

[0041] In some examples, the flow stack 13 includes at least two battery cells 20, and the first manifold component 14 and the second manifold component corresponding to each of the two adjacent battery cells 20 are detachably connected. Specifically, for example, the first manifold components 14 of the two adjacent battery cells 20 are connected by a flange.

[0042] It is understandable that increasing the number of battery cells 20 can increase the power of the flow battery to meet the needs of more application scenarios. Two adjacent battery cells 20, such as battery cell 20A and battery cell 20B, can be connected by connecting the first manifold component 14 of battery cell 20A to the first manifold component 14 of battery cell 20B with a flange, and connecting the second manifold component of battery cell 20A to the second manifold component of battery cell 20B with a flange. With this configuration, the power of the flow battery can be increased through simple disassembly and connection, simplifying the complexity of the pipeline layout.

[0043] Please see Figures 4 to 7 In some embodiments, the battery pack 21 includes a first electrode plate 217, a first separator 219 and a second electrode plate 218, with the first separator 219 disposed between the first electrode plate 217 and the second electrode plate 218.

[0044] The first liquid inlet 211, the first liquid outlet 212 and the first liquid flow channel 213 are formed on the first electrode plate 217, and the second liquid inlet 214, the second liquid outlet 215 and the second liquid flow channel 216 are formed on the second electrode plate 218.

[0045] The battery pack 21 also includes a first electrode 220 and a second electrode 221. The first electrode 220 is disposed on the first electrode plate 217 and is at least partially located in the first liquid flow channel 213 so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the first electrode 220 when it flows through the first liquid flow channel 213.

[0046] The second electrode 221 is disposed on the second electrode plate 218 and is at least partially located within the second liquid flow channel 216, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the second electrode 221 when flowing through the second liquid flow channel 216.

[0047] It should be understood that the first electrode plate 217 and the second electrode plate 218 include monopolar plates or bipolar plates. Corresponding electrolyte flow channels are provided on the monopolar and bipolar plates. The electrode plate between two adjacent battery packs 21 is a bipolar plate, and the remaining electrode plates are monopolar plates. It should also be understood that the monopolar or bipolar plates are typically bonded to the electrodes by pressing. The fit is tight.

[0048] Please see Figures 5 to 7 For example, as shown in Figure 5, a first liquid flow channel 213 is provided on the side of the first electrode plate 217 near the first diaphragm 219. The first electrode 220 structure covers the surface of the first electrode plate 217 near the first diaphragm 219, that is, the first electrode 220 structure covers the first liquid flow channel 213, so that a chemical reaction occurs on the electrode surface when the electrolyte flows through the first liquid flow channel 213. In some examples, such as... Figure 6 As shown, a first liquid channel 213 is provided on one side of the first electrode 217 and is attached to one side surface of the first electrode 220. When the first electrolyte flows through the first liquid channel 213, a chemical reaction occurs on the surface attached to the first electrode 220. Similarly, a second liquid channel 216 is provided on one side of the second electrode 218 and is attached to one side surface of the second electrode 221. When the second electrolyte flows through the second liquid channel 216, a chemical reaction occurs on the surface attached to the second electrode 221, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0049] It is understood that the electrodes include positive and negative electrodes. When the first electrode 220 is the positive electrode, the second electrode 221 is the negative electrode. The polarities of the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 221 can be interchanged, which is not limited here. The structure of the first electrode 220 can be attached to the first electrode plate 217 by layer stacking, or it can be formed by etching or pressing on the first electrode plate 217. Similarly, the second electrode 221 will not be described in detail here.

[0050] The membrane is used for ion-selective conduction. For example, during charging and discharging, the membrane only allows ions with balanced charges to pass through to maintain electroneutrality, while blocking active materials and preventing them from entering the electrolyte (such as V2). + With VO2 + Direct contact can lead to self-discharge; the membrane includes, but is not limited to, ion exchange membranes.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first electrode 220 and the second electrode 221 are at least partially located in the liquid flow channel of the electrode plate and are directly exposed to the flowing electrolyte, thereby increasing the active reaction area. The first electrode plate 217 and the second electrode plate 218 are respectively provided with liquid inlet, liquid outlet and flow channel, which facilitates the series stacking of the battery pack 21 to meet the needs of high capacity power.

[0052] In some embodiments, the battery cell 20 further includes a first current collector 22 and a second current collector 23. The first current collector 22 is disposed on the side of the first electrode plate 217 away from the second electrode plate 218 and is connected to the first electrode 220. The second current collector 23 is disposed on the side of the second electrode plate 218 away from the first electrode plate 217 and is connected to the second electrode 221.

[0053] In this embodiment, by setting a current collector connected to the electrode as a channel for electron conduction, the current generated by the redox reaction occurring on the electrode is efficiently collected and conducted to the external circuit.

[0054] It is understandable that current collectors can be installed at both ends of each battery pack 21, or multiple battery packs 21 can be connected in series and current collectors can be installed at both ends of them.

[0055] More specifically, in some embodiments, the liquid flow stack 13 further includes a first end plate 24 and a second end plate 25. Plate 25, battery unit 20 is sandwiched between first end plate 24 and second end plate 25.

[0056] It is understandable that setting end plates at both ends of the battery cell 20 can serve as mechanical supports, enhance structural stability, resist internal fluid pressure and external impact, and extend battery life. At the same time, by fastening the current collector and electrode components inside the battery pack 21, electrolyte leakage or component displacement is prevented, pressure is evenly distributed, and the contact between each layer of the battery cell 20 is ensured, reducing contact resistance and improving current collection efficiency.

[0057] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the flow stack 13 further includes a measuring battery pack 27 connected to the battery cell 20 for measuring the battery parameters of the battery cell 20, the battery parameters including at least one of voltage and current.

[0058] In this embodiment, the measuring battery pack 27 is integrated with the battery cell 20. The measuring battery pack 27 not only operates independently of the battery cell 20, but also provides real-time feedback of the battery parameters of the battery cell 20 without interfering with its operation. These battery parameters include, but are not limited to, voltage and current. Figure 5As shown, the measuring battery pack 27 can be integrated at one end of the battery cell 20, or it can be integrated inside the battery cell 20, for example, between two adjacent battery packs 21. Figure 6 As shown. In addition, in some specific examples, the measuring battery pack 27 is externally configured with an insulating plate 26, and is integrated with the battery cell 20 through the insulating plate 26 to avoid external leakage and improve safety.

[0059] Further, please refer to Figures 10 to 12 In some embodiments, the measuring battery pack 27 has a third liquid inlet 278, a third liquid outlet 279, a third liquid flow channel 276 connecting the third liquid inlet 278 and the third liquid outlet 279, a fourth liquid inlet 280, a fourth liquid outlet 281, and a fourth liquid flow channel 277 connecting the fourth liquid inlet 280 and the fourth liquid outlet 281.

[0060] Each third liquid inlet 278 is connected to at least one first diverter pipe 142, and each third liquid outlet 279 is connected to at least one second diverter pipe 144, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the third liquid channel 276, and through the third liquid channel 276 to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the measuring battery pack 27 from the second main channel.

[0061] Each measuring battery pack 27 is connected to the third manifold via the fourth inlet 280 and to the fourth manifold via the fourth outlet 281, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the fourth liquid channel 277 and through the fourth liquid channel 277 to the fourth manifold, so as to flow out of the measuring battery pack 27 from the fourth manifold.

[0062] In this embodiment, the electrolyte pipeline of the battery pack 27 is the same as that of the battery pack 21 in the battery unit 20. That is, the electrolyte level and supply pressure in the battery pack 27 are synchronized with those in the battery pack 21 in the battery unit 20. Therefore, the health status detection of the battery unit 20 is more accurate and has better real-time performance, meeting the requirements for rapid response.

[0063] Specifically, in some examples, the measuring battery pack 27 includes a detection module and a battery module. The detection module is used to acquire and output electrical signals, and the battery module includes a third electrode plate 271, a second separator 275, and a fourth electrode plate 272. The second separator 275 is disposed between the third electrode plate 271 and the fourth electrode plate 272.

[0064] The third liquid inlet 278, the third liquid outlet 279 and the third liquid flow channel 276 are formed on the third electrode plate 271, and the fourth liquid inlet 280, the fourth liquid outlet 281 and the fourth liquid flow channel 277 are formed on the fourth electrode plate 272.

[0065] The battery module also includes a third electrode 273 and a fourth electrode 274. The third electrode 273 is disposed on the third electrode plate 271 and is at least partially located in the third liquid flow channel 276 so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the third electrode 273 when it flows through the third liquid flow channel 276.

[0066] A fourth electrode 274 is disposed on a fourth electrode plate 272 and is at least partially located within a fourth liquid flow channel 277, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the fourth electrode 274 as it flows through the fourth liquid flow channel 277. In some examples, the measuring battery pack 27 further includes a third current collector 28 and a fourth current collector 29. The third current collector 28 is disposed on the side of the third electrode plate 271 away from the fourth electrode plate 272 and is connected to the third electrode 273. The fourth current collector 29 is disposed on the side of the fourth electrode plate 272 away from the third electrode plate 271 and is connected to the fourth electrode 274.

[0067] It is understandable that the third electrode 273 and the fourth electrode 274 can be positive or negative electrodes, and the polarities of the third electrode 273 and the fourth electrode 274 are different.

[0068] It is understood that in this embodiment, the measuring battery pack 27 has the same circuit structure, components, or circuit parameters as the battery pack 21 in the battery cell 20 in the previous embodiment. Therefore, the battery specifications and electrolyte pipeline specifications of the measuring battery pack 27 are the same as those of the battery pack 21 in the battery cell 20, which enables more accurate detection of battery parameters such as battery voltage.

[0069] For example, to facilitate understanding, one of the battery packs 21 in the battery cell 20 can be used as the measuring battery pack 27. Since the measuring battery pack 27 is integrated with the battery cell 20, it can provide real-time feedback on the battery parameters of the battery cell 20. Taking the voltage parameter in the measuring battery cell 20 as an example, since the battery specifications and electrolyte piping specifications of the measuring battery pack 27 are the same as those of the battery pack 21 in the battery cell 20, the voltage X of the measuring battery pack 27 can be detected, and the voltage of the battery cell 20 can be calculated as X*N based on the number N of battery packs 21 contained in the battery cell 20. When there are multiple battery cells 20 in the flow stack 13, the voltage of each battery cell 20 can also be calculated by analogy using the above method.

[0070] It is understood that the flow battery stack 13 provided in this application optimizes the electrolyte pipeline layout within the stack through a multi-channel design to improve electrolyte distribution and reduce voltage drop, thereby increasing the efficiency of the flow battery. Simultaneously, by integrating the measurement battery pack 27 into the stack, the monitoring accuracy and real-time performance of the battery pack 21 are improved. The flow battery system 100 containing the aforementioned flow battery stack 13 provided in this application also has related beneficial effects, which will not be discussed further here. Let me elaborate further.

[0071] The flow battery system 100 is applicable to existing flow battery systems 100, such as vanadium redox flow batteries, zinc-bromine flow batteries, iron-chromium flow batteries, zinc-iron flow batteries, sodium polysulfide-bromine flow batteries, and zinc-nickel flow batteries. Furthermore, it can also be applied to fields requiring efficient energy storage and precise monitoring, such as renewable energy storage, electric vehicles, and stationary power systems.

[0072] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0073] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations. It should be noted that, herein, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system 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 system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes that element.

[0074] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid flow fuel cell stack, characterized in that, include: A first manifold component for circulating a first electrolyte includes a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold includes a first main pipe and at least two first branch pipes connected to the first main pipe. The first main pipe forms a first main channel, and each first branch pipe forms at least one first branch channel, and the first branch channel communicates with the first main channel. The second manifold includes a second main pipe and at least two second branch pipes connected to the second main pipe. The second main pipe forms a second main channel, and each second branch pipe forms at least one second branch channel, and the second branch channel communicates with the second main channel. The second manifold component is used for the flow of the second electrolyte, and the second manifold component includes a third manifold and a fourth manifold; A battery unit, the battery unit comprising at least two battery packs, each battery pack having a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a first liquid flow channel connecting the first liquid inlet and the first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet, a second liquid outlet, and a second liquid flow channel connecting the second liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet; Each of the first liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the first diverter pipes, and each of the first liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the second diverter pipes, so that the first electrolyte can flow through the first main channel to the first liquid channel, and through the first liquid channel to the second diverter channel and through the second diverter channel to the second main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack from the second main channel; Each of the battery packs is connected to the third manifold via the second inlet and to the fourth manifold via the second outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the second liquid channel and through the second liquid channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the current battery pack from the fourth manifold.

2. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third manifold includes a third main pipe and at least two third branch pipes connected to the third main pipe. The third main pipe forms a third main channel, and each of the third branch pipes forms at least one third branch channel, and the third branch channel communicates with the third main channel. The fourth manifold includes a fourth main pipe and at least two fourth branch pipes connected to the fourth main pipe. The fourth main pipe forms a fourth main channel, and each of the fourth branch pipes forms at least one fourth branch channel, and the fourth branch channel communicates with the fourth main channel. Each of the second liquid inlets is connected to at least one of the third diversion pipes, and each of the second liquid outlets is connected to at least one of the fourth diversion pipes, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third main channel to the second liquid channel, and through the second liquid channel to the fourth diversion channel and through the fourth diversion channel to the fourth main channel, so as to flow out of the current battery pack from the fourth main channel.

3. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a first electrode plate, a first separator, and a second electrode plate, wherein the first separator is disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; The first liquid inlet, the first liquid outlet, and the first liquid flow channel are formed on the first electrode plate; the second liquid inlet, the second liquid outlet, and the second liquid flow channel are formed on the second electrode plate; The battery pack further includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on the first electrode plate and is at least partially located in the first liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the first electrode when it flows through the first liquid flow channel. The second electrode is disposed on the second electrode plate and is at least partially located within the second liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the second electrode when flowing through the second liquid flow channel.

4. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery cell further includes a first current collector and a second current collector, wherein the first current collector is disposed on the side of the first electrode plate away from the second electrode plate and is connected to the first electrode; The second current collector is disposed on the side of the second electrode plate away from the first electrode plate and is connected to the second electrode.

5. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow stack also includes a measurement battery pack connected to the battery cell for measuring the battery parameters of the battery cell, wherein the battery parameters include at least one of voltage and current.

6. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The measuring battery pack has a third liquid inlet, a third liquid outlet, a third liquid flow channel connecting the third liquid inlet and the third liquid outlet, a fourth liquid inlet, a fourth liquid outlet, and a fourth liquid flow channel connecting the fourth liquid inlet and the fourth liquid outlet. Each of the third inlets is connected to at least one of the first branch pipes, and each of the third outlets is connected to at least one of the second branch pipes, so that the first electrolyte can be supplied through the first branch pipe. The main flow channel flows to the third liquid flow channel, and through the third liquid flow channel flows to the second branch channel and through the second branch channel flows to the second main flow channel, so as to exit the measuring battery pack from the second main flow channel; Each of the measuring battery packs is connected to the third manifold via the fourth inlet and to the fourth manifold via the fourth outlet, so that the second electrolyte can flow through the third manifold to the fourth liquid channel and through the fourth liquid channel to the fourth manifold, and then flow out of the measuring battery pack from the fourth manifold.

7. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The measuring battery pack includes a detection module and a battery module. The detection module is used to collect and output electrical signals. The battery module includes a third electrode plate, a second diaphragm, and a fourth electrode plate. The second diaphragm is disposed between the third electrode plate and the fourth electrode plate. The third liquid inlet, the third liquid outlet, and the third liquid flow channel are formed on the third electrode plate; the fourth liquid inlet, the fourth liquid outlet, and the fourth liquid flow channel are formed on the fourth electrode plate; The battery module further includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The third electrode is disposed on the third electrode plate and is at least partially located in the third liquid flow channel, so that the first electrolyte comes into contact with the third electrode when it flows through the third liquid flow channel. The fourth electrode is disposed on the fourth electrode plate and is at least partially located within the fourth liquid flow channel, so that the second electrolyte comes into contact with the fourth electrode when flowing through the fourth liquid flow channel.

8. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes at least two battery cells, and the first manifold component and the second manifold component corresponding to each of the two adjacent battery cells can be detachably connected.

9. The liquid flow fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid flow stack also includes a first end plate and a second end plate, and the battery cell is sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate.

10. A flow battery system, characterized in that, Includes a first liquid storage tank, a second liquid storage tank, a power unit, and a liquid flow fuel cell as described in any one of claims 1-9; The first liquid storage tank is connected to the liquid flow battery stack and is used to provide the first electrolyte to the liquid flow battery stack; The second liquid storage tank is connected to the liquid flow battery stack and is used to provide the liquid flow battery stack with a second electrolyte; The power unit provides power for the liquid flow between the first liquid storage tank, the second liquid storage tank, and the liquid flow stack.

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