A high insulation resistance stack structure suitable for various liquid flow systems

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for resistance electric pile structure technical field provides a kind of high insulation resistance electric pile structure suitable for multiple liquid flow system, including two same battery module and symmetry combination together, each battery module is by positive pole liquid inlet pipeline, positive pole liquid outlet pipeline, negative pole liquid inlet pipeline, negative pole liquid outlet pipeline, metal end plate, insulating plate, copper plate, water nozzle multi-in-one assembly, one or more middle multi-in-one assembly, zoning multi-in-one assembly are formed, water nozzle assembly, middle assembly and zoning assembly are all by multiple single battery and are sealed combination together by laser welding or hot melt film process, form the entire electric pile by locking two battery modules, corrosion-resistant CPVC material is used to core flow channel and pipeline, and key sealing uses rubber ring, so that the electric pile structure can be widely used in vanadium, iron-chromium, iron, etc. Many active substances and the liquid flow battery system of acidity and alkalinity provides the universal electric pile platform for different technical road liquid flow battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of resistive stack structure, and in particular relates to a high-insulation resistive stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems. Background Technology

[0002] Flow batteries are an electrochemical energy storage technology suitable for high safety and long-term energy storage. They consist of a stack, electrolyte, electrolyte storage and supply unit, and management and control unit. The stack is the site of electrochemical reactions in the flow battery. Currently, in order to reduce the footprint, cost, and system assembly time of flow batteries, flow energy storage manufacturers are increasing the power and size of the stack, while continuously developing different electrolyte technologies.

[0003] However, different electrolytes have different chemical properties, which affects the requirements for fuel cell stack materials. Furthermore, the higher the power of the fuel cell stack, the higher the risk of leakage and short circuits, and the higher the requirements for the stack's insulation. Therefore, it is essential to design a high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure suitable for various fluid flow systems, enabling the stack to be compatible with more novel electrolytes while meeting insulation resistance requirements during high-power operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: a high insulation resistance battery stack structure applicable to various flow systems includes two identical battery modules 1 symmetrically combined together. Each battery module 1 consists of a positive electrode inlet pipe 2, a positive electrode outlet pipe 4, a negative electrode inlet pipe 5a, a negative electrode outlet pipe 5b, a metal end plate 6, an insulating plate 7, a copper plate 8, a multi-functional water nozzle assembly 9, one or more multi-functional intermediate components 10, and a multi-functional partition assembly 11. The water nozzle assembly, intermediate components, and partition assemblies are all formed by multiple single cells sealed together through laser welding or hot melt film technology, locking the two battery modules 1 together to form the entire battery stack. The insulation resistance of the flow battery stack is greater than 5MΩ.

[0006] Preferably, the positive electrode inlet pipe 2, the positive electrode outlet pipe 4, the negative electrode inlet pipe 5a, and the negative electrode outlet pipe 5b are made of CPVC material. Each inlet pipe has one inlet port that diverts to two or more outlet ports, and each outlet pipe has two or more inlet ports that converge to one outlet port. The pipes are fixed to the metal end plate 6 with screws, and one end of the pipe is sealed and connected to the electrolyte flow channel on the multi-functional water nozzle assembly 9 through a sealing ring.

[0007] Preferably, the metal end plate 6 is a 10-40mm thick carbon steel plate or aluminum plate, the surface of the metal plate is powder coated or anti-corrosion treated, and the metal plate is provided with threaded rod holes and pipe connection holes.

[0008] Preferably, the insulating plate 7 is a plastic plate with a thickness of 10-40mm, the insulation resistance of the plastic plate is greater than 5MΩ, the plastic plate has a groove for placing the copper plate 8, and the plastic plate is provided with a threaded rod hole and an electrolyte pipeline connection hole.

[0009] Preferably, the copper plate 8 is a 1-5mm thick copper plate, and the copper plate is provided with a connecting hole for electrolyte inlet and outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the multi-functional water tap assembly 9 is composed of one or more single cells, which are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive; the multi-functional water tap assembly 9 is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets; wherein the inlet and outlet ports on side A of the multi-functional water tap assembly 9 are connected to the pipeline, and the inlet and outlet ports on side B are connected to the inlet and outlet ports on side A of the multi-functional assembly 10, and four or more rubber rings are attached to the positive electrolyte inlet and outlet ports on side B.

[0011] Preferably, the number of the multi-functional component 10 is greater than or equal to 1, and it is composed of one or more single cells, which are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive; the multi-functional component 10 is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets; four or more rubber rings are attached to the negative electrolyte inlet and outlet on side A, and four or more rubber rings are attached to the positive electrolyte inlet and outlet on side B.

[0012] Preferably, the partitioned multi-functional component 11 is composed of one or more single cells, which are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive; the partitioned multi-functional component 11 is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets; wherein the inlet and outlet ports on side A of the partitioned multi-functional component 11 are connected to the inlet and outlet ports on side B of the multi-functional component 10, the inlet and outlet ports on side B are closed, and four or more rubber rings are attached to the negative electrolyte inlet and outlet ports on side A.

[0013] Compared with related technologies, the high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects: By using plastic insulation boards with an insulation resistance greater than 5MΩ and structurally isolating the metal clamping components from the internal circuitry, the overall insulation resistance of the fuel cell stack is increased to greater than 5MΩ. This significantly reduces the risk of leakage and short circuits during high-power operation, improving the system's safety and reliability.

[0014] The core flow channels and pipelines are made of corrosion-resistant CPVC material, and the key seals are made of rubber rings, which enables the stack structure to be widely used in flow battery systems with various active materials and pH levels, such as all-vanadium, iron-chromium, and all-iron, providing a universal stack platform for flow batteries with different technical paths.

[0015] Adopting the "all-in-one component" concept (water tap, center, and partition components), multiple single cells are pre-integrated into modules using laser welding or hot melt adhesive. This not only reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure, but also makes the assembly process as quick as "building blocks," significantly improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs and assembly complexity.

[0016] The symmetrical modular design reduces the number of parts, enabling standardization and reuse of components, and lowering manufacturing costs. Simple fastening methods and a reliable sealing structure reduce maintenance costs and lower the barrier to entry, while ensuring long-term operational reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flow battery stack of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positive electrode liquid inlet pipe structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the negative electrode liquid inlet pipe structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positive electrode outlet pipe structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the negative electrode outlet pipe structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the metal end plate structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the insulating plate structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the copper plate structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-functional water nozzle assembly for flow batteries of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-functional component structure of the flow battery of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-partitioned flow battery component structure of this utility model.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Battery module; 2. Positive electrode liquid inlet pipe; 3. Positive electrode liquid outlet pipe; 4. Negative electrode liquid inlet pipe; 5. Metal end plate; 6. Insulating plate; 7. Copper plate; 8. Water tap multi-function component; 9. Middle multi-function component; 10. Zone multi-function component; 11. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0020] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems provided by this utility model is, for example... Figures 1 to 8 As shown: Example 1

[0022] It includes two identical battery modules 1 symmetrically combined together. Each battery module 1 consists of a positive electrode liquid inlet pipe 2, a positive electrode liquid outlet pipe 3, a negative electrode liquid inlet pipe 4, a negative electrode liquid outlet pipe 5, a metal end plate 6, an insulating plate 7, a copper plate 8, a water nozzle multi-integrated component 9, one or more middle multi-integrated components 10, and a partition multi-integrated component 11. The water nozzle component, middle component, and partition component are all formed by multiple single cells sealed together through laser welding or hot melt film process, locking the two battery modules 1 to form the entire stack. The insulation resistance of the flow battery stack is greater than 5MΩ.

[0023] Positive electrode inlet pipe 2, positive electrode outlet pipe 3, negative electrode inlet pipe 4, and negative electrode outlet pipe 5 are made of CPVC material. Each inlet pipe has one inlet port that branches into two or more outlet ports, and each outlet pipe has two or more inlet ports that converge into one outlet port. The pipes are fixed to the metal end plate 6 with screws. One end of the pipe is sealed and connected to the electrolyte flow channel on the multi-functional water nozzle assembly 9 through a sealing ring.

[0024] The metal end plate 6 is made of 10-40mm thick carbon steel or aluminum plate, with powder coating or anti-corrosion treatment on the surface. It includes threaded rod holes and pipe connection holes. The insulating plate 7 is made of 10-40mm thick plastic plate with an insulation resistance greater than 5MΩ. It has grooves for placing the copper plate 8 and includes threaded rod holes and electrolyte pipe connection holes. The copper plate 8 is made of 1-5mm thick copper plate with electrolyte inlet and outlet connection holes.

[0025] The multi-functional water tap assembly 9 consists of one or more single cells connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive. The multi-functional water tap assembly 9 is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets. The inlet and outlet ports on side A of the multi-functional water tap assembly 9 are connected to the pipeline, and the inlet and outlet ports on side B are connected to the inlet and outlet ports on side A of the multi-functional assembly 10. The positive inlet and outlet ports on side B are covered with four or more rubber rings.

[0026] The number of multi-functional modules 10 is greater than or equal to 1, and they are composed of one or more single cells connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive. The multi-functional module 10 is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets. Four or more rubber rings are attached to the negative electrolyte inlet and outlet on side A, and four or more rubber rings are attached to the positive electrolyte inlet and outlet on side B.

[0027] The multi-functional module 11 is composed of one or more single cells, which are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive. The multi-functional module 11 is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets. The inlet and outlet ports on side A of the multi-functional module 11 are connected to the inlet and outlet ports on side B of the multi-functional module 10. The inlet and outlet ports on side B are closed. The negative electrolyte inlet and outlet ports on side A are covered with four or more rubber rings.

[0028] In this embodiment, the metal end plate is 20mm thick, the insulating plate is 10mm thick, and the copper plate is 2mm thick. It comprises two battery modules, each containing one multi-functional water nozzle assembly, one or more intermediate multi-functional components, and one partitioned multi-functional component. Each multi-functional water nozzle assembly, intermediate multi-functional component, and partitioned multi-functional component consists of three single cells. The multi-functional components are internally bonded using hot melt adhesive. The electrodes are graphite felt, and the ion-exchange membrane is a Nafion membrane. The battery stack is fed with an iron-chromium electrolyte and charged / discharged at 140mA / cm². The battery voltage efficiency is 83%, the energy efficiency is 81%, and the average capacity decay rate after 100 charge-discharge cycles is less than 3‰. Example 2

[0029] The metal end plate is 20mm thick, the insulating plate is 10mm thick, and the copper plate is 2mm thick. It contains two battery modules, each including one multi-functional water nozzle assembly, one or more medium multi-functional modules, and one partitioned multi-functional module. Each multi-functional water nozzle assembly, medium multi-functional module, and partitioned multi-functional module consists of three single cells. All multi-functional modules are internally bonded with hot melt adhesive. The electrodes are made of graphite felt, and the ion-exchange membrane is a Nafion membrane. The battery stack uses a full vanadium electrolyte and is charged and discharged at 180mA / cm². The battery voltage efficiency is 84%, the energy efficiency is 82%, and the average capacity decay rate after 100 charge-discharge cycles is less than 3‰. Example 3

[0030] The battery stack has a 20mm thick metal end plate, a 10mm thick insulating plate, and a 2mm thick copper plate. It comprises two battery modules, each containing one multi-functional water tap assembly, one or more medium multi-functional water tap assemblies, and one partitioned multi-functional water tap assembly. Each of these assemblies consists of three single cells. All multi-functional water tap assemblies are internally bonded with hot melt adhesive. The electrodes are made of graphite felt, and the ion-exchange membrane is a Nafion membrane. The stack uses an all-ferrous electrolyte and is charged and discharged at 140mA / cm². The battery voltage efficiency is 80%, the energy efficiency is 76%, and the average capacity decay rate after 100 charge-discharge cycles is less than 4‰. This flow battery stack adopts a symmetrical modular design. Its core working principle is to achieve efficient distribution and collection of electrolyte through a symmetrical stacked structure of dual battery modules and an all-in-one integrated component, while ensuring the high insulation and sealing of the entire stack.

[0031] During operation, the positive electrode electrolyte flows from the positive electrode inlet pipe ( Figure 2 The electrolyte enters through the inlet (101) of the finned electrode, and is diverted to two outlets (102, 103). It then passes through the corresponding channels of the metal end plate, insulating plate, and copper plate, ultimately entering the positive electrode inlet channels of the water tap, intermediate module, and partition module. The reacted positive electrode electrolyte is collected through the positive electrode outlet channels of each module and flows through the positive electrode outlet pipeline (…). Figure 4 The two inlets (302, 303) converge at the main outlet (301) for discharge. The path of the negative electrode electrolyte is symmetrical and independent of that of the positive electrode, flowing through the negative electrode inlet pipe ( Figure 3 The liquid enters through the inlet (201), and after being diverted, it completes circulation through its respective flow channels, finally exiting through the negative electrode outlet pipe ( Figure 5 Discharged from the outlet (401) of the liquid.

[0032] As the electrolyte flows through the single cell, which consists of the water inlet, middle component, and partition components, a redox reaction occurs on the electrode (graphite felt) surface, converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The generated current flows through a copper plate (…). Figure 8 The copper plate is installed in the groove of the insulating plate, which ensures both electrical connection and high insulation isolation from the metal end plate.

[0033] All interfaces between pipes and components, and between components, are sealed with rubber sealing rings to prevent electrolyte leakage. The insulating plate, a key insulating component, has a resistance greater than 5MΩ, effectively isolating the metal end plate from the internal circuitry of the fuel cell stack and ensuring high insulation resistance. The entire fuel cell stack is secured with screws, and two symmetrical modules are pressed together to form a compact and well-sealed whole.

[0034] The design of this fuel cell stack structure brings several significant technical advantages and economic benefits: By using plastic insulation boards with an insulation resistance greater than 5MΩ and structurally isolating the metal clamping components from the internal circuitry, the overall insulation resistance of the fuel cell stack is increased to greater than 5MΩ. This significantly reduces the risk of leakage and short circuits during high-power operation, improving the system's safety and reliability.

[0035] The core flow channels and pipelines are made of corrosion-resistant CPVC material, and the key seals are made of rubber rings, which enables the stack structure to be widely used in flow battery systems with various active materials and pH levels, such as all-vanadium, iron-chromium, and all-iron, providing a universal stack platform for flow batteries with different technical paths.

[0036] Adopting the "all-in-one component" concept (water tap, center, and partition components), multiple single cells are pre-integrated into modules using laser welding or hot melt adhesive. This not only reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure, but also makes the assembly process as quick as "building blocks," significantly improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs and assembly complexity.

[0037] As shown in the examples, this structure exhibits excellent performance with different electrolytes (iron-chromium, vanadium, and iron) at current densities of 140-180 mA / cm², with voltage efficiency reaching 80%-84% and energy efficiency reaching 76%-82%. Moreover, the capacity decay rate after 100 cycles is less than 0.4%, demonstrating its high efficiency and stability.

[0038] The symmetrical modular design reduces the number of parts, enabling standardization and reuse of components, and lowering manufacturing costs. Simple fastening methods and a reliable sealing structure reduce maintenance costs and lower the barrier to entry, while ensuring long-term operational reliability.

[0039] In summary, this fuel cell stack structure, through its innovative symmetrical module and all-in-one integrated design, successfully achieves a balance between high insulation, multi-system compatibility, high performance, easy assembly, and low cost, providing strong technical support for the large-scale commercial application of flow batteries.

[0040] It is worth noting that the circuits, electronic components, and modules involved in this utility model are all existing technologies, which can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art, and need not be elaborated upon. The content protected by this utility model does not involve any improvement to the software and methods.

[0041] It should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways, given the several embodiments provided in this application. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; the division of units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connections between devices or units may be telecommunications or other forms.

[0042] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on these embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still combine, add, delete, or otherwise adjust the features of the various embodiments of this utility model according to the circumstances without conflict or creative effort, thereby obtaining different technical solutions that do not fundamentally depart from the concept of this utility model. These technical solutions are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems, characterized in that, The battery stack includes two identical battery modules (1) symmetrically combined together. Each battery module (1) consists of a positive electrode inlet pipe (2), a positive electrode outlet pipe (3), a negative electrode inlet pipe (4), a negative electrode outlet pipe (5), a metal end plate (6), an insulating plate (7), a copper plate (8), a water tap multi-in-one assembly (9), one or more middle multi-in-one assemblies (10), and a partition multi-in-one assembly (11). The water tap assembly, middle assembly, and partition assembly are all formed by multiple single cells through laser welding or hot melt film process to form a sealed combination. The two battery modules (1) are locked together to form the entire battery stack. The insulation resistance of the battery stack is greater than 5MΩ.

2. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The positive electrode liquid inlet pipe (2), positive electrode liquid outlet pipe (3), negative electrode liquid inlet pipe (4), and negative electrode liquid outlet pipe (5) are made of CPVC material. Each type of liquid inlet pipe has one inlet port that diverts to two or more outlet ports. Each type of liquid outlet pipe has two or more inlets that converge to one outlet port. The pipes are fixed to the metal end plate (6) by screws. One end of the pipe is sealed and connected to the electrolyte flow channel on the sealing ring and the water nozzle multi-in-one assembly (9).

3. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The metal end plate (6) is a 10-40mm thick carbon steel plate or aluminum plate. The surface of the metal plate is powder coated or treated with anti-corrosion. The metal plate is provided with threaded rod holes and pipe connection holes.

4. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The insulating plate (7) is a plastic plate with a thickness of 10-40mm. The insulation resistance of the plastic plate is greater than 5MΩ. The plastic plate has a groove for placing the copper plate (8). The plastic plate is provided with a threaded rod hole and an electrolyte pipeline connection hole.

5. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The copper plate (8) is a 1-5mm thick copper plate, and a connecting hole for electrolyte inlet and outlet is provided on the copper plate.

6. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-functional water tap assembly (9) is composed of one or more single cells, which are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive. The multi-functional water tap assembly (9) is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets. The inlet and outlet of the multi-functional water tap assembly (9) on side A is connected to the pipeline, and the inlet and outlet of side B is connected to the inlet and outlet of side A of the multi-functional assembly (10). The positive inlet and outlet of side B is covered with four or more rubber rings.

7. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the multi-functional component (10) is greater than or equal to 1, and it is composed of one or more single cells. The single cells are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive. The multi-functional component (10) is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets. The negative electrolyte inlet and outlet on side A are bonded with four or more rubber rings, and the positive electrolyte inlet and outlet on side B are bonded with four or more rubber rings.

8. The high insulation resistance fuel cell stack structure applicable to various fluid flow systems as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The partitioned multi-function component (11) is composed of one or more single cells, which are connected together by laser welding or hot melt adhesive. The partitioned multi-function component (11) is provided with two or more positive electrolyte inlets, two or more negative electrolyte inlets, two or more positive electrolyte outlets, and two or more negative electrolyte outlets. The inlet and outlet of the partitioned multi-function component (11) on side A and the inlet and outlet of the multi-function component (10) on side B are connected. The inlet and outlet of side B are closed. The negative electrolyte inlet and outlet of side A are covered with four or more rubber rings.

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