Liquid distribution pipe structure inside energy storage tank

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of liquid distribution pipe structures inside energy storage tank, including chassis, vertical frame, first pipe group and second pipe group. Chassis is located at the bottom of energy storage tank, contour is consistent with tank bottom shape and is provided with multiple bottom liquid distribution holes;Vertical frame lower end is communicated with chassis, including multiple vertical pipes and top cross pipe;First pipe group and second pipe group are all connected on vertical frame, wherein first pipe group is connected through auxiliary pipe and is not communicated with vertical frame, multiple middle liquid distribution holes are provided on auxiliary pipe, and second pipe group is communicated with vertical frame. One of the two is configured as return liquid pipe group, and the other is liquid discharge pipe group, which can form two working modes: when first pipe group returns liquid, electrolyte is distributed from the middle and discharged from the bottom;When second pipe group returns liquid, electrolyte is distributed from the bottom and discharged from the middle. The structure builds a three-dimensional circulation network covering the middle and bottom of the tank, significantly improves the uniformity of liquid distribution, effectively avoids electrolyte concentration gradient and temperature stratification, and provides reliable protection for improving the electrochemical performance and cycle life of the battery system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a liquid distribution pipe structure, specifically a liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] In energy storage systems such as flow batteries, the energy storage tank typically contains a liquid distribution pipe structure to facilitate electrolyte circulation and agitation between the tank and the external fuel cell stack. Common liquid distribution pipe structures include a return pipe assembly and a drain pipe assembly. The return pipe assembly generally consists of horizontal and vertical pipes. The horizontal pipe extends from the top of the energy storage tank and connects to the fuel cell stack, while the vertical pipe is fixed to the inner circumferential wall of the tank and has multiple liquid distribution holes. The drain pipe assembly is usually located at the bottom of the energy storage tank, with one end extending from the bottom and connecting to the fuel cell stack, and the other end located inside the tank and also having multiple liquid distribution holes. Through the cooperation of the return and drain pipe assemblies, the electrolyte can circulate between the energy storage tank and the fuel cell stack. However, this traditional electrolyte distribution pipe structure has significant drawbacks. For example, regarding the uniformity of electrolyte distribution, because the vertical pipes of the return pipe assembly are fixed to the inner wall, their distribution holes can only cover a limited annular area near the tank wall, failing to effectively reach the middle or bottom space of the energy storage tank, resulting in uneven distribution of the returned electrolyte. Simultaneously, the drain pipe assembly, concentrated in one corner of the tank bottom for suction, also struggles to achieve uniform discharge of electrolyte from the entire middle or bottom of the tank. This unevenness in electrolyte distribution and drainage easily leads to concentration gradients and temperature stratification within the tank, thereby affecting the reaction efficiency and operational life of the fuel cell stack. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide an internal liquid distribution pipe structure for an energy storage tank that can make the overall liquid distribution and drainage within the energy storage tank uniform.

[0004] The technical problem of this utility model is solved by the following technical solution: An internal liquid distribution pipe structure for an energy storage tank includes a base frame disposed at the bottom of the energy storage tank and conforming to the inner contour shape of the tank; the base frame has multiple bottom liquid distribution holes; a vertical frame, the lower end of which is connected to the base frame; and a first pipe group and a second pipe group, both connected to the vertical frame, but the first pipe group is not connected to the vertical frame. The first pipe group has multiple center liquid distribution holes located in the middle of the energy storage tank, and the second pipe group is connected to the vertical frame. One of the first and second pipe groups is configured as a return liquid pipe group, and the other... One configuration is a drain pipe assembly, such that: when the first pipe assembly is a return pipe assembly and the second pipe assembly is a drain pipe assembly, the electrolyte enters from the first pipe assembly and is output through the plurality of middle distribution holes, and is distributed in the middle of the energy storage tank, while the electrolyte in the energy storage tank is discharged through the plurality of bottom distribution holes, the vertical frame and the second pipe assembly; when the first pipe assembly is a drain pipe assembly and the second pipe assembly is a return pipe assembly, the electrolyte enters from the second pipe assembly and is output through the plurality of bottom distribution holes on the vertical frame and the bottom frame, and is distributed at the bottom of the energy storage tank, while the electrolyte in the energy storage tank is discharged through the plurality of middle distribution holes and the first pipe assembly.

[0005] The vertical frame includes multiple vertical tubes and a top horizontal tube. The lower ends of the multiple vertical tubes are all connected to the base frame, and the upper ends are all connected to the top horizontal tube.

[0006] The base frame includes a rectangular outer frame and a cross tube disposed within the outer frame, the cross tube being connected to the outer frame.

[0007] The outer frame is composed of four bottom horizontal tubes and corner joints connecting adjacent bottom horizontal tubes; the cross tube includes a middle joint and four middle horizontal tubes connected to the middle joint in a cross shape, and the end of each middle horizontal tube is connected to the bottom horizontal tube of the outer frame through a bottom joint.

[0008] The lower end of the vertical pipe is connected to the middle connector, the bottom connector, or the middle horizontal pipe.

[0009] The vertical pipe and the middle horizontal pipe are connected by a first auxiliary joint.

[0010] The upper end of each of the vertical pipes is connected to the top horizontal pipe via a top connector.

[0011] The first pipe assembly includes a vertically arranged L-shaped vertical bend pipe. The upper end of the L-shaped vertical bend pipe is provided with a first port. The lower end of the L-shaped vertical bend pipe is connected to an auxiliary pipe through a second auxiliary connector. The auxiliary pipe is connected to the vertical pipe through a third auxiliary connector, and the auxiliary pipe is not connected to the vertical pipe. The plurality of liquid distribution holes are opened on the auxiliary pipe.

[0012] The second pipe assembly includes a horizontally arranged L-shaped bend pipe, one end of which is provided with a second port, and the other end of which is connected to the top connector.

[0013] The corner connector, the bottom connector, and the top connector are all provided with reserved interfaces.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this utility model constructs a three-dimensional liquid distribution and drainage system by introducing a base frame, a vertical frame, and interchangeable first and second pipe assemblies. Specifically: the base frame can be installed at the bottom of the energy storage tank and matches the inner contour shape of the energy storage tank. The base frame has multiple bottom liquid distribution holes. The lower end of the vertical frame is connected to the base frame. The first pipe group and the second pipe group are both connected to the vertical frame, but the first pipe group is not connected to the vertical frame. The first pipe group has multiple middle liquid distribution holes located in the middle of the energy storage tank. The second pipe group is connected to the vertical frame. When the first pipe group is a return pipe group and the second pipe group is a drain pipe group, the electrolyte enters from the first pipe group and is output through the multiple middle liquid distribution holes and distributed in the middle of the energy storage tank. The electrolyte in the energy storage tank is discharged through the multiple bottom liquid distribution holes, the vertical frame, and the second pipe group. When the first pipe group is a drain pipe group and the second pipe group is a return pipe group, the electrolyte enters from the second pipe group and is output through the multiple bottom liquid distribution holes on the vertical frame and the base frame and distributed at the bottom of the energy storage tank. The electrolyte in the energy storage tank is discharged through the multiple middle liquid distribution holes and the first pipe group. This structure enables the electrolyte distribution and drainage to effectively cover the middle and bottom areas of the tank, significantly improving overall uniformity and preventing concentration gradients and stratification, thus providing a solid foundation for the overall performance and lifespan of the battery system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view A-A.

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The left view.

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional image.

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first path for liquid distribution and drainage.

[0020] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second path for liquid distribution and drainage. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] like Figures 1-6As shown, 1. Base frame, 10. Bottom liquid distribution hole, 11. Bottom horizontal pipe, 12. Angle connector, 13. Bottom connector, 14. Middle connector, 15. Middle horizontal pipe, 2. Vertical frame, 21. Vertical pipe, 22. Top horizontal pipe, 23. Top connector, 3. First pipe assembly, 31. L-shaped vertical bend, 32. Auxiliary pipe, 321. Middle liquid distribution hole, 33. Second auxiliary connector, 34. Third auxiliary connector, 4. Second pipe assembly, 41. L-shaped horizontal bend, 5. First auxiliary connector, 6. Reserved interface. The same labels in each figure represent the same components.

[0023] A liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the design aims to achieve uniform distribution and drainage of electrolyte inside the energy storage tank. Its core components include a base frame 1, a vertical frame 2, a first pipe assembly 3, and a second pipe assembly 4.

[0024] The base frame 1 is disposed at the bottom of the energy storage tank and conforms to the inner contour shape of the energy storage tank. In this embodiment, the base frame 1 is preferably a rectangular frame structure, consisting of a rectangular outer frame and a cross tube disposed within the outer frame.

[0025] The outer frame is composed of four bottom horizontal tubes 11 and corner joints 12 connecting adjacent bottom horizontal tubes. The cross tube is connected to the outer frame. Specifically, the cross tube includes a central joint 14 and four central horizontal tubes 15 connected to the central joint in a cross shape. The end of each central horizontal tube is connected to the bottom horizontal tube 11 of the outer frame through a bottom joint 13, so that the cross tube and the outer frame form a connected whole.

[0026] The base frame 1 has multiple bottom liquid distribution holes 10 for the outflow or inflow of electrolyte. These bottom liquid distribution holes 10 are usually arranged on the bottom horizontal pipe 11, the middle horizontal pipe 15, the corner connector 12, the middle connector 14 and the bottom connector 13.

[0027] The vertical frame 2 is connected to the base frame 1 and is used to support and connect the upper and lower pipe assemblies. It includes multiple vertical pipes 21 (three in the illustrated embodiment) and one top horizontal pipe 22. The lower end of each vertical pipe 21 is connected to the base frame 1, and the specific connection point can be a middle connector 14, a bottom connector 13, or a middle horizontal pipe 15. To achieve the connection between the vertical pipe 21 and the middle horizontal pipe 15, a first auxiliary connector 5 can be used. The upper end of each vertical pipe 21 is connected to the top horizontal pipe 22 through a top connector 23, thereby forming a complete vertical support and flow channel frame.

[0028] The first tube group 3 and the second tube group 4 are the core components for realizing the functions of liquid distribution and liquid drainage. Both are connected to the vertical frame 2, but the flow channel designs are different.

[0029] The first pipe assembly 3 includes a vertically arranged L-shaped bend pipe 31. The upper end of the L-shaped bend pipe has a first port for extending out of the energy storage tank and communicating with the fuel cell stack. The lower end of the L-shaped bend pipe is connected to an auxiliary pipe 32 via a second auxiliary connector 33. The auxiliary pipe is connected to the vertical pipe 21 via a third auxiliary connector 34 to form a fixed connection. The key point is that the auxiliary pipe 32 is not internally connected to the vertical pipe 21, and multiple central liquid distribution holes 321 are opened on the auxiliary pipe 32.

[0030] The second tube assembly 4 includes a horizontally arranged L-shaped bend 41. One end of the L-shaped bend is provided with a second port for extending out of the energy storage tank and communicating with the fuel cell stack. The other end of the L-shaped bend is connected to one of the top joints 23 of the vertical frame 2, thereby connecting with the internal flow channels of the vertical frame 2 and the base frame 1.

[0031] One of the first pipe group 3 and the second pipe group 4 can be configured as a return pipe group and the other as a drain pipe group to achieve functional interchangeability, which allows for two working modes for liquid distribution and drainage: The first path working mode is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, when the first pipe group 3 is the return pipe group and the second pipe group 4 is the discharge pipe group, the electrolyte enters from the first pipe group 3 and is discharged through the middle distribution hole 321 on its auxiliary pipe 32, mainly distributed in the middle area of ​​the energy storage tank; at the same time, the electrolyte in the energy storage tank is sucked in through the bottom distribution hole 10 on the base frame 1, flows through the vertical frame 2, and is finally discharged by the second pipe group 4, so as to realize the circulation of electrolyte between the energy storage tank and the stack.

[0032] The second path working mode is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, when the first pipe group 3 is the drain pipe group and the second pipe group 4 is the return pipe group, the electrolyte enters from the second pipe group 4, passes through the vertical frame 2 directly to the base frame 1, and finally exits through the bottom liquid distribution hole 10, mainly distributed in the bottom area of ​​the energy storage tank; at this time, the electrolyte in the energy storage tank is drawn in and discharged through the middle liquid distribution hole 321 on the auxiliary pipe 32 of the first pipe group 3, so as to realize the circulation of electrolyte between the energy storage tank and the stack.

[0033] The aforementioned three-dimensional electrolyte distribution and drainage system effectively covers the central and bottom areas of the energy storage tank, which are difficult to reach with traditional structures, significantly improving the overall uniformity of electrolyte distribution and drainage. This helps to fundamentally prevent concentration gradients and temperature stratification of the electrolyte, thus providing a reliable guarantee for improving the electrochemical performance and cycle life of the battery system.

[0034] To further enhance the adaptability of the structure, reserved interfaces 6 can be provided on the corner joint 12, bottom joint 13, and top joint 23. This design allows for the creation of connecting holes on the reserved interfaces 6 to connect additional liquid distribution pipes or achieve functional expansion, according to the specific needs of the customer.

[0035] This invention constructs a three-dimensional electrolyte distribution and drainage system by introducing a base frame, a vertical frame, and interchangeable first and second pipe assemblies. This design achieves integrated electrolyte distribution pipe structure, facilitating quick installation and disassembly, and extends the electrolyte distribution area from the traditional sidewall to the middle or bottom of the tank. This significantly improves the uniformity of overall electrolyte distribution and drainage within the energy storage tank, helping to prevent concentration gradients or stratification of the electrolyte, thereby providing reliable support for ensuring the electrochemical performance and cycle life of the battery.

[0036] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model in detail, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any equivalent substitutions, modifications, or refinements made by those skilled in the art under the core technical concept of this utility model should be considered as included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank, characterized in that, include: The base frame (1) is located at the bottom of the energy storage tank and matches the inner contour shape of the energy storage tank. The base frame (1) is provided with multiple bottom liquid distribution holes (10). A vertical frame (2), the lower end of which is connected to the base frame (1); and, The first pipe group (3) and the second pipe group (4) are both connected to the vertical frame (2), and the first pipe group (3) is not connected to the vertical frame (2). The first pipe group (3) has multiple liquid distribution holes (321) located in the middle of the energy storage tank. The second pipe group (4) is connected to the vertical frame (2). Wherein, one of the first pipe group (3) and the second pipe group (4) is configured as a return pipe group, and the other is configured as a drain pipe group, such that: When the first pipe group (3) is the return pipe group and the second pipe group (4) is the drain pipe group, the electrolyte enters from the first pipe group (3) and is output through the multiple middle liquid distribution holes (321) and distributed in the middle of the energy storage tank, while the electrolyte in the energy storage tank is discharged through the multiple bottom liquid distribution holes (10), the vertical frame (2) and the second pipe group (4). When the first pipe group (3) is the drain pipe group and the second pipe group (4) is the return pipe group, the electrolyte enters from the second pipe group (4) and is output through multiple bottom liquid distribution holes (10) on the vertical frame (2) and the base frame (1) and is distributed at the bottom of the energy storage tank, while the electrolyte in the energy storage tank is discharged through multiple middle liquid distribution holes (321) and the first pipe group (3).

2. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical frame (2) includes multiple vertical tubes (21) and a top horizontal tube (22). The lower ends of the multiple vertical tubes (21) are all connected to the base frame (1), and the upper ends are all connected to the top horizontal tube (22).

3. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base frame (1) includes a rectangular outer frame and a cross tube disposed within the outer frame, the cross tube being connected to the outer frame.

4. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer frame is composed of four bottom horizontal tubes (11) and corner joints (12) connecting adjacent bottom horizontal tubes; The cross tube includes a central connector (14) and four cross-shaped horizontal tubes (15) connected to the central connector. The end of each horizontal tube (15) is connected to the bottom horizontal tube (11) of the outer frame through a bottom connector (13).

5. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower end of the vertical tube (21) is connected to the middle connector (14), the bottom connector (13), or the middle horizontal tube (15).

6. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vertical pipe (21) and the middle horizontal pipe (15) are connected by a first auxiliary connector (5).

7. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper end of each of the vertical tubes (21) is connected to the top horizontal tube (22) via a top connector (23).

8. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first tube assembly (3) includes a vertically arranged L-shaped vertical bend (31), the upper end of which is provided with a first port, and the lower end of which is connected to an auxiliary tube (32) through a second auxiliary connector (33). The auxiliary tube is connected to the vertical tube (21) through a third auxiliary connector (34), and the auxiliary tube (32) is not connected to the vertical tube (21). The plurality of liquid distribution holes (321) are opened on the auxiliary tube (32).

9. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second pipe assembly (4) includes a horizontally arranged L-shaped bend pipe (41), one end of which is provided with a second port, and the other end of which is connected to the top connector (23).

10. The liquid distribution pipe structure inside an energy storage tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, The corner connector (12), the bottom connector (13) and the top connector (23) are all provided with reserved interfaces (6).

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